Conservation Florida and Palm Beach County to Expand Conservation Protection on More Than 31,000 Acres
Palm Beach Board of County Commissioners approve groundbreaking resolution to solidify long-term commitment to preserving Florida’s natural landscapes
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (October 22, 2024) — Conservation Florida and Palm Beach County are pleased to announce the approval of a landmark resolution to further conserve more than 31,000 acres of county-owned natural areas through conservation easements held by third-party land trusts like Conservation Florida. This resolution and partnership marks a significant advancement in local conservation efforts, solidifying a long-term commitment to preserving Florida’s precious natural resources.
The resolution, approved through a unanimous vote and backed by more than sixty environmental organizations, is effective immediately. The new standard will not only ensure the protection of these critical lands for current Palm Beach County residents but also for future residents and governing bodies.
“For almost 40 years, Palm Beach County has been at the forefront of local land conservation and natural resource restoration. Whenever our community has the opportunity to vote on furthering protection of these resources, they overwhelmingly support these efforts,” said Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Sachs. “Today’s board action demonstrates our commitment to our constituents, to the health of our land and water resources, and to ensuring the stewardship of these special places for all the future generations.”
Palm Beach County’s unwavering dedication to conservation ensures that every natural area, big or small, plays a crucial role in preserving our precious resources for future generations.
"I am so proud that Palm Beach County continues to provide an example of what is possible for local governments through bold action and partnerships, building on decades of leadership in the preservation and restoration of our natural resources," said Deborah Drum, Director of Palm Beach County’s Department of Environmental Resources Management. "By collaborating with organizations like Conservation Florida, we guarantee these lands will remain natural havens for both wildlife and people for years to come."
Since 1984, when a significant portion of the Yamato Scrub was proposed for development, Palm Beach County has diligently acquired more than 31,000 acres of environmentally sensitive lands, ranging from 3 acres to 12,000 acres, from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Okeechobee.
From protecting vast landscapes to safeguarding rare species like the four-petaled pawpaw, which grows only in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, the county is committed to a legacy of environmental stewardship.
Expanded protection measures
One of the unique aspects of the resolution is the added layer of protection provided by private conservation easements. Conservation Florida, a Land Trust Alliance-accredited land conservancy, will hold these easements, bringing additional oversight beyond County ownership. This structure guarantees the areas will not only be shielded from future development but will also be managed with long-term ecological health in mind.
This resolution comes in response to heightened concern over proposed developments within Florida's state parks and underscores the urgent need to permanently protect public lands. The growing threat of urban expansion makes it more crucial than ever to secure the ecological integrity of these natural areas. These lands will continue to serve as critical habitats for native wildlife while offering visitors opportunities for passive, non-destructive recreation.
“It’s our honor to partner with Palm Beach County to explore further protections on their natural lands, which include some truly incredible landscapes and habitats” said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. “We’re grateful to the County and to our many supporters who make this possible. We are eager to get to work.”
For more information, contact:
Sarah Shepard, Conservation Florida Communications Director
Benji Studt, PBC Environmental Resources Management Outreach & Science Communication
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places, and connecting a functional Florida Wildlife Corridor. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved more than 35,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
For more information, visit www.conservationfla.org and follow us on social media @conservationflorida