News Summary
Wildlands Conservation Inc. has been awarded a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support conservation efforts in the Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystem. The grant is part of a larger initiative to safeguard unique ecosystems across seven counties in Florida, with significant contributions from Polk County’s Environmental Lands Program. Collaborating organizations aim to purchase conservation easements, focusing on protecting wildlife and assisting local agricultural producers affected by environmental challenges.
Lake Wales – Wildlands Conservation Inc., a non-profit organization based in Tampa, has been awarded a significant $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support conservation efforts in the Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystem. This funding is specifically for the Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystem Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which aims to safeguard this unique ecosystem across seven counties, with the most extensive areas in Polk and Highlands counties.
The grant is part of a larger initiative from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which is allocating a total of $1.5 billion across 92 projects nationwide. In conjunction with this funding, Polk County’s Environmental Lands Program has pledged an additional $7.5 million to bolster the federal investment, enhancing local conservation efforts.
Multiple organizations are collaborating in this initiative, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Forever Program, Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, Bok Tower Gardens, and Green Horizon Land Trust. Also involved is the Department of Defense, illustrating the comprehensive approach being undertaken to protect this vital area.
Over the next five years, the program will focus on purchasing conservation easements, which are legal agreements that protect environmentally sensitive lands from development. The Lake Wales Ridge is recognized as a high-priority area due to its unique ecological resources, including habitats for imperiled species such as the Florida scrub jay, gopher tortoise, and Eastern indigo snake.
In addition to protecting wildlife, this funding will assist “underserved” agricultural producers dealing with challenges from citrus greening disease and devastating hurricanes. The goal is to allow ongoing agricultural activities while simultaneously locking properties from future development.
Wildlands Conservation will work alongside the Natural Resources Conservation Service and partner organizations to determine which areas will most benefit from conservation efforts. The Lake Wales Ridge is situated within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a critical habitat that supports the migration of large mammals, including the endangered Florida panther and black bear.
As part of this initiative, Polk County is also close to finalizing the acquisition of the Friedlander property, a 649-acre parcel identified for conservation with a purchase price of $5.19 million. This acquisition marks the second under a revived land conservation program that is funded by a property tax referendum approved by voters. The Friedlander property presents significant ecological value, featuring oak hammocks and wetlands, as well as historically significant landscapes.
A technical assessment of the property shows that it plays a notable role in water recharge for the Floridan Aquifer and has minimal presence of invasive species. The site has documented occurrences of rare species such as gopher tortoises and crested caracaras.
The overarching vision of these conservation initiatives is to restore ecosystems to their natural state and enhance genetic diversity among endangered plant species. Interestingly, the acquisition process allows the Friedlander family to maintain residence on part of their property, ensuring the family’s connection to the land persists. The Friedlander family has deep roots in the Lake Wales area, with historical ties dating back to their settlement in 1923.
This federal grant marks a significant step towards maintaining and enhancing the ecological integrity of the Lake Wales Ridge ecosystem, promoting both conservation and sustainable agriculture in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Record-Setting Florida Panther Captured by Wildlife Officials
Additional Resources
- The Ledger: $25M Federal Grant for Lake Wales Ridge
- Wikipedia: Lake Wales Ridge
- The Ledger: Polk County Conservation Purchase
- Google Search: Lake Wales Ridge Conservation
- WTSP: Florida Panther Spotted in Polk County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Panther
- News Chief: St. Anne Shrine
- Google News: Florida Conservation Efforts
