New Florida Refuge to Protect Hundreds of Imperiled Species

The federal government will begin acquiring land in Florida for a new refuge that will conserve habitat needed for the survival of more than 200 species of imperiled fish, wildlife and plants.

A new wildlife refuge and conservation area, the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area, is taking shape in Florida.

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell met with ranchers and private landowners January 9 and announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will begin land acquisitions in the state and purchase of conservation easements from willing sellers for the new refuge later in the month.

“For the past two years, we have worked with more than a dozen partners, including ranchers and other private landowners, to develop a refuge that will conserve one of America’s last grassland and longleaf pine savannah landscapes while preserving the traditional way of life cherished by those who live in this area,” said Jewell.

The new refuge and conservation area will conserve habitat needed for the survival of more than 200 imperiled fish, wildlife and plant species, including the Florida panther, Florida scrub-jay and Florida grasshopper sparrow, USFWS said.

The natural resources and species conservation movement in the United States has a long history, with roots in the mid-19th century. Today, the U.S. National Park System holds the nation’s most valuable wilderness in trust for U.S. citizens for enjoyment by this and future generations.

Above, the Lightsey Ranch, which is within the acquisition boundary of the new refuge.