Newly Protected Florida Panhandle Forestland Supports Threatened Wood Stork; Apalachicola Bay

Gulf County, Fla. – Today, The Conservation Fund announced new protections for 10,000 acres of forestland in the Florida panhandle near the town of Port St. Joe. The nonprofit organization’s swift action will help to safeguard the federally threatened wood stork and the Florida manatee, which migrates via the adjacent intracoastal waterway. News of the deal, which will support healthy forests and water quality in Apalachicola Bay, comes as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission prepares to open the bay for wild oyster harvesting for the first time in five years. 

“Saving the Lake Wimico forest from development and conversion to more intensive uses is a win for Florida’s environment, economy and way of life,” said Rebecca Perry, The Conservation Fund’s Florida associate state director. “Forests provide a myriad benefits including water quality, wildlife habitat, local jobs and economic vitality.”  

Without support from The Conservation Fund, the site was at risk of being broken up and converted to non-forest uses, which could have threatened local water quality and soil health. Sustainable timber harvesting at the site will be managed by The Conservation Fund’s Working Forest program, preserving the soil and local water quality. 

The project received support from Florida Forever, which is administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and will hold the site’s conservation easement in perpetuity, and the Richard King Mellon Foundation. 

“This acquisition demonstrates Florida’s strong commitment to conserving working lands that protect water quality, wildlife habitat and the natural resources that support local communities,” said Bradley Perry, Director of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of State Lands. 

 “Through Florida Forever, we are ensuring these areas remain productive and protected in perpetuity, benefiting Apalachicola Bay and future generations of Floridians.”  

Since 1985, The Conservation Fund has saved more than 200,000 acres of at-risk land and water in Florida. Recent protection efforts in the state include protecting key areas of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, sea turtle habitat in southeast Florida, Zora Neale Hurston’s final home, and ongoing work to protect the headwaters of the Loxahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers. 

“Florida’s environment and economy are inextricably linked,” said Rebecca Perry. “Protecting the scenic places and unique wildlife of this state we love will make it a great place to live for generations to come.” 

About The Conservation Fund  

 The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit www.conservationfund.org.