Conservation

Florida lawmakers propose about $1 billion in land conservation for the next fiscal year

Jessica Meszaros

Florida Forever would receive $100 million. Another $100 million is earmarked for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, and $800 million would fund projects connecting the Ocala and Osceola National Forests.

This solar powered pump used for citrus irrigation in Indian River County is one example of an eligible project

First Coast

Water management district offers local growers up to $250,000

Raymon Troncoso

The St. Johns Water Management District is offering an incentive for growers to pursue water conservation projects.

First Coast

Volunteers Will Count Dead Birds To Make Downtown Jacksonville Safer During Migration

Raymon Troncoso

Birds keep crashing into Jacksonville buildings, and local conservation groups are seeking volunteers this month to help reduce the number of injuries and…

U.S. Rep. John Rutherford speaks at a St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum event. He is the sponsor of the Nation's Oldest Port National Heritage Area Act.

First Coast

U.S. House Bill Would Make First Coast A National Heritage Area

Tristan Wood

A U.S. House bill could designate the First Coast a National Heritage Area (NHA), allowing the area to receive federal funding for historic conservation…

First Coast

North Florida Land Trust Expands Bogey Creek Preserve

Brendan Rivers

The North Florida Land Trust is expanding Bogey Creek Preserve by 12 acres.The nonprofit conservation organization closed on the additional piece of…

First Coast

Bogey Creek Preserve In North Jacksonville Expanded Thanks To Anonymous Donor

Brendan Rivers

The North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) has expanded the Bogey Creek Preserve in North Jacksonville by 12 acres thanks to an anonymous donor.The anonymous…

water in foreground, with grasses and sky behind

First Coast

St. Augustine's Fish Island Preserve Expected To Open To Public This Year

Michelle Corum

A new public park is expected to open by the end of year, now that the City of St. Augustine is responsible for the upkeep of Fish Island Preserve. The…

First Coast

$2.8M Conservation Easement Approved For Putnam County Wetland Preserve

Brendan Rivers

The Florida Cabinet voted Tuesday to approve a $2.8 million conservation easement on Wetland Preserve in Putnam County.The 3,562 acres of land is owned by…

First Coast

Court Backs Florida Lawmakers In Conservation Fight

Jim Saunders - News Service of Florida

In a blow to environmental groups, an appeals court Monday overturned a circuit judge’s ruling that said state lawmakers improperly diverted money that…

First Coast

State Could Approve Purchase Of Fish Island Next Week

Cyd Hoskinson

One of the last remaining undeveloped waterfront properties in St. Augustine could soon belong to the state of Florida.Fish Island is one of three parcels…