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 state forest is part of the Bear Creek Forest Florida Forever Project and was acquired through the Florida Forever Program. The addition expands the Florida Wildlife Corridor and provides a new location for public recreation in Northwest Florida.
The land protects a significant section of the St. Andrew Bay Watershed, contributing to water quality protection and flood reduction in nearby communities. It includes various habitats such as longleaf pine forests, wetlands, and floodplains, supporting wildlife 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.”
When open to visitors, Sandy Creek State Forest will provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and outdoor education. The property will be managed by the Florida Forest Service to balance conservation with recreation within both the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape and the broader 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 meeting.
Florida leads national efforts in land protection through programs like Florida Forever. Since 2019, more than $1.4 billion has been allocated to this program—including $950 million dedicated specifically for expanding the Wildlife Corridor—enabling DEP to acquire over 374,000 acres for conservation since that year; about 91% falls within this corridor.
For more information about the program visit FloridaDEP.gov/Lands.
