The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has acquired 74 acres along Lake Pierce as part of the Catfish Creek Florida Forever Project. This acquisition will expand the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park in Polk County and provide new recreational amenities such as camping, fishing, hiking, and expanded environmental education programs.
“Through Florida Forever, we focus on acquiring properties that deliver the greatest conservation benefit for our state,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “This addition to Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is exactly the kind of strategic investment that strengthens the Florida Wildlife Corridor and gives residents and visitors the opportunity to experience what makes Florida’s natural landscapes so special.”
The preserve currently protects over 8,000 acres of rare habitats including scrub, sandhill, and flatwoods, with six miles of hiking trails. The newly acquired land features more than 6,000 feet of lakefront shoreline and includes existing buildings such as The Ridge Environmental Education and Event Center. These facilities will help improve visitor access and increase resource-based recreation.
“Every Florida State Park offers something unique, and this new addition makes Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park even more remarkable,” said Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher. “The natural lakefront and existing facilities will help us expand recreation and education opportunities while protecting one of Florida’s rarest ecosystems for the millions of people who enjoy our parks each year.”
Florida State Parks contribute significantly to local economies throughout the state. In the last fiscal year, these parks attracted over 28 million visitors, generated more than $82 million in revenue, and had an estimated economic impact of $3.6 billion statewide.
Located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, this property helps protect habitats for species like the bald eagle, Florida scrub-jay, and gopher tortoise. It also supports water quality preservation within the Upper Kissimmee Basin—a key headwaters area for major waterways including the Kissimmee River, Lake Okeechobee, and America’s Everglades.
The acquisition was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet during a previous meeting.
Since 2019, more than $1.5 billion has been allocated to the Florida Forever program, with $950 million dedicated specifically to conserving land within the Wildlife Corridor. This funding has enabled DEP to acquire over 390,000 acres for conservation purposes—90% located inside the corridor.
