Ranchers and Conservationists Team Up to Preserve Florida’s Natural Heritage
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Two groups concerned about the future of Florida’s farmland and natural landscape are teaming up to show the positive effects landowners – particularly cattle ranchers – have on Florida’s native land.
Conservation Florida and the Florida Cattlemen's Association have launched a collaborative campaign that will include “social media, public outreach, educational programs and joint advocacy” in support of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
The Corridor is a stretch of land ranging from the western edges of the Panhandle down to the Everglades and the Florida Keys. In 2021, the Florida Legislature set aside $400 million to preserve nearly 18 million acres of wildlife habitat as part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act.
Currently, the corridor has 10 million acres of protected land. Approximately 3.2 million acres are ranchland, but only 20 percent of that ranchland is protected.
“Florida's cattle ranchers have a deep connection to the land,” Florida Cattlemen's Association President Pat Durden told Florida Politics. “Partnering with Conservation Florida and others, underscores our commitment to the environment and our willingness to work with like-minded groups and individuals that understand the importance of working lands.”
The genesis of Florida’s cattle ranching industry dates back to the 16th century when the first Spanish explorers came to the New World and brought with them cattle that eventually became wild Florida cattle – known as Cracker Cows.
Traci Deen, CEO of Conservation Florida, gave high praise to Florida’s cattle ranchers.
“Conservation Florida knows firsthand the power of partnerships, and linking arms with the Florida Cattlemen's Association allows us to combine conservation expertise with their deep knowledge of agriculture and ties to land ensuring thoughtful, meaningful land conservation across the state,” Deen said in a press release.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson already has given his endorsement of the partnership.
“We’re going to have to be creative about sustaining our momentum,” Simpson said. “I believe the way to do it is allowing farmers, the first environmentalists, to take care of that land ... the Cattlemen and Conservation Florida are putting a coalition together . . . to do more of that.”
In August, Simpson complimented the work of the state’s conservation easements provided by the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program for the wildlife corridor.
Weeks later, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the state had a $141 million investment to expand the Florida Wildlife Corridor by more than 42,000 acres through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
“There's no downside to this program,” Simpson said of the investment. “The downside is not funding it.”