The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has completed the purchase of 12,243 acres in Bay County, which will become Sandy Creek State Forest. This new addition expands the state forest system and the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and will provide a significant site for public recreation in Northwest Florida.
The land was acquired through the Florida Forever Program as part of the Bear Creek Forest Florida Forever Project. The property protects a section of the St. Andrew Bay Watershed, helping to maintain water quality and reduce flood risks in nearby areas. It includes various habitats such as longleaf pine forests, wetlands, and floodplains, supporting wildlife like the gopher tortoise, Florida black bear, reticulated flatwoods salamander, and dark-headed hatpins flower.
“With the creation of Sandy Creek State Forest, we’re not only preserving vital ecosystems and expanding wildlife habitat but also connecting conservation lands from Eglin Air Force Base to Apalachicola National Forest,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “This new state forest will offer meaningful public access while protecting the natural resources that make our state so special.”
Sandy Creek State Forest is expected to offer activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor education once it opens to visitors. The property will be managed by the Florida Forest Service to balance conservation with recreation while supporting its role within both the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape and the broader wildlife corridor.
“When opened, Sandy Creek State Forest will provide new outdoor recreation opportunities for families, sportsmen and nature lovers in Northwest Florida,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “Through the Florida Forest Service’s stewardship of over 1 million acres of state forest land, we’re expanding access to the outdoors while protecting our natural spaces for future generations to enjoy.”
“The Florida Forest Service is eager to add Sandy Creek State Forest to its conservation efforts alongside our stewardship of 38 other state forests,” said Rick Dolan, Director of the Florida Forest Service. “Florida currently has over 1 million acres of state forest land, protecting some of the state’s most valuable natural resources.”
Governor Ron DeSantis and members of the Florida Cabinet approved this acquisition at 97% of its appraised value during a previous Cabinet meeting.
Florida continues its national leadership in land protection programs through ongoing investment in initiatives like Florida Forever. The program aims to conserve land that offers environmental benefits including improved water quality and quantity safeguards; resilience against storms; protection for habitats and species; and expanded recreational opportunities.
Since 2019, more than $1.4 billion has been allocated by the state toward land conservation under this program—$950 million specifically directed at advancing projects within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. These funds have enabled DEP to secure over 374,000 acres for conservation since 2019; about 91% are located inside this important ecological corridor.
More information about current conservation efforts can be found on the official DEP website.
