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By Judy Althaus
Now is a tremendous time to invest in nature. Prices are low on properties that The Nature Conservancy has yearned to buy. Land owners have offered the Conservancy some of Florida’s crown jewels.
To date in 2008, the Conservancy protected 27,159 acres of Florida conservation properties across terrestrial, coastal and freshwater systems.
Nature.org spoke with Jeff Danter, state director of the Florida chapter, about how, despite challenges, 2008 was a fine year for land protection and what 2009 has in store for conservation in Florida.
Nature.org: What is 2008’s biggest conservation success in Florida?
Jeff Danter: The extension of Florida Forever! A Conservancy team advocated for its passage, encouraging both the general population and Florida’s governor, legislators and cabinet. With enthusiastic support, our state’s land-buying program was reauthorized at $300 million per year for 10 more years. Along with the recent passage of Amendment 4, this shows how much Floridians value our unique and vulnerable conservation landscapes.
Nature.org: What are the Conservancy’s primary goals in 2009?
Jeff Danter: It’s important to continue to get funding for conservation land acquisition, especially in these difficult times when the economy has also created great opportunities to buy and protect special places.
Also – due to Governor Crist’s interest in climate change – in 2009 we’ll have the opportunity to affect energy and carbon policies. This will help build a more sustainable Florida, and policies here may impact national and global policy as well.
Finally, the Florida Chapter is creating a new, comprehensive statewide marine conservation program, and launching that will be a huge milestone.
Nature.org: What is your biggest focus with regard to land acquisition?
Jeff Danter: We have several dramatic land acquisition projects in the works right now.* Several are in central Florida, in northeast Florida, and also in the Big Bend area.
We also have wonderful opportunities to protect vast wetland acreage on ranches throughout the greater Everglades watershed, in a manner that will respect and protect the agricultural traditions and economy of that region.
We started 2008 by closing on the 10,000-acre Flint Rock Tract in the Panhandle and are ending the year by protecting a brilliant, 5,000-acre central Florida property that is a way station for the Florida panther. Both of these are important projects because of where they are located, connecting critical wildlife corridors and completing large conservation landscapes. In 2009 we’ll see more of the same.
Nature.org: After more than a year as Florida’s State Director, what big changes have you encouraged?
Jeff Danter: We’ve refocused all of our resources on the most urgent priorities facing natural Florida. We’re protecting and restoring conservation lands that are important in their own right and also buffer existing conservation areas. We’ve made protection of marine habitats a priority – the state of Florida’s coastline is second only to Alaska's in length, and our economy and ecology are extremely dependent upon these areas.
We protect north Florida freshwater rivers, due to their uniquely high biodiversity. And, our natural habitats’ susceptibility to climate change makes energy and climate policy a high priority for the chapter.
Nature.org: How is the current economy affecting the Conservancy’s work?
Jeff Danter: We had a good year, but are going to have to fight for continued government conservation funding. Great pressure is being put on public funds at the federal, state and county levels. At the same time, funding for government agencies responsible for managing conservation properties is being cut, and this will be an increasingly big part of our work.
On the private side, we are challenged to raise money for the Conservancy because our members and donors are feeling the pinch.
Ironically, at a time when all sources of funding are shrinking, some of the best conservation lands in Florida are available at prices that were unthinkable two years ago.
Nature.org: What can people do to help?
Jeff Danter: People need to let their elected representatives know that, even in these difficult economic times, conservation is a priority. This belief was demonstrated by strong support for Amendment 4, but we need to repeat the message again and again. Elected officials are facing tough economic choices, and need our reminders. While conservation may be a relatively small part of a government budget, its benefits are a bargain for Florida taxpayers.
Nature.org: How is the Florida Chapter connected to the Conservancy’s international goals?
Jeff Danter: Florida’s unique economy and social situation connects us to places all around the world. Spectacular birds stop here as they migrate throughout the western hemisphere. We’re an international vacation destination, and a large segment of our human population immigrates to Florida from around the world.
The ocean we share with the island nations of the Caribbean is also of great importance to Florida. That’s why we’ve created something we call the “Caribbean Quest”, building Conservancy support for conservation efforts in the severely threatened waters of our own backyard.
Nature.org: Any concluding thoughts?
Jeff Danter: This is the most exciting moment of our lifetime for conservation. Threats to our planet have never been higher. And yet never has the public consciousness been so awakened, or has there been more opportunity for powerful action.
The Conservancy’s work in Florida is creating a proud legacy for our grandchildren. Maybe our generation’s final bequest will be the creation of a framework for a healthy, sustainable planet.
Judy Althaus is a conservation writer with The Nature Conservancy in Florida.
*Since this interview was conducted, The Nature Conservancy has purchased the 5,135-acre Hatchineha Ranch. Learn more about this important score for conservation.
Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Beth Maynor Young (Perdido River); Photo © Cheryl Mall/The Nature Conservancy (Jeff Danter).
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