717-Acre Wakulla Caves is officially protected
Conservation Florida and its partners announce the protection of this special 717-acre property near Tallahassee.
Tallahassee, Fla., Nov. 22, 2019 — One of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, Wakulla Spring, gained added protections today thanks to joint efforts by the Florida Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Conservation Florida. The 717-acre property known as Wakulla Caves is now a part of the Wakulla Springs State Park.
“With the thoughtful stewardship of the Ferrell family, who has owned the parcel since the 1870’s, the tract has remained in a largely natural state and is a perfect complement to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park,” said DEP Division of State Lands Director Callie DeHaven.
“After more than 20 years of working with state agencies, Conservation Florida brought a renewed sense of optimism and understanding to negotiations that finally resulted in a deal,” said owner John Ferrell. “I couldn’t be happier for the legacy of my family than to have the amazing water resources of this property in public ownership.”
Conservation Florida successfully negotiated the acquisition of Wakulla Caves, secured a purchase agreement, worked with partners to obtain funding, advocated for its protection before the Florida Cabinet, and is thrilled to announce its permanent protection.
“This is a big win for Florida and Wakulla Springs,” said Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s executive director and CEO. “Wakulla Caves is a North Florida gem that protects freshwater resources, offers world-class scuba diving and recreational opportunities, and solidifies a conservation corridor with key habitat for native plants and wildlife. We’re proud to have worked with our partners to protect it.”
The protection of the Wakulla Caves property helps create a landscape-scale conservation corridor between Apalachicola National Forest and Wakulla Springs State Park.
The acquisition of Wakulla Caves is a part of a larger strategy to save land within the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone Florida Forever project.
The total purchase price of the property was $4.2 million, with $2.54 million committed toward its acquisition by the USDA Forest Service through the Forest Legacy Program, which ranked the Wakulla Caves property at #6 in the nation for funding during its 2018 fiscal year. To complete the acquisition, the remaining funds were provided by the State’s Florida Forever program, as approved by Governor DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet in July.
“After more than 20 years of working with state agencies, Conservation Florida brought a renewed sense of optimism and understanding to negotiations that finally resulted in a deal. I couldn’t be happier for the legacy of my family than to have the amazing water resources of this property in public ownership.”
“I am extremely proud of our team and their efforts to secure over $2.5 million to protect the Wakulla Caves property, one of the top ranked projects in the nation,” said Jim Karels, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “It is through the Forest Legacy Program and with strong partnerships that we can continue to prioritize the protection of Florida’s unique natural spaces.”
“The Wakulla Caves Forest project is an opportunity for the Forest Legacy Program to help protect an important underground water resource with a unique recreational use of cave diving. There is no other Forest Legacy project quite like this one in the nation,” said Michael Murphy, Forest Legacy Program manager for the Southeast, “and this USDA Forest Service Program conserves over 2.7 million acres of environmentally important forests”.
Wakulla Springs is a National Natural Landmark and one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. The land supplies essential aquifer recharge benefits to the Wakulla Springs springshed and the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve.
Aerial view of Wakulla Springs courtesy of Friends of Wakulla Springs.
Acquisition of Wakulla Caves protects at least 13 karst sinks found on the property. The sinks provide entry into a vast underground cave and tunnel network accessible only from the Wakulla Caves property, making it a world-class cave diving destination.
The protection of this property is key to creating a landscape-scale conservation corridor between Apalachicola National Forest and Wakulla Springs State Park. It is located two miles north of Wakulla Springs State Park, and it will significantly benefit the spring headwaters.
In addition to its rare water features, Wakulla Caves has habitat for species found only in the region, including the Woodville Karst cave crayfish. It is also home to longleaf pine ecosystem species such as the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, and Southeastern fox squirrel.
Divers exploring Meetinghouse Cavern, one of nine karst sinks located on the property. Photo by: Andreas Hagberg
The Woodville Karst cave crayfish are only found in the Wakulla-Leon Sinks Cave System.
Our work in the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone isn’t done! Other parcels are vulnerable to development. Your support enables us to continue our work to protect land above the underground conduits that are essential to the long-term preservation of Wakulla Springs.
Check out the video below of Meeting House cavern, which is one of over 13 karst sinks found on the Wakulla Caves property.
