The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has completed the purchase of 12,243 acres in Bay County, establishing Sandy Creek State Forest as the newest addition to Florida’s state forest system. The acquisition, made through the Florida Forever Program and part of the Bear Creek Forest Florida Forever Project, aims to protect a key segment of the St. Andrew Bay Watershed and expand public recreation options in Northwest Florida.
The newly acquired land will help safeguard water quality and reduce flooding risks for nearby communities. It features diverse habitats including longleaf pine forests, wetlands, and floodplains that support species such as the gopher tortoise, Florida black bear, reticulated flatwoods salamander, and dark-headed hatpins flower—some of which are considered threatened or endangered.
“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.”
Once open to visitors, Sandy Creek State Forest will provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and outdoor education. Management responsibilities will fall to the Florida Forest Service with a focus on both conservation goals and recreational use within the context of larger regional efforts like the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape and expansion of the Florida 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 Cabinet approved this acquisition at 97% of its appraised value during a previous Cabinet meeting.
Florida has invested significantly in land protection through programs like Florida Forever, which seeks to conserve land offering environmental benefits such as improved water quality and resilience against storms. Since 2019, more than $1.4 billion has been allocated toward these initiatives—including $950 million specifically targeting projects within or connected to wildlife corridors—resulting in over 374,000 acres acquired for conservation purposes since that time.
More details about these efforts can be found at FloridaDEP.gov/Lands.
