Florida Cabinet Approves New Land Purchases To Address Flooding In Southwest Florida

Credit LHatter / Courtesy of The Everglades Foundation

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Courtesy of The Everglades Foundation

The Florida cabinet approved a pair of land purchases Tuesday that it says will aid in efforts to manage water retention in Southwest Florida.

Part of the $13 million purchase approved by the cabinet allows The Department of Environmental Protection to buy 670 acres in Charlotte County. This land will provide the public with recreational opportunities like hiking and wildlife exploration.

The agency says, this purchase along with another one in Collier County, are key to an ongoing hydrologic restoration project in the region.

“This effort will result in the creation of a storm water management system that allows for the return of water flow to its historic westward direction and thereby reducing flooding not only on the Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management area, but also on the surrounding land,” said DEP Secretary Jon Steverson.

DEP will also purchase 620 acres in Collier County, to help strengthen the link between three conservation areas-- the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve and National Audubon Society’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

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