To preserve the natural beauty, ecological health, and water quality of Martin County by acquiring and protecting vital lands—ensuring that future generations can experience the same environment we treasure today.
Acres acquired
Raised through the sales tax
State & partner funding leveraged
Voter approval
From wetlands to uplands, from estuaries to pine flatwoods—these landscapes define our region and support our way of life.
With the passage of the sales tax referendum, Martin County now has the dedicated funding to begin acquiring environmentally sensitive lands. These funds will be used strategically, with community input and expert guidance, to protect our most critical areas before they’re lost to development.
Each step is guided by science, community values, and long-term sustainability.
Environmental and community importance.
All landowners must be willing participants.
Use local tax + matching grants.
Conservation easements or public ownership.
Ongoing stewardship and community benefit.
27,000 acres
9,800 acres
8,500 acres
400 acres
View an interactive map of current priority areas, recently acquired sites, and future opportunities for protection.
We work with willing landowners, conservation partners, and local experts to:
Transparency and stewardship are at the heart of every acquisition.
This program is made possible through the collaboration of the partners listed below. Their support is critical, as they can provide funding for these acquisitions—helping our tax dollars go further and maximizing the community's investment.
CERP focuses on restoring the Everglades by improving water flow, reducing pollution, and protecting habitats. In Martin County, key projects like the Loxahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers aim to restore natural water systems. The county has supported these efforts by acquiring lands for stormwater treatment, shallow storage, and wildlife corridors. The 2024 sales tax will fund continued land acquisition to complete CERP's goals.
The Florida Forever Program funds the acquisition of important conservation lands, including wetlands and forests in Martin County. The Florida Wildlife Corridor connects these protected areas, allowing wildlife to safely migrate and preventing habitat fragmentation. This corridor is crucial for species like the Florida panther and other endangered wildlife.
The Florida Blueways Program protects waterways, enhances public access, and conserves habitats. Key Blueways areas in Martin County, including the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon, are vital for water quality, flood resilience, and wildlife protection, while offering recreation opportunities for the community.
Close to 21,000-acres of Allapattah Flats have been acquired as part of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) South CERP project, helping to protect wetlands and improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon. Additional acquisitions are needed to fully restore the Lagoon, and sales tax funding will support these efforts.
The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) is an agricultural land preservation program designed to protect important agricultural lands through the acquisition of permanent agricultural land conservation easements. The program is designed to meet three needs:
Sign up for updates on land acquisitions, community impact, & upcoming conservation efforts.
