Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of nearly 2,600 acres of farmland in Alachua, Bradford, Clay, and Putnam counties. This effort was achieved through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). The Tumlin Terwillegar Properties Project, a pine plantation made up of three parcels, was preserved with approval from the Governor and Cabinet as part of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund.
“Protecting working agricultural lands like the Tumlin Terwillegar Properties ensures that Florida remains a national leader in food and timber production while preserving the values that make our state unique,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “These lands are the backbone of our rural economy and critical to the health of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.”
The Governor and Cabinet approved the preservation of 1,745 acres, while the department preserved two additional parcels totaling 826 acres under RFLPP authority. The project is part of FDACS Best Management Practices (BMP) program and lies within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
The Tumlin Terwillegar Properties Project is a family-run timber operation covering 2,585 acres. It includes two separate tracts under three ownerships near Santa Fe Lake. These tracts connect to Black Lake Preserve and other properties through intervening connections.
Established in 2001, RFLPP aims to protect agricultural lands from urban development by partnering with farmers and ranchers. Since its inception, it has preserved 212,600 acres statewide. Under Commissioner Simpson’s administration alone, 147,300 acres have been preserved.
During his tenure as Senate President, Simpson played a key role in passing legislation to protect natural areas and wildlife habitats while preserving agricultural lands. He secured significant legislative appropriations for these efforts.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and related projects, visit FDACS.gov.
Information from this article can be found here.
