DUNNELLON, Fla. (WCJB) – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) acquired 21,600 acres within the Waccasassa Watershed Florida Forever Project in Levy County to expand the Goethe State Forest.
The property, located in central Levy County, contains two tributaries of the Waccasassa River, Magee Branch and Otter Creek.
Rayonier Inc., which began restoration efforts in 2021, sold the property to the DEP.
In addition to protecting wildlife and water resources, the acquisition provides new opportunities for public recreation, including hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
“This acquisition is a major step in protecting Florida’s natural landscapes at scale,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert.“By connecting this 21,600-acre property to Goethe State Forest and neighboring conservation lands, we are filling critical gaps in the Florida Wildlife Corridor and creating continuous habitat for wildlife to thrive.”
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