In 1855, the Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund was created as an agency of the Florida government. In 1841, the U.S. government had granted each state in the union 500,000 acres. Combined with the land received as a result of the Swamp and Overflowed Lands Act of 1850, the Trustees had more than 21 million acres under its control. Since then, Florida has worked to protect and conserve natural resources.
History of Florida's Conservation Efforts: Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever
What is Florida Forever?
Florida Forever is the state’s conservation and recreation lands acquisition program, a blueprint for conserving Florida’s natural and cultural heritage. Florida Forever supports a wide range of goals, including water resource protection, coastal resiliency, preservation of cultural resources, public access to outdoor recreation, and the restoration and maintenance of public lands.
How much land has been acquired under the Florida Forever program?
Many Florida residents recognize that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is Florida’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship. But few residents realize how important a role DEP plays, through the Division of State Lands, in protecting Florida’s natural, cultural and recreational resources.
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COUNTY / PROJECT NUMBER:
Pasco 2490
BRIEF PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:
8.97 ± acres in Pasco County
Section 23, 26, Township 26 South, Range 18 East
Parcel ID Number: 23-26-18-0000-00500-0000 & 26-26-18-0000-02400-0010
The state of Florida owns and oversees management of approximately 3.8 million acres of uplands (which includes 500,000 acres of conservation easements). Most of the land is actively used by state agencies for recreation or conservation purposes, which are protected by the Florida Constitution in perpetuity.
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Sign UpThe Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship – protecting our air, water and land. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystems.
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