TALLAHASSEE  – On June 9, the Florida Governor and Cabinet approved funding for the permanent conservation of 6,237.46 acres across four properties within and adjacent to the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The newly approved conservation lands are located across Highlands, Manatee and Okeechobee counties, advancing the state’s commitment to connecting and safeguarding Florida’s natural landscapes for future generations.   

“Thank you to Governor DeSantis and the Cabinet for approving the protection of these working lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and seeing the value conservation easements provide,” said Mallory Dimmitt, CEO of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. “To fully realize the Corridor vision, Florida must continue investing in both public land acquisitions and conservation easements on working lands. It takes a collaborative approach to create a connected landscape where wildlife and people can thrive for generations to come.”  

Dixie Ranch West, Syfrett Farm & Ranch, Thundercloud Ranch, and LFW Farms are all to be protected through conservation easements funded through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 

The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation celebrates the collaboration and leadership of the landowners, FDACS, U.S. Air Force REPI program, Manatee County, Saunders Real Estate, Brown Land Team and additional partners who played essential roles in making these opportunities possible. 

The Florida Wildlife Corridor is a critical ecological network of 18 million acres that connects existing conservation lands to private working lands, providing a pathway for wildlife to roam and thrive. Nearly 10 million acres are already under permanent protection and by expanding the protected areas within the Corridor, the state is taking a proactive approach to ensuring the long-term sustainability of its natural resources. 

The four properties approved for conservation within and adjacent to the Florida Wildlife Corridor include:   

• A conservation easement in Okeechobee County of 2,996.66 acres, a project of FDACS Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Dixie Ranch West is a cow/calf operation in Okeechobee County near the Kissimmee River. The property provides natural drainage to the south in the Kissimmee River watershed and Lake Okeechobee. The property consists mainly of open pastures with interspersed wetlands, forested uplands, and woodland pastures. It is close to several other Rural and Family Lands easements which will create a protected agricultural corridor necessary for future generations. The site is enrolled in the FDACS Best Management Practices (BMP) program, and it is entirely located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. 

• A conservation easement in Highlands County of 1,014.77 acres, a project of FDACS Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Syfrett Farm & Ranch is a cow/calf operation in southern Highlands County, located on the west side of Harney Pond Canal which drains into Lake Okeechobee. The ranch supports a herd of over 500 cattle and is engaged in a sustainable cow/calf operation. The wetlands areas provide valuable ecological benefits, such as water filtration and habitat for local wildlife. The site is enrolled in the FDACS Best Management Practices (BMP) program, and it is entirely located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. 

•  A conservation easement in Manatee County of 1,042.37 acres, a project of FDACS Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Thundercloud Ranch is a 1,042.37-acre cow/calf operation and hay production in eastern Manatee County. The property is part of the headwaters for Gilley Creek which is a major tributary to the Manatee River. The easement creates a protected connection between Little Manatee River Southfork Tract and Edward W. Chance Reserve which protects Lake Manatee that flows into the Manatee River. The site is enrolled in the FDACS Best Management Practices (BMP) program and is located adjacent to the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

• A conservation easement in Okeechobee County of 1,183.66 acres, a project of FDACS Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. LFW Farms is a cattle ranch in the southwest section of Okeechobee County located less than 3 miles from the Kissimmee River. The property lies within the high priority Water Recharge area for the Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee. Approximately 10% of the ranch serves as functional wetlands for the area ecosystem; the remainder is improved pasture. The site is enrolled in the FDACS Best Management Practices (BMP) program, and it is entirely located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. 

The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation champions a collaborative campaign to permanently connect, protect and restore the Florida Wildlife Corridor – a statewide network of connected lands and waters that supports wildlife and people. As the champion and the guidepost for the Corridor movement, they unite leaders and changemakers to elevate the Corridor and accelerate protection for its most urgent, vulnerable, and irreplaceable connections. To learn more, visit floridawildlifecorridor.org or connect on social media @floridawildlifecorridor.