Audubon Florida commends Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater for their outstanding leadership in authorizing the purchase of a 1,300-acre conservation easement on environmentally important land in Seminole County. An easement over the Kilbee Ranch will be purchased as a result of their votes in today's meeting of the Florida Cabinet. 

Kilbee Ranch is the last vestige of a pioneering ranch in Seminole County that once spanned 12,000 acres. Urban sprawl has consumed much of that land and land surrounding the remaining ranch. The remaining ranch where the easement will protect land in perpetuity is adjacent to the Big Econ State Forest and in the wildlife corridor that follows the Econlockhatchee River to its confluence with the St. Johns. 

The Cabinet also voted unanimously, with Governor Scott joining in, to purchase a 1,600-acre easement over the JB Ranch in Collier County. This ranchland is important habitat for the Florida Panther and is located just north of the Big Cypress National Preserve east of Naples.

“Audubon Florida fully supports the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service's Rural and Family Lands Program," said Eric Draper, Audubon Florida Executive Director. "We think this kind of easement purchase is just what is necessary to permanently protect Florida ranchland."

To see Audubon's letter to Governor Scott and members of the Cabinet on this issue, please click here.