Habitat Protection and Restoration

Historically, the natural habitats of south Florida covered an area of about 18,000 square miles. A combination of connectivity and spatial extent created the range of habitats and supported the levels of productivity needed for the historic diversity and abundance of native plants and animals in the Everglades. Successful restoration of the South Florida Ecosystem includes conservation of the region’s natural habitats and native species.

In addition to the programs described below, more information can be found in the Habitat Protection and Restoration Section of the Task Force’s Biennial Report.

Land Acquisition

The Florida Forever program was established in 2000 by the Florida Legislature to conserve environmentally sensitive land, restore waterways, and preserve important cultural and historical resources. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has developed a storymap highlighting several Florida Forever projects.

land conservation

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)

Agriculture is Florida’s second leading industry and a large portion of agricultural land can be viewed as open space that benefits the natural system through buffering, revitalization of natural habitats, water storage and filtration, and aquifer recharge. The US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service provides technical and financial support to help landowners with their wetland restoration efforts.