Unlock $1.7M in Land Management Funding—Workshops for North Florida Owners!

Flagler County, Florida - Florida’s stunning natural landscapes are a treasure, but they need some help to thrive. A recent announcement from the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) sheds light on an exciting opportunity for property owners in North Florida to secure a portion of the $1.7 million available in federal funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This initiative, which aims to bolster land management practices, is an important touchstone for the future of conservation in the state.

NFLT is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to conduct workshops designed to assist landowners in navigating the application process. The workshops will be held in Clay and Flagler counties, specifically targeting those in the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor (O2O) and the Corridor to Coast (C2C) areas. As NFLT President and CEO Allison DeFoor put it, this program “offers crucial support to land management efforts,“ helping ensure Virginia’s rich biodiversity is preserved while enhancing landowners‘ engagement with sustainable practices.

Workshop Details and Registration

The upcoming workshops are scheduled for:

• July 16 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Clay County University of Florida Extension Office in Green Cove Springs.
• July 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the UF Extension on Sawgrass Road in Flagler County.

Landowners interested in attending should reach out to NFLT directly at (904) 557-7985 or via email. It’s a golden opportunity to tap into vital resources that not only improve the land but also contribute positively to the surrounding environment.

Aside from these workshops, local residents should know that the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service provides financial assistance aimed at enhancing soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitats, as reported by the USDA. Their various programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), are designed to support conservation practices beneficial not just to landowners but to the community at large.

Broader Conservation Initiatives

Another organization worth noting is the Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT), which is accepting applications for its Forest to Gulf and Lake to Lagoon RCPP Projects. They will also host a webinar on July 8 at 1 PM ET to discuss these opportunities in detail. Interested individuals can contact ACT at (352) 373-1078 or email info@alachuaconservationtrust.org for more information.

The interconnectedness of these conservation efforts speaks volumes about the collaborative spirit emerging among land trusts in Florida. Alongside the NFLT’s initiatives, programs that assist landowners with invasive species control, conservation planning, and habitat management are becoming increasingly available, as highlighted by the updates from the University of Florida’s initiatives for land stewardship. Florida Land Steward emphasizes the importance of engagement from landowners in conserving the environment and promoting biodiversity.

As the summer deepens, Florida’s landowners have a unique chance to play a critical role in shaping the health and sustainability of their lands. With education, resources, and funding at their fingertips, there’s something to be said for seizing this moment and getting involved. For those looking to enhance their land management practices, now is the time to pick up the phone and reach out to the North Florida Land Trust or other local conservation organizations. Your piece of Florida’s heritage deserves it!