Naples, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis recently took significant steps to bolster environmental conservation and address ecological challenges in Florida. This month, he has been active in signing important legislation aimed at preserving the state’s natural resources and combating the adverse effects of red tide.
Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill (SB) 1638, which secures a substantial $100 million funding for the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This initiative is crucial for conserving and connecting Florida’s natural landscapes, preserving working lands, and ensuring the safe passage of the state’s endangered species.
The funding, sourced from Seminole Gaming Compact revenue for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, designates the lesser of 26.042% or $100 million to support the corridor. The Florida Wildlife Corridor, established under Governor DeSantis in 2021, encompasses nearly 18 million acres of land, with ten million acres being protected conservation lands, including state parks, state forests, and family farms.
“I am proud of our investments in land conservation to conserve and connect Florida’s natural landscapes, preserve working lands, and provide for the safe passage of Florida’s endangered species,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. His commitment to these efforts reflects a broader vision of ecological stewardship and sustainable development.
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Enhancing Wildlife Crossings and Transportation Initiatives
Moreover, Governor DeSantis has directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to continue its efforts in installing wildlife crossings along the state’s roadways. This initiative emphasizes crossings that connect the Florida Wildlife Corridor to facilitate the safe passage of species such as the Florida Panther. Since 2019, over $129 million has been approved for funding wildlife crossings, providing FDOT with the necessary resources to support the construction of 38 different wildlife crossings across the state.
Continued Battle Against Red Tide
In addition to his conservation efforts, Governor DeSantis signed House Bill 1565, the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative. This significant legislative action removes the sunset provision of the initiative and directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and MOTE Marine Laboratory to continue to coordinate efforts to innovate technologies aimed at mitigating the impacts of red tide on Florida. This bill extends the collaboration that began in 2019 and reaffirms the state’s commitment to addressing the persistent environmental challenge of red tide, which has affected many coastal communities and working waterfronts.
“I am also happy to sign legislation continuing research efforts to mitigate the impacts of red tide and preserve our coastal communities and working waterfronts,” Governor DeSantis remarked, highlighting the dual focus of his administration on both land conservation and marine health.
A Commitment to Conservation and Economic Growth
“It’s important to make steady gains towards protecting and conserving irreplaceable natural resources – not just for today, but forever,” added DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. He praised Florida’s long history as a national leader in conservation, which he noted is crucial not only to environmental protection but also to economic growth. The continued support from the governor and the legislature has significantly accelerated the state’s pace in these initiatives.
Governor DeSantis’s recent actions underscore Florida’s proactive approach to environmental management and resource conservation, ensuring the preservation of the state’s natural beauty and biodiversity for future generations.
