UCF, Conservation Florida Join Forces to Protect Natural Lands
Thoughtful, research-based land protection in the Central and South Central Florida regions is the ultimate goal.
A new partnership between Conservation Florida and both UCF’s Biology Department and UCF Coastal increases the bench strength of statewide land protection work.
The partnership aims to produce research, guidance and a multidisciplinary voice to land and wildlife conservation to propel advancement in the greater Central Florida region.
Conservation Florida brings 19 years of land protection, advocacy and landowner education to the partnership, with conservation projects currently totaling more than 180,000 acres. UCF’s contribution is a team of biologists, engineers, social scientists, economists, and emergency managers.
“We are honored to partner with the University of Central Florida to creatively address Florida’s conservation future in areas critical to the health of Florida’s water, wildlife, economy, and overall quality of life,” said Traci Deen, executive director of Conservation Florida. “Thoughtful, research-based land protection in the Central and South Central Florida regions is the ultimate goal.”
“Thoughtful, research-based land protection in the Central and South Central Florida regions is the ultimate goal.”
For UCF, the partnership represents teaching, learning and research opportunities out in the field. Some of the work will include protecting the Kissimmee River Basin in the heart of the peninsula, home to family-run ranches and wide-ranging species like the Florida panther. Conservation Florida is targeting projects that will help protect some of the world’s rarest habitats and species living in Florida’s heartland.
“Our new partnership with Conservation Florida will allow UCF to bring its academic power to the table, and to work with them to expand their efforts to protect Florida’s irreplaceable conservation lands,” said Graham Worthy, Ph.D., chair of UCF’s Biology Department and UCF Coastal’s director.
The team intends to take advantage of the National Center for Integrated Coastal Research (UCF Coastal). UCF Coastal’s research team extends beyond biology to include social scientists, ecologists and economists to provide a three-dimensional picture of human impact on coastal ecosystems.
“We need to find effective approaches that don’t strain our ability to implement them, that work for all stakeholders, and will ultimately result in forward momentum,” said Worthy.
Next steps include developing an advisory board of renowned experts to review ongoing projects research opportunities.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for scientists, advocates, lawyers, government, economists and the nonprofit sector to convene and address the conservation needs in the Central and South-Central Florida regions,” Deen said. “We are thrilled to stand with UCF as the catalyst.”
Originally published here by UCF’s College of Sciences.
Conservation Florida: name change puts greater focus on conservation
“We’re excited about the new name because it clearly represents what we do and where we do it,” said Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s executive director. “The shorter name is more descriptive, straightforward, and memorable.”
Gainesville, Fla., July 30, 2018 — The Conservation Trust for Florida announced today that it will now be doing business as Conservation Florida.
“We’re excited about the new name because it clearly represents what we do and where we do it,” said Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s executive director. “The shorter name is more descriptive, straightforward, and memorable.”
Deen said the name change is part of a broader outreach initiative by the nonprofit to communicate its mission to protect Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations.
Conservation Florida has also updated its mission, vision, and website. It has created new marketing materials with the help of a grant from the Land Trust Alliance.
Conservation Florida's vision is a Florida where protected lands support healthy populations of native plants and wildlife, like the Florida Scrub Jay pictured above. Photo by Chuck Palmer
According to Lisa Gearen, who is the president of the organization’s volunteer board of directors, Conservation Florida is experiencing a time of great transition marked by growth and progress.
Last year, it hired new leadership and recommitted to working on statewide land conservation projects with a focus on large conservation lands and the corridors that connect them. Today, the organization is working on over 30 active projects totaling more than 180,000 acres.
Gearen reflected, “Conservation Florida is proud of its history, and we look forward to a very bright future as an effective, trusted partner in the work of saving Florida, forever.”
Our mission is to protect Florida's natural and agricultural landscapes. It is our hope that protected lands will form a statewide conservation corridor, support the success of working family farms and ranches, and contribute to a healthy economy.
Photo by Carlton Ward.
Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has been instrumental in helping to protect over 30,000 acres throughout the state. More than half of that acreage has been protected during the last five years.
As Conservation Florida grows to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead, it remains an accredited land trust committed to long-term stability, sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.
Project Moving Forward: Cabinet Votes to Protect 1,400 acres in Madison County
1,400 acres added to Sampala Lake land protection project.
1,400 acres added to Sampala Lake land protection project
The Conservation Trust for Florida, a leader in statewide conservation, announced that a second property will be protected this year as part of its Sampala Lake land protection project in Madison County.
Photo by Randy Batista. Lake Sampala, the historical site of San Pedro y San Pablo de Protohiriba on Lake Sampala – one of the five missions established by the Spanish between 1609 and 1655.
State officials voted to fund the purchase of a conservation easement on an additional 1,400 acres of land within the project boundaries, bringing the number of acres to be protected as part of this project to 2,172.
The property, owned by the Adams Ranch, will be protected by a conservation easement, which allows the land to stay in private ownership while permanently protecting its conservation and cultural values. The easement will be purchased by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) via its Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP).
“Adams Ranch is proud to partner with the Florida Forest Service and Conservation Trust for Florida to protect the north side of Sampala Lake and the hub of our company’s beef operations in North Florida. This transaction continues our tradition and the vision of Alto “Bud” Adams, Jr. to work with state and federal agencies to sustain our agricultural operations and natural resources into the future.”
In March, officials authorized the protection of the first portion of this project -- the 772-acre Sampala Lake Ranch, owned by the Koblegard family.
The lake is the historical site of San Pedro y San Pablo de Protohiriba on Lake Sampala – one of the five missions established by the Spanish between 1609 and 1655.
“This will be the forty-fourth easement that DACS has acquired since 2010, which will bring the total acres protected by the Program to approximately 49,081 acres” said John Browne, land programs administrator with the RFLPP. “This addition to the Sampala Lake project continues our tradition of sustaining family-owned agricultural properties that add value to Florida’s large conservation landscapes.”
The property has been used for agriculture, ranching, and forestry for over 80 years. It is now a cattle/calf operation that also contains high-quality wetlands, provides aquifer recharge benefits and extends wildlife corridors.
“Adams Ranch is proud to partner with the Florida Forest Service and Conservation Trust for Florida to protect the north side of Sampala Lake and the hub of our company’s beef operations in North Florida," said LeeAnn Adams Simmons. "This transaction continues our tradition and the vision of Alto “Bud” Adams, Jr. to work with state and federal agencies to sustain our agricultural operations and natural resources into the future.”
“Conservation Trust for Florida is dedicated to safeguarding Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes, and protecting land that supports Florida’s family farms and ranches,” said Traci Deen, CFL’s executive director. “This project completes the Sampala Lake landscape, and in doing so truly protects a piece of Florida history forever. The Sampala Lake project is really something special.”
Sampala Lake is a 115-acre, spring-fed lake that is home to many aquatic species, including large-mouth bass and panfish. It is also used by black bear, deer, coyotes, turkeys, fox squirrels, wood ducks, and various water fowl. It is part of the headwaters of the Econfina River, and it is important for flood control and sediment reduction.
CTF worked with the Adams family throughout the RFLPP process and advocated for funding for the project.
CTF is currently working on 23 projects across the state totaling 180,966 acres.
The Land Protection-Spring Protection Connection
Protecting Florida’s springs is of the highest importance to us and many other national and state-level conservation organizations.
Protecting Florida’s springs is of the highest importance to Conservation Florida and many other national and state-level conservation organizations.
Photo by John Moran
Facts and Figures
Scientists have been monitor-ing some of our largest springs closely for several years, and we now know that protect-ing land in its natural state within both the discharge and recharge areas of a spring is one of the best ways to keep it pure and free from harmful pollutants.
Florida has over 1,000 springs (one of the largest concentrations of freshwater springs on the planet)! Our state’s springs are a huge draw for outdoor enthusiasts including international tourists; and, according to a 2012/13 study by UF IFAS, springs-based recreation activities contribute nearly $85 million to our state’s economy each year. They also provide us with a way to “see” the health of the Floridan aquifer, which is the source of over 90% of Florida’s drinking water.
Current threats to our springs include groundwater pollution from runoff and excessive water withdrawal. Withdrawing groundwater faster than it can be replenished can cause springs to run dry. The springs that have the poorest water quality and declining volumes of daily water discharge are those that are not surrounded by a buffer of protected lands. Helping to protect natural areas like the Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area, the Silver Springs Sandhill property, and Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park are all examples of Conservation Florida’s commitment to protecting Florida’s springs for generations to come.
COnservation Florida in the FL Capitol
Our executive director met with several of Florida’s political leaders during the legislative session to advocate for meaningful conservation funding in the 2018 state budget.
Advocacy in 2018 - Conservation Florida in the Capitol
In addition to providing expertise to facilitate land protection projects, Conservation Florida also engages in education and advocacy efforts in order to achieve its mission and vision.
From January to March, our executive director met with several of Florida’s political leaders during the legislative session to advocate for meaningful conservation funding in the 2018 state budget.
With the legislative session now over, we are excited to report that the 2018-2019 state budget appropriated $100.8 million for land conservation programs, including Florida Forever, Rural and Family Lands, and the Florida Communities Trust. This is a step in the right direction and provides continued hope for a brighter conservation future for Florida.
Looking Back: 2017 in Review
Your generosity in 2017 turned an investment of $240,654 into a conservation impact of over $16 million dollars!
Protection Successes
Through the three 2017 land conservation projects featured below, Conservation Florida facilitated the protection of 5,120 total acres with a total purchase cost of $13,150,00 and an appraised total market value of $16,213,000.
Your generosity in 2017 turned an investment of $240,654 into a conservation impact of over $16 million dollars!
Partnerships
We worked closely with landowners and partners including the Adams and Palaez families, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service, and Marion County Parks and Recreation.
Benefits to the Public
Collectively, these protection successes move us closer to achieving our vision by connecting these newly-purchased lands to other existing protected lands. These connected networks of lands support healthy populations of native plants and wildlife, provide places to recreate and connect with nature, contribute to a strong economy, support the success of working family farms and ranches, and replenish and safeguard Florida’s freshwater supply.
Lands Saved
Adams Ranch Conservation Easement
Acres: 3245
Fair Market Value: $6,165,000
Purchase Price: $5,400,000
Palaez & Sons Ranch Conservation Easement
Acres: 1410
Fair Market Value: $4,230,000
Purchase Price: $3,250,000
Silver Springs Sandhill Land Acquisition
Acres: 465
Fair Market Value: $5,818,000
Purchase Price: $4,500,000
Return on Investment
When compared with the total expenses Conservation Florida incurred to provide expertise and services to facilitate these projects, our ROI ratio was 67:1. In other words, for every $100 donated to Conservation Florida in 2017, we leveraged $6737 worth of conservation value in the land we helped to protect, and every $100 donated resulted in the protection of just over 2 acres!
Your donations to Conservation Florida translated into tangible, positive action. They resulted in significant and measurable progress toward achieving our organization’s mission and vision. And they directly promoted long-term land protection and conservation for future generations.
Conservation Florida’s Total expenses: $240,654
Fair market value of land protection projects facilitated by CTF: $16,213,000
Celebrating Florida's 175th State Park: Gilchrist Blue Springs
Thanks to Florida Forever funding, it is now a new gem in our incredible state park system.
Community Conservation in Action
Officials (including Paula Russo, Traci Deen, Kim Davis, Noah Valenstein, Eric Draper, Kevin Brown, Cliff Maxwell, Gabby Paxton, and Jason Vickery) gathered on Feb. 9 to mark the grand opening of Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park. Photo by DEP
Conservation Florida's executive director Traci Deen was invited to speak at the Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service ribbon-cutting ceremony in February at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park. It was a special opportunity to talk about the connection between conservation and the health of our springs.
Prior to its purchase and protection, this privately-owned property was for sale and was at risk of being closed to the public. Thanks to Florida Forever funding, it is now a new gem in our incredible state park system.
“We commend the state’s efforts to preserve this iconic property and facet of the local community for the benefit of people and wildlife. ”
The 407-acre park contains six natural springs and includes approximately one mile of frontage along the Santa Fe River. As a state park, Gilchrist Blue Springs will continue to offer swimming, paddling, hiking and other recreation opportunities for our state’s residents and visitors.
Visitors jump into Gilchrist Blue, which is a second- magnitude spring that discharges north into the Santa Fe River. Photo by JOHN MORAN
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein highlighted the enormous value of partnerships with members of local, regional, and state communities. As part of CTF's vision, we strive to serve as a trusted community partner to support statewide land conservation and we actively seek projects that help to replenish and safeguard Florida’s freshwater supply.
“In order to protect the water, you must protect the land. ”
Special thanks goes to springs expert Jim Stevenson for sharing facts for this article from his paper “Ten Things Everyone Should Know about Florida’s Springs.”
Project Moving Forward: State Moves to Protect 772 Acre Madison County Ranch
A conservation easement will allow the Sampala Lake Ranch to stay in private ownership while permanently protecting its conservation and cultural values.
Photo by Randy Batista
Gainesville, Fla., March 7, 2018 — The Conservation Trust for Florida (CTF), a leader in statewide conservation, announced today that one of its land projects has been approved by Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet for protection.
A conservation easement will allow the Sampala Lake Ranch to stay in private ownership while permanently protecting its conservation and cultural values. The easement will be purchased by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) via its Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP).
“This will be the 41st easement that DACS has acquired since 2010, which will bring the total acres protected by the Program to approximately 42,276” said John Browne, land programs administrator with the RFLPP. “Sampala Lake Ranch continues our tradition of sustaining family-owned agricultural properties that also have cultural significance and add value to Florida’s large conservation landscapes.”
The property has been used for agriculture, ranching, and forestry for over 80 years. It is now a cattle/calf operation with high-quality wetlands and habitat for wildlife.
It is also the historical site of San Pedro y San Pablo de Protohiriba on Lake Sampala – one of the five missions established by the Spanish between 1609 and 1655.
R.N. (Kobe) Kobelgard, the property’s owner said, “My wife Charlene and I are happy and thankful to know that this land we love and the 15th-century mission site will be protected from development forever.”
“The Conservation Trust for Florida is dedicated to safeguarding Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes, and protecting land that supports Florida’s family farms and ranches,” said Traci Deen,CTF’s executive director. “This project does all of that. More, placing this property in conservation protects a piece of Florida history forever. That's really something special.”
Sampala Lake is a spring fed lake used by black bear, deer, coyotes, turkeys, fox squirrels, wood ducks, and various water fowl. It is part of the headwaters of the Econfina River, and it is important for flood control and sediment reduction.
CTF worked with the Kobelgard family throughout the RFLPP process and advocated for funding for the project. It is currently negotiating a second phase of the project that will save an additional 1,200 acres of land adjacent to the Sampala Lake Ranch.
CTF is a nonprofit land trust that aims to protect Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations. CTF offers expertise to landowners navigating the complexities of land protection transactions. It helps landowners prepare applications for funding and often facilitates the appraisal process and easement negotiations.
With the completion of the 772-acre Sampala Lake/Koblegard conservation easement, CTF has worked with landowners, agencies, and organizations to protect natural and agricultural resources on 21 projects totaling 23,112 acres. CTF is currently working on 23 projects across the state totaling 180,966 acres.
Connecting What Matters
Our work focuses on creating, expanding, and linking conservation hubs throughout the state. This is our best chance to save Florida’s iconic species, protect our drinking water, provide wild spaces to enjoy nature, and keep working family lands, like ranches and farms, in production for generations to come.
“Our work focuses on creating, expanding, and linking conservation hubs throughout the state. This is our best chance to save Florida’s iconic species, protect our drinking water, provide wild spaces to enjoy nature, and keep working family lands, like ranches and farms, in production for generations to come.”
Connecting Lands for Wildlife and People
A view from the Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area. CTF helped protect this 4,900-acre property in 2015. It is now owned and managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District. Photo by Carlton Ward Jr.
Imagine Florida 10, 20, or even 50 years from now. What do you see?
Florida is changing fast. Right before our eyes, farmlands are being converted to housing developments. Forests are being razed, and wetlands are being dredged and paved. Growth and change are inevitable, but we can and must make smart decisions about what lands we choose to protect.
The Conservation Trust for Florida is looking ahead, and there is a lot to look forward to. We know that there is still time to play a meaningful role in shaping Florida’s conservation future. The wild and rural Florida you love is still out there, and we are working to keep it that way.
The key is to continue working at a landscape scale.
What is landscape-scale conservation?
There are many definitions of this complex conservation trend, but, at its heart, landscape-scale conservation is the practice of thinking big. Projects span entire regions — connecting large conservation properties together like a vast jigsaw puzzle. The interconnected properties are owned and managed by various people and agencies that collaborate to achieve specific objectives for that region. We’ve started calling these protected areas “conservation hubs.”
CTF Project: Silver Springs Sandhill, adds 465 acres to Central Florida’s Conservation Hub
The Conservation Trust for Florida finalized negotiations and signed a purchase option with the property’s multiple owners.
This year, we were thrilled to announce the protection of the 465-acre Silver Springs Sandhill property. In January, the Conservation Trust for Florida finalized negotiations and signed a purchase option with the property’s multiple owners. In September, the purchase was finalized with funding from Florida Forever, the state’s primary conservation land acquisition program. John Rudnianyn, one of the sellers, said, “This was the last large undeveloped property located in Silver Springs and was entitled for over 1,800 homes.” Instead of developing the property, which would have negatively impacted Silver Springs and the Silver River, the land is now in the hands of Marion County Parks and Recreation and will be opened to the public. As you can see in the map below, the property connects to Indian Lake State Forest and Marion County’s Coehadjoe Park.
“This was the last large undeveloped property located in Silver Springs and was entitled for over 1,800 homes.”
Springtime in the Forest
There’s nothing like a hike in the woods with friends…
By Cyndi Fernandez, CTF Assistant Director
There’s nothing like a hike in the woods with friends to ease some of the stress and worry of our hectic lives. I had the good fortune to spend some time with a few of your fellow CTF supporters earlier this year at the Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area, and I remember it like it was yesterday.
We couldn’t have wished for a more picture-perfect spring day. Gathered at the parking area off SR 326, an enthusiastic group of nine huddled over JB Miller’s LIDAR map. After much scientific chatter about the hydrogeologic characteristics of the property, Guy Marwick, an ardent environmentalist, brought us back to the reason we were all there – “Let’s walk,” he said.
With that, we hit the trail. As we ambled down a shady dirt road built atop an old railroad grade, the native plant experts among us called out the names of nearby trees. “That’s sweet gum,” chimed CTF intern Emily Hesterman, “… the one with star shaped leaves.” The facts fluttered like a passing swallowtail butterfly. It’s kind of a “weedy tree.” Its amber resin is medicinal. That’s swamp chestnut oak. “It’s a gorgeous tree with big acorns that are tasty to wildlife.”
We all stopped to inspect a high-tech well on the side of the trail. A solar-powered gizmo on top of the well transmits data to scientists at the St. Johns River Water Management District (District). It is one of many such wells used to monitor the level of water in the Floridan Aquifer.
JB, a land resource specialist with the District, led the group. He pointed out the box culverts (aka water cannons) jetting out of deep trenches on either side of the road. Water can gush through them after a rain event at high rates. Flow rates of up to 90+ cubic feet per second have been recorded at the State Road 40 bridge in the last couple of years. He said that’s “about like a first-magnitude spring.”
Naturalists Marcie Clutter and Jim Buckner kept the native plant name game going. The diverse hammock contained a dizzying array of plants with fantastical names – ironwood, dragonwood, crookedwood, devil- wood, innocence, resurrection fern, sparkleberry, deer tongue.
When Jim spotted a passerine nest that he determined had been modified by an arboreal golden mouse, I was sure these were either the most observant naturalists I’d ever met, or they were totally messing with me.
Either way, it was easy to daydream about a time when such an intimate knowledge of nature was integral to our survival.
We paused to admire a lovely oak branch that crossed the path. We marveled at the brilliant green of the spring leaves shimmering overhead. We walked along the dry creek bed, and Emily told us everything we ever wanted to know about frogs.
We made one final stop to see a huge cypress tree before parting ways. It was a wonderful morning. The group’s knowledge, good humor, and passion for protecting our natural world gives me hope for the future. I hope you’ll join us in the future when we venture out onto other lands that CTF has helped protect.
Bud Adams 1926 – 2017: A pragmatic visionary
When it came to conservation, Bud Adams thought not in terms of years but in terms of generations.
When it came to conservation, Bud Adams thought not in terms of years but in terms of generations.
Photo by Randy Batista
“The future of all of us lives in the conservation of our lands, water, and air.”
Most of us can only imagine “Old Florida” but Bud Adams wrote the book on it. In his book “The Old Florida,” he recounts the details of his life and shares his wisdom. He was a Florida Cattleman through and through.
He was also a conservationist. He saw it as his duty to care for his land along with the plants, animals, and people that depended on it. He took special care of employees, treating them like family, “only better.” He bred cattle that thrived in the harsh Florida environment rather than destroying the land to support the herd. He also led the way in protecting thousands of acres of the Adams Ranch before his passing.
When it came to conservation, he thought not in terms of years but in terms of generations. “In 50 or 100 years, we are going to need green space, a clean watershed, clean air, and a food supply. We must act now.”
Lisa Gearen remembers a visit she had with Bud in 2015: “A highlight was a ride we took out on the Fort Pierce property, which is also the site of the family homestead. Bud drove us in his pickup truck over land that he knew so intimately, talking passionately about its history and his stewardship.”
We will always be grateful to Bud Adams for his lifelong love of his “Old Florida,” his generous support of CTF, and for working with us to help his family place agricultural easements on portions of the Adams Ranch. We mourn his passing.