Florida Cabinet, Rick Scott Approve 21,000-Acre Conservation Land Purchase

Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet approved the purchase of nearly 21,000 acres of conservationland as part of a partnership between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, The Trust for Public Land and landowner M.C. Davis after Florida was awarded $1.75 million from the U.S. Department of Defense as part of the 2013 REPI Challenge.

"Florida's conservation land program is one of the most robust in the country and we can smartly use taxpayer dollars to improve our environment while showing that Florida is the country's most military friendly state," said Gov. Scott. "We are thankful for the investments of M.C. Davis, The Trust for Public Land and the U.S. Department of Defense as we continue to purchase land that will ensure our military can properly train to protect Florida families and our important habitats."

The Department is slated to contribute $10.2 million of Florida Forever funds; Davis has discounted the property by $7 million; the U.S. Department of Defense will contribute $1.75 million as part of the 2013 REPI Challenge; and Eglin Air Force Base will contribute $550,000.

The Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program funds cost-sharing partnerships for the military with state and local governments and private conservation organizations to address the need for compatible land use and conserved natural landscapes in support of military readiness. Projects require at least a 1:1 funding match.

The Department has prioritized buying conservation land that protects springs, water quality and water quantity sources and buffers military areas," DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. said."The purchase of 21,000 acres buffering Eglin Air Force Base accomplishes many of the Department's conservation goals. Under Governor Scotts leadership, this purchase shows that smart land purchases with committed partners can make a difference."

The purchase of the conservation land completes the Seven Runs CreekFlorida Forever project. In 2010, the North Nokuse Plantation project, which encompasses 11,961 acres, and the Seven Runs Creek project -- 14,649 acres -- were combined. According to a press release, the project was added to the Florida Forever priority list because of "its groundwater recharge benefits and ability to protect 14 rare species, including the Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, Florida pine snake, Pine Barrens treefrog and eastern diamondback rattlesnake." It also provides additional buffer for Eglin Air Force Base, one of the countrys largest Air Force bases.