Preserve Martin County's natural beauty and resources for future generations by nominating land for protection through the Martin County Land Acquisition Program.
Partner Info
Partnering to Protect Critical Ecosystems:
CERP, Florida Forever, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and IRL Blueways
CERP and Martin County
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.
Florida Forever and the Wildlife Corridor
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.
Florida Blueways Program
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.
Allapattah Flats: A Key Acquisition
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.
Rural and Family Lands Protection Program
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:
- Protect valuable agricultural lands.
- Create easement documents that work together with agricultural production to ensure sustainable agricultural practices and reasonable protection of the environment without interfering with agricultural operations in such a way that could put the continued economic viability of these operations at risk.
- Protect natural resources, not as the primary purpose, but in conjunction with the economically viable agricultural operations.
Stay
Connected.
Stay Informed.
Sign up for updates on land acquisitions, community impact, & upcoming conservation efforts.
