The Governor and Cabinet of Florida, acting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, have approved the acquisition of approximately 340 acres of conservation land in Hernando County from Cabot Citrus OpCo, LLC. This property is part of the Annutteliga Hammock Florida Forever project and will be managed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service as part of the Withlacoochee State Forest.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson expressed his support for this purchase, stating: “I was proud to vote in favor of this important land acquisition, which protects valuable natural resources, strengthens public land management, and reinforces the importance of process and partnership in Florida’s conservation work.”
Simpson highlighted that when discussions about this property began, there were many questions. He emphasized that “the process worked exactly the way it should,” leading to a decision that serves Florida’s long-term interests. He added: “This full-fee acquisition strengthens the Withlacoochee State Forest, protects habitat and water resources, and adds important acreage to one of the state’s top-ranked Florida Forever projects.”
Simpson also thanked Cabot Citrus for their cooperation during this process: “Their willingness to shift focus and prioritize conservation led to the outcome we reached today. This is how conservation should work in Florida – measured, informed, and rooted in the public interest.”
The newly acquired land is adjacent to Withlacoochee State Forest within a priority conservation area. It features diverse ecosystems supporting species such as gopher tortoises and Florida black bears. The site also plays a crucial role in aquifer recharge and protecting sensitive natural features.
Once finalized, management will fall under the Florida Forest Service to ensure long-term conservation efforts alongside sustainable forestry practices and public recreational access.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and related activities, visit FDACS.gov.
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