Private Lands

More than 50% of Florida's land area is controlled by a small group of individuals involved in agriculture & forestry. To a large degree, the owners of these lands will decide Florida's future. These landowners are sometimes depicted as enemies of the environment. They're not. They are the greatest allies anyone could hope to have in shaping the state's future. Here's why:

It's worth remembering:

agriculture and forestry owns virtually

... every acre to be used for future development,
... every acre to be protected, and
... every acre to remain in ag and forestry.

Ag and forestry landowners are the major holders of the stock of Florida's future land uses, for it is from their land that almost all future land uses will be drawn ... for environmental protection ... for agricultural and forestry production ... and for urban expansion.

Moreover, these landowners are the custodians of the largest repository of natural resources left in Florida today.

The decisions these landowners make today will affect our lives tomorrow. That's why it's important we all work together for Florida's future.

Here are some additional resources on Florida's private lands:

Crested Cracara Conservation Project. Describes research on how land management practices on private lands in central Florida are compatible with this species' survival. Provides one example of how ranches can maintain sustainable, economically viable activities while also conserving native habitats and wildlife species.

Private Lands: Partners in Conserving America's Resources

An Evaluation of Constructed Wetlands on Phosphate Mined Lands in Florida

Polk County Mined Lands Agricultural Research and Demonstration Project

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