About 1,685 acres of timberland on Florida’s First Coast have been permanently protected through a $3.7 million conservation easement, according to the North Florida Land Trust.
The land, called Thayendanegea Timber, is part of the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor, a 100-mile stretch of forest connecting Ocala and Osceola National Forests.
The conservation easement ensures the land stays in timber production while protecting forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitat, according to a press release.
Controlled burns help keep the forest open and encourage a variety of native plants to grow, NFLT said.
Wetlands scattered across the property provide important water filtration, and Cedar Creek winds through the tract, serving as a natural buffer for wildlife.
The Baker County property also supports deer, turkey, dove, and waterfowl.
The $3.7 million easement was purchased from the landowners of Thayendanegea Timber, compensating them for permanently protecting the land.
Funding came from two sources: the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) and $1.85 million from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
The project faced delays, but coordination among partners ensured it was completed successfully, NFLT said.
This protection adds another tract to the O2O Wildlife Corridor, which now includes millions of acres of connected public and private forest across the region.
“Sometimes projects like these need a little help from a friend, so I reached out to Congressman Aaron Bean to ask for assistance,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “Congressman Bean and his team were able to help us move this project forward, and now there are 1,685 acres that will remain protected forever.”
