Gilchrist County Conservation Easement Protects Portion of North Waccasassa Flats
December 11, 2024
Gainesville, Florida - Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) acquired a 538-acre conservation easement in Gilchrist County, Florida, on land owned by Bob and Lori Carroll. The conservation easement will permanently protect part of the North Waccasassa Flats region, one of North Florida’s most ecologically significant landscapes. The conservation easement was acquired through the Florida Forever program, the state’s premier land acquisition program.
The North Waccasassa Flats, located in the heart of Florida’s Nature Coast, is an approximately 14,000-acre undeveloped region between High Springs and Bell, Florida. It is known for its diverse habitats and protects regional watersheds and groundwater resources. As part of this landscape, the Carroll property contains habitat for critical species such as the Florida black bear, sandhill crane, and migratory bird species. Importantly, the Carroll property protects riparian wetlands surrounding Cow Creek, a major Santa Fe River tributary.
Bob and Lori Carroll are strong supporters of land conservation, and their decision to place their property under a conservation easement reflects their commitment to protecting the land’s natural resources. In addition to the conservation easement, the Carrolls are working with ACT and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Wildlife program to restore upland habitat to benefit imperiled species such as the Eastern Indigo snake and gopher tortoise.
“ “The conservation easement compliments our efforts to restore and manage native habitats while keeping the land in family ownership. We are glad that our land is forever protected from development. We thank FDEP for this opportunity, and ACT for guiding us through every step of the process.” ”
“““Working with Bob and Lori Carroll, as well as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, to protect the Carroll’s remarkable piece of North Florida’s natural heritage has been a pleasure. The North Waccasassa Flats is one of our region’s most extensive natural landscapes, and the Carroll property is an important part of it. The Carroll conservation easement is a lasting legacy for future generations to come.”
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The Florida Forever program, one of the nation’s largest and most successful land conservation initiatives, has been instrumental in acquiring land and conservation easements across the state to protect Florida’s natural resources. Through the program, the FDEP works with local partners to conserve important wildlife corridors, wetlands, and natural landscapes, ensuring that Floridians can continue to enjoy clean water, healthy ecosystems, and abundant wildlife.
This conservation easement adds to the growing network of protected lands in the region, helping to safeguard the integrity of the North Waccasassa Flats and surrounding natural areas. The Carroll property is just west of Canaan Ranch, a large privately-owned property recently protected with a conservation easement purchased through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
For additional information about this project or about Alachua Conservation Trust, please contact ACT at info@AlachuaConservationTrust.org or (352) 373-1078.
