Environmentalists Express Concerns Over Potential Sale of Florida's Conservation Lands
Some environmentalists are concerned that the state's long-term trajectory may jeopardize the significant advances it has achieved in safeguarding its lands and wildlife.
TroibNews 
TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Concerns are being raised by some environmentalists regarding the sustainability of Florida’s longstanding commitment to conservation, even with recent financial boosts amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.
The state's natural habitats and wildlife are viewed as essential elements of Florida's identity and economic well-being. Yet, increasing unease prevails about the state's future direction. This includes discussions among certain state officials about selling or trading conservation land, compounded by a recently unsuccessful initiative from Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration to construct golf courses and accommodation facilities within state parks.
Furthermore, the state's recent emphasis on compensating farmers to refrain from developing land within the Florida Wildlife Corridor—a designated network spanning over 18 million acres—has created divisions among environmentalists. Some applaud this initiative, while others contend that it detracts from acquiring additional land for parks, wildlife, and public use.
“I think we've had great bipartisan support for our public lands," Sarah Gledhill, president of the Florida Wildlife Federation, told PMG. "And we want to see those elected officials continue on that path and remain committed to the lands that all Floridians and visitors can enjoy."
Since 1990, Florida has allocated billions of dollars, preserving over 2.6 million acres for conservation purposes.
The state remains highly engaged in land acquisition efforts, having committed $2.3 billion for this purpose since 2018, including $1.5 billion specifically for the wildlife corridor, as noted by state Rep. Lawrence McClure, a Republican from Dover and chair of the budget committee.
However, despite such investment, warnings from some environmentalists suggest that the long-term commitment to conservation may be wavering.
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a possible candidate in the 2026 gubernatorial race, has expressed support for selling a portion of conservation land within the corridor. In 2023, he pitched the idea as a means of financing further land purchases for conservation efforts. Earlier this year, the chair of the state House agriculture committee introduced a bill aimed at facilitating such sales, although it ultimately failed. Critics argue that such proposals could lead to a gradual erosion of essential natural spaces.
In August, DeSantis' administration also sparked significant controversy by suggesting the construction of golf courses, lodges, and pickleball courts within state parks. Following widespread backlash, even from fellow Republicans, the governor indicated he was unaware of the proposal's full details and subsequently retracted it, stating that no decisions would be made in the current year. The governor's office did not provide a response to requests for comment regarding this matter.
Amidst this controversy, the Tampa Bay Times reported that in June, the Cabinet had granted preliminary approval to exchange 324 acres of Withlacoochee State Forest for 861 acres of pine plantation to a Hernando County golf course company. Earlier in the year, state wildlife officials also sanctioned a Central Florida expressway through a 1,600-acre state wildlife management area, despite environmentalist opposition.
Under Simpson’s leadership, the state has increasingly focused on conservation easements as a primary strategy. These easements compensate landowners for not developing their properties. Proponents argue that this approach enables conservation without the state bearing the costs of land maintenance, allowing landowners to fulfill property taxes. However, some conservationists argue that prioritizing farmland protection distracts from the broader goals of conservation.
"It's not conservation land that will be restored," The Sierra Club’s Cris Costello remarked regarding the easements. "It's working lands that have fertilizer put on it, or manure or row crops — it’s fertilizer and pesticides. It's not conservation land."
Critics also warn that the state’s emphasis on agricultural land protection—particularly in the Florida Wildlife Corridor—comes at the expense of Florida Forever, another initiative designed to evaluate and prioritize land for conservation purchase.
This year, $100 million has been allocated through Simpson’s department to incentivize farmers not to develop land they currently own. Strong political backing exists for this initiative, with McClure urging lawmakers to reconsider the goals of the state's land conservation programs.
"Is the mission to own a bunch of land? Or is the mission to protect the land?" he posed during a legislative meeting. "I don't mind sharing that I think the mission is to protect as much of Florida's rural lands for a variety of purposes."
"I would submit to you that there are lands in Florida Forever that were bought [by the state that] really should be in ag production," he added.
Ryan Smart, executive director of the Florida Springs Council, expressed concern that easements are supplanting the Florida Forever program, which he described as a transparent, science-driven method for land acquisition.
He asserted that agricultural conservation easements might entrench farming methods that contribute to groundwater pollution, thus undermining Florida’s conservation goals.
Nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural fertilizers and livestock waste are negatively impacting the state’s springs, which play a crucial role in numerous state parks. Smart emphasized the need for strategies similar to those in western states that aim to mitigate agricultural intensity to safeguard water and the environment.
"We need to figure out what is next," Smart stated. "How are we going to de-intensify agriculture? I don't think it is going to be purely through regulation. It's going to have to be through some sort of economic land conservation program."
Although Simpson has not responded to multiple interview requests, he mentioned in 2023 that the state ought to consider selling its currently held land—with restrictions for agricultural use—to acquire additional conservation land.
"Tougher times will come," Simpson remarked at a Florida Wildlife Corridor conference last year. "When those dollars start drying up, we will have to be creative about how we sustain that momentum. I believe you sustain it by surplusing those lands that can be surplused and be left in agriculture. And allowing farmers, the first environmentalists, to take care of that land."
Support for conservation easements exists among other environmental organizations.
Joshua Daskin, a research biologist and director of conservation at Archbold Biological Station, referred to easements as "one of the biggest tools in the toolbox," complementing land acquisition initiatives. He voiced pride in the extensive acres protected by the state.
"Large parts of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are working lands," Daskin noted. "So of the portion that remains to be conserved, 88 percent is working timber or working ranches. The people that own those by and large want to continue the activities. They have made a living throughout their career. Easements allow them to continue to do that.”
“Easements allow us to maintain our rural and agricultural communities and prevent development where it doesn't make sense," he asserted.
Audubon Florida opposed the legislation aimed at facilitating the sale of state lands but otherwise considers the state’s conservation programs—including easement acquisitions—to be functioning effectively.
"The programs as they stand — as they appear right now — we don't have concerns about them," Beth Alvi, senior director of policy for Audubon Florida, told PMG. "If surplusing is done, we need to make sure we have transparency and accountability."
Jim Strickland, owner of Strickland Ranch and a former president of the Florida Cattlemen's Association, along with others involved in land conservation, advocated for both Florida Forever and the easement program under Simpson's department.
Strickland emphasized that landowners—rather than the state—determine whether to sell their property or conserve it through easements. The decision often hinges on retaining the land within the family or selling it to a developer rather than the state.
"It comes down to where the money is and what do the actual landowners want to put on their property," Strickland explained. “They still own it. They will have to pass it down or sell it. That's why I believe in both programs."
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
The state's natural habitats and wildlife are viewed as essential elements of Florida's identity and economic well-being. Yet, increasing unease prevails about the state's future direction. This includes discussions among certain state officials about selling or trading conservation land, compounded by a recently unsuccessful initiative from Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration to construct golf courses and accommodation facilities within state parks.
Furthermore, the state's recent emphasis on compensating farmers to refrain from developing land within the Florida Wildlife Corridor—a designated network spanning over 18 million acres—has created divisions among environmentalists. Some applaud this initiative, while others contend that it detracts from acquiring additional land for parks, wildlife, and public use.
“I think we've had great bipartisan support for our public lands," Sarah Gledhill, president of the Florida Wildlife Federation, told PMG. "And we want to see those elected officials continue on that path and remain committed to the lands that all Floridians and visitors can enjoy."
Since 1990, Florida has allocated billions of dollars, preserving over 2.6 million acres for conservation purposes.
The state remains highly engaged in land acquisition efforts, having committed $2.3 billion for this purpose since 2018, including $1.5 billion specifically for the wildlife corridor, as noted by state Rep. Lawrence McClure, a Republican from Dover and chair of the budget committee.
However, despite such investment, warnings from some environmentalists suggest that the long-term commitment to conservation may be wavering.
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a possible candidate in the 2026 gubernatorial race, has expressed support for selling a portion of conservation land within the corridor. In 2023, he pitched the idea as a means of financing further land purchases for conservation efforts. Earlier this year, the chair of the state House agriculture committee introduced a bill aimed at facilitating such sales, although it ultimately failed. Critics argue that such proposals could lead to a gradual erosion of essential natural spaces.
In August, DeSantis' administration also sparked significant controversy by suggesting the construction of golf courses, lodges, and pickleball courts within state parks. Following widespread backlash, even from fellow Republicans, the governor indicated he was unaware of the proposal's full details and subsequently retracted it, stating that no decisions would be made in the current year. The governor's office did not provide a response to requests for comment regarding this matter.
Amidst this controversy, the Tampa Bay Times reported that in June, the Cabinet had granted preliminary approval to exchange 324 acres of Withlacoochee State Forest for 861 acres of pine plantation to a Hernando County golf course company. Earlier in the year, state wildlife officials also sanctioned a Central Florida expressway through a 1,600-acre state wildlife management area, despite environmentalist opposition.
Under Simpson’s leadership, the state has increasingly focused on conservation easements as a primary strategy. These easements compensate landowners for not developing their properties. Proponents argue that this approach enables conservation without the state bearing the costs of land maintenance, allowing landowners to fulfill property taxes. However, some conservationists argue that prioritizing farmland protection distracts from the broader goals of conservation.
"It's not conservation land that will be restored," The Sierra Club’s Cris Costello remarked regarding the easements. "It's working lands that have fertilizer put on it, or manure or row crops — it’s fertilizer and pesticides. It's not conservation land."
Critics also warn that the state’s emphasis on agricultural land protection—particularly in the Florida Wildlife Corridor—comes at the expense of Florida Forever, another initiative designed to evaluate and prioritize land for conservation purchase.
This year, $100 million has been allocated through Simpson’s department to incentivize farmers not to develop land they currently own. Strong political backing exists for this initiative, with McClure urging lawmakers to reconsider the goals of the state's land conservation programs.
"Is the mission to own a bunch of land? Or is the mission to protect the land?" he posed during a legislative meeting. "I don't mind sharing that I think the mission is to protect as much of Florida's rural lands for a variety of purposes."
"I would submit to you that there are lands in Florida Forever that were bought [by the state that] really should be in ag production," he added.
Ryan Smart, executive director of the Florida Springs Council, expressed concern that easements are supplanting the Florida Forever program, which he described as a transparent, science-driven method for land acquisition.
He asserted that agricultural conservation easements might entrench farming methods that contribute to groundwater pollution, thus undermining Florida’s conservation goals.
Nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural fertilizers and livestock waste are negatively impacting the state’s springs, which play a crucial role in numerous state parks. Smart emphasized the need for strategies similar to those in western states that aim to mitigate agricultural intensity to safeguard water and the environment.
"We need to figure out what is next," Smart stated. "How are we going to de-intensify agriculture? I don't think it is going to be purely through regulation. It's going to have to be through some sort of economic land conservation program."
Although Simpson has not responded to multiple interview requests, he mentioned in 2023 that the state ought to consider selling its currently held land—with restrictions for agricultural use—to acquire additional conservation land.
"Tougher times will come," Simpson remarked at a Florida Wildlife Corridor conference last year. "When those dollars start drying up, we will have to be creative about how we sustain that momentum. I believe you sustain it by surplusing those lands that can be surplused and be left in agriculture. And allowing farmers, the first environmentalists, to take care of that land."
Support for conservation easements exists among other environmental organizations.
Joshua Daskin, a research biologist and director of conservation at Archbold Biological Station, referred to easements as "one of the biggest tools in the toolbox," complementing land acquisition initiatives. He voiced pride in the extensive acres protected by the state.
"Large parts of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are working lands," Daskin noted. "So of the portion that remains to be conserved, 88 percent is working timber or working ranches. The people that own those by and large want to continue the activities. They have made a living throughout their career. Easements allow them to continue to do that.”
“Easements allow us to maintain our rural and agricultural communities and prevent development where it doesn't make sense," he asserted.
Audubon Florida opposed the legislation aimed at facilitating the sale of state lands but otherwise considers the state’s conservation programs—including easement acquisitions—to be functioning effectively.
"The programs as they stand — as they appear right now — we don't have concerns about them," Beth Alvi, senior director of policy for Audubon Florida, told PMG. "If surplusing is done, we need to make sure we have transparency and accountability."
Jim Strickland, owner of Strickland Ranch and a former president of the Florida Cattlemen's Association, along with others involved in land conservation, advocated for both Florida Forever and the easement program under Simpson's department.
Strickland emphasized that landowners—rather than the state—determine whether to sell their property or conserve it through easements. The decision often hinges on retaining the land within the family or selling it to a developer rather than the state.
"It comes down to where the money is and what do the actual landowners want to put on their property," Strickland explained. “They still own it. They will have to pass it down or sell it. That's why I believe in both programs."
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
