The Florida Legislature is currently in special session to finalize the state budget after failing to reach an agreement during the regular session.
Throughout this process, Sierra Club Florida has urged lawmakers to prioritize the conservation investments Floridians overwhelmingly support to protect our lands, wildlife, waters, and state parks, including:
- Dedicating at least $500 million from the Land Acquisition Trust Fund (LATF) for Florida Forever conservation land purchases;
- Investing at least $100 million annually to repair and maintain Florida’s State Parks; and
- Protecting funding for the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Unfortunately, these priorities continue to be ignored, and legislators are now proposing to divert $1.5 million from the Florida Wildlife Corridor to purchase less than two acres of isolated, flood-prone land for a small local park project in Okaloosa County.
While local projects should certainly be considered through the normal budget process, this proposal does not align with the purpose of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Fund and should not come at the expense of statewide conservation priorities.
Time is running out, and we need to make it clear to our lawmakers that Floridians want real investments in conservation – not political games with funds meant to protect our natural resources.
Add your voice NOW to tell your legislators: Protect Florida’s conservation funding in the state budget, and invest in a better future for our natural lands, wildlife habitats, and state parks!
