The Trust for Public Land announced that another 800 acres of forestland within the Florida Forever Project Wolfe Creek Forest has been acquired and added to the Blackwater River State Forest.

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The Trust for Public Land acquires 800 acres of forestland in Wolfe Creek Forest from ETO II TRS

The Trust for Public Land announced that another 800 acres of forestland within the Florida Forever Project Wolfe Creek Forest has been acquired and added to the Blackwater River State Forest. The acquired property includes frontage on Big Coldwater Creek, which is widely used for kayaking, tubing, and canoeing by community members and furthers a private-public effort to reestablish longleaf pine in its historic range. The Creek is a spring-fed state paddling trail beloved by area paddlers and birdwatchers.

This acquisition will also better naval air base operations, and protect water sources, public recreational activities, bird migration, and habitat for endangered species and other wildlife. The Trust for Public Land purchased the property on September 13th from ETO II TRS, LLC and sold it for $2.15 million to Santa Rosa County, Florida, which will in turn donate to the State of Florida.

The acquisition of Wolfe Creek aids in filling a strategic landscape-level gap of longleaf pine forest. The Florida Forest Service will manage the tract as part of the Blackwater River State Forest by applying sound forest management practices, including the use of prescribed fire. “Planting the right tree species on the appropriate site, such as longleaf pine, and the use of prescribed fire will greatly improve wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire threats and aid in water quality,” said Jim Karels, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service.

The Trust for Public Land will continue working with partners on conservation efforts as future acquisitions remain a top priority.