The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has completed the purchase of 21,600 acres within the Waccasassa Watershed Florida Forever Project in Levy County. The land has been added to Goethe State Forest.
The acquisition connects existing conservation areas, including Goethe State Forest, Devil’s Hammock Wildlife Management Area, and the Upper Waccasassa Conservation Area. It fills gaps in the Florida Wildlife Corridor and provides continuous habitat for wildlife.
The property includes two tributaries of the Waccasassa River—Magee Branch and Otter Creek—and serves as an upland buffer that protects water quality and flow into the river and the downstream Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve.
Public recreation opportunities on the land include hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Documented species include nesting bald eagles, gopher tortoises, and swallow-tailed kites.
Historic artifacts from Florida’s turpentine industry, including rectangular turpentine pot fragments, are present on the site. The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources has identified potential for additional unrecorded archaeological sites.
The purchase from Rayonier Inc. was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet. Rayonier began restoration work in 2021, including replanting native species. The Florida Forest Service will manage the property as part of Goethe State Forest.
DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert stated the acquisition protects natural landscapes and strengthens the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson stated the expansion demonstrates responsible land management that preserves habitat, protects water quality, and maintains public access.
Rayonier executive vice president and chief resource officer Doug Long stated the company’s sustainable forestry practices supported the transfer of the property for public conservation.
Additional details on the Florida Forever Program are available at FloridaForever.org.
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