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FORT MYERS – The State of Florida recently closed
on a conservation easement over more than 880 acres in
the Lake Wales Ridge ecosystem through the Florida
Forever program. Stretching from the Orlando area as far
south as Lake Okeechobee, the unique Lake Wales Ridge
ecosystem supports wildlife that can’t be found anywhere
else in the world.
“This acquisition preserves a unique scrub habitat
that supports native wildlife and vegetation,” said
Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen
M. Castille. “Lake Wales Ridge is a rare example of the
original landscape that once dominated the Central
Florida area.”
Originally covered with a mosaic of scrub, flat
woods, wetlands and lakes, the area is inhabited by rare
flora and fauna. Lake Wales Ridge tiger beetle, sand
skink, clasping warea, scrub bluestem and scrub holly.
Seventy-five rare species are found in the diverse Lake
Wales Ridge ecosystem, including a new species of scrub
mint.
Part of the 48,450 acre Lake Wales Ridge project, the
880-acre parcel is located near Lake Reedy and Avon Park
Air Force Range. The perpetual conservation easement
allows the property owner to continue using the land
while protecting it from development.
To strengthen national security and protect natural
resources, Florida is preserving land around military
installations through Florida Forever, the state’s
premier land acquisition program. To date, Florida has
invested more than $755 million to preserve more than
half a million acres around military bases. Florida
plans to acquire an additional 650,000 acres to preserve
wildlife habitat and reduce encroachment on military
operations.
The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program
established by Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida
Legislature conserves environmentally sensitive land,
restores waterways and preserves important cultural and
historical resources.
For more information, visit
www.FloridaForever.org. | 
