| Florida's Conservation Lands |
After a year of public outcry about proposed state conservation land swaps and surplussing, the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee meeting this week included a presentation from Bryan Bradner, Deputy Secretary for Land and Recreation from DEP on state land conservation efforts.
The presentation highlighted Florida Forever’s role as the state’s premier conservation and recreation land acquisition program, which is essential for protecting water quality and quantity, enhancing resilience, conserving wildlife habitat, and supporting outdoor recreation. Since 2019, Florida has invested over $1.4 billion through the program, acquiring more than 374,000 acres, with 91% located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Funding levels have declined precipitously in recent years from a high of $950 million in FY 2023-24 to $18 million appropriated for FY 2025-26.
Bradner noted the program’s track record in implementing Florida’s high standards for release of conservation lands—over the past decade, only 2.3 acres of conservation land have been sold and 65 acres exchanged for 139 acres of new conservation land, with no easements released.
On behalf of constituents who successfully defeated surplus and swap proposals last year, committee members raised several pointed questions regarding the criteria and opportunities for public involvement in decisions to surplus conservation lands. Members also sought clarification on recent procedural inconsistencies and on whether DEP and the water management districts are applying standards uniformly.
Deputy Secretary Bradner acknowledged the concerns but was unable to provide details on processes within his purview as Deputy Secretary for Lands and Recreation. |
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