Conservation Florida and Florida Cattlemen's Association Unite to Permanently Protect Land
Photo by Adam Bass
Partnership to Highlight Significant Value of Ranches in Advancing Statewide Conservaton
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Nov. 14, 2023) — Conservation Florida and the Florida Cattlemen's Association are proud to announce a partnership aimed to shine light on the crucial role ranchers play in Florida conservation efforts.
Florida's working lands are a critical piece of the greater conservation puzzle and the Florida Wildlife Corridor vision — a protected mosaic of green land stretching from the Florida panhandle to the Keys. Within the corridor, nearly ten million acres are already protected, but there are opportunities for conservation on eight million more acres.
Photo by Randy Batista
Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson says he supports innovative partnerships like this to protect Florida working lands.
“We’re going to have to be creative about sustaining our momentum,” said Commissioner Simpson. “I believe the way to do it is allowing farmers, the first environmentalists, to take care of that land ... the Cattlemen and Conservation Florida are putting a coalition together . . . to do more of that."
The Florida Wildlife Corridor still exists today because of Florida's working lands. Roughly 3.2 million acres of ranchlands make up about 18% of the existing corridor—and less than 20% of those lands are protected.
Florida's cattle ranchers have served as stewards of millions of acres of Florida land, not only preserving rich ranching history, but contributing to the health and continued existence of Florida's ecosystems. Dating back to the early 16th century when Spanish explorers introduced cattle to the region, cattle ranching is a part of Florida's identity.
"Florida's cattle ranchers have a deep connection to the land," said Pat Durden, president of the Florida Cattlemen's Association. "Partnering with Conservation Florida, and others, underscores our commitment to the environment and our willingness to work with like-minded groups and individuals that understand the importance of working lands. We want the Floridians of today and tomorrow to understand Cows Keep Florida Green."
The partnership will include a campaign that harnesses social media, public outreach, educational programs and joint advocacy — all aimed to reinforce the interconnectedness of ranching and conservation.
"Conservation Florida knows firsthand the power of partnerships, and linking arms with the Florida Cattlemen's Association allows us to combine conservation expertise with their deep knowledge of agriculture and ties to land ensuring thoughtful, meaningful land conservation across the state," said Traci Deen, CEO of Conservation Florida.
"As a lifelong rancher, I always tell people that I was born a conservationist," said Matt Pearce, rancher and Conservation Florida Board of Directors chair. "Ranchers understand the part we play in protecting wild Florida, but it's integral that we share this message far and wide so that our state's natural ecosystems and food security will never be in peril."
Follow @conservationflorida and @flcattlemen on social media for more on this collaboration.
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is a statewide accredited land conservancy working to conserve Florida’s water, wildlife, wild places, and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The organization’s conservation projects support Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, wildlife corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy, and nature-based recreation. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has prioritized strategic and evidence-based land protection and has saved over 32,000 acres of critical habitat.
About the Florida Cattlemen's Association
The Florida Cattlemen's Association (FCA) is a statewide nonprofit organization established in 1934. The FCA is devoted entirely and exclusively to promoting and protecting the ability of cattlemen members to produce and market their products. FCA members represent a multitude of commodities as Florida cattle producers have diversified their operations. The protection of private property rights is paramount in all policies supported by the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. The FCA supports the availability of conservation easements for agricultural working lands to ensure the sustainability of our food and fiber supply.
For More Information, contact:
Frances Nevill, Director, External Affairs + Strategic Communications