Newly signed state budget allocates $950 million for Florida Wildlife Corridor
Yesterday, a $116.5 billion state budget was signed by the Florida Governor. Included in the budget is $950 million for the Florida Wildlife Corridor with $100 million recurring funding for the Florida Forever land protection program also supporting the Corridor.
It has been two years since the passing of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act in 2021. Wildpath's Path of the Panther project supported by National Geographic and alongside partners galvanized the Florida legislature to approve nearly 120,000 acres for permanent protection since. The most recent agenda passed by the Governor and Cabinet last month was the largest yet, with 12 new projects that could protect an additional 40,000 acres in or adjacent to the Corridor, totaling $100 million.
Yet there is still work to be done to secure the remaining 8 million acres in the Corridor that do not yet have conservation status. With this in mind, Florida must aim to protect approximately 800,000 acres by the end of the decade. It is up to all of us to encourage our state leaders to continue their support of and focus on the Florida Wildlife Corridor. You can stay updated on all Corridor progress and share the news by visiting our Corridor Progress web page.
Wildpath has worked with partners to inspire nearly $2 billion of funding for the Florida Wildlife Corridor so far and our team remains focused on creating media content that celebrates conservation wins while advocating to overcome the challenges that are still ahead. Please join us as we continue to fight for a future in balance for people and wildlife – and the wild places that sustain us all.
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