- January 10, 2025
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Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the purchase of 1,335 acres identified as a high priority for acquisition by the Volusia County Council.
Adjacent to the county's Deep Creek Preserve, the property represents an expansion of the preserve and will provide residents and visitors with 9,395 acres to explore and enjoy. The land, which lies in the Volusia Conservation Corridor, also known as the "wild heart of Volusia," is a key addition to the county's conservation efforts.
The purchase by the state for $18.5 million signifies a substantial investment in conservation within the heart of Volusia County through the Florida Forever program. The Volusia Conservation Corridor plays a critical role in protecting the region's biodiversity and maintaining the ecological health of the county. The acquisition will also help preserve an essential water filtration area that supports the broader environmental health of Volusia County.
"I want to thank the governor and cabinet for their collaboration and investment in our award-winning Volusia Forever program," said County Manager George Recktenwald. "Our strategic approach to partnership development and engagement has allowed us to leverage $7.2 million in local Volusia Forever funds with $25.3 million from our partners to purchase a total of 5,536 acres since 2021."
Volusia County will receive an additional contribution of $20 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Conservation Partnership Program to conserve farmland within the county. Under the leadership of Recktenwald, over half of the acreage purchased since 2021 conserves and protects the natural floodplain. This cost-effective green infrastructure approach to flood damage reduction is a critical component of providing a long-term solution to flooding in Volusia County.
