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 Florida Wildlife Corridor and introduces a new site for public recreation in Northwest Florida.
The land was acquired through the Florida Forever Program as part of the Bear Creek Forest project. The property includes a significant section of the St. Andrew Bay Watershed, contributing to water quality protection and flood reduction in nearby communities. It features various habitats such as longleaf pine forests, wetlands, and floodplains, supporting species 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.”
Once open to visitors, Sandy Creek State Forest will provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and outdoor education. The Florida Forest Service will manage the property to balance conservation with recreation and maintain its role within both the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape and 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 the Florida Cabinet approved this acquisition at 97% of its appraised value during a previous Cabinet meeting.
Florida leads national efforts in land protection through programs like Florida Forever, which focuses on conserving land for environmental protection and public use. Since 2019, more than $1.4 billion has been committed to this program—including $950 million specifically allocated for projects within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. These investments have allowed DEP to acquire over 374,000 acres since 2019; most acquisitions are located within this corridor.
For additional details about land conservation initiatives under this program visit FloridaDEP.gov/Lands.
