Florida Conservation Group Partners with Florida ranchers to Protect our Agriculture, Wildlife and Waterater Resources Nokomis, FL — On December 17, the Florida Cabinet approved conservation easements protecting over 10,000 acres in Florida’s Northern Everglades and Kissimmee Valley.  In collaboration with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the Florida Conservation Group (FCG ..read more

Since the 1920s, generations of the Ryals family have called Florida home. They have worked hard on their land surrounding Prairie Creek and developed a deep-rooted connection to Florida’s rich agricultural heritage. This year marks a significant milestone for Ryals Citrus and Cattle, as the family’s cow-calf and watermelon operation east of Port Charlotte proudly ..read more

Commissioner Wilton Simpson’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program Will Match NRCS Funds for Projects in the Region to Double the Investment Nokomis, FL — The Florida Conservation Group (FCG) has been awarded a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project funded by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). With an allocation of more than ..read more

  Oct 23, 2024 Click here to read article on fdac.org TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation announced Cary and Marcia Lightsey, Madeline Mellinger, and Jim Strickland as the 2025 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees. Since 1980, the Florida Agricultural Hall of ..read more

Multi-Year Project Seeks to Improve Cattle and Land Management Florida is home to diverse natural landscapes and resources, including vast expanses of grasslands that serve as host to many of the state’s cattle ranches. The diversity of ecosystems requires striking a balance between Florida’s agricultural productivity and preserving our unique natural resources. An increasingly important means for achieving that balance is ensuring that effective ranchland grazing management strategies play a critical role in maintaining natural and working lands. The group has now partnered with Common Ground ..read more

Renowned Fifth-Generation Florida Cattleman and Environmental Advocate Brings Decades of Experience to Board Florida Conservation Group proudly announces the appointment of Don Quincey to its esteemed Board of Directors. With his wealth of experience and passion for environmental preservation, Quincy is set to make a significant impact on the organization’s mission. As a seasoned advocate for conservation efforts in Florida, Don Quincey brings a unique blend of expertise in environmental policy with a deep-rooted commitment to safeguarding the state’s natural resources. His dedication to foste ..read more

Deer Creek Ranch and Quail Creek Ranch Conservation Easements Receive Approval from Governor and Cabinet at June Meeting   Myakka City, FL — More than 8,500 acres in the Myakka and Peace River watersheds will now be preserved forever thanks to the Florida Cabinet’s approval of two conservation easements at its meeting today. The Florida Conservation Group partnered with the state’s Florida Forever program and cattlemen in two southwest Florida counties to achieve these key purchases.   Conservation easements were approved for 2,649 acres on Quail Creek Ranch in Hardee County and 5,93 ..read more

Region Spans 12 Counties West of Lake Okeechobee, Including Watersheds Critical to Florida’s Water Quality   Myakka City, FL — Today, Florida Conservation Group (FCG) Executive Director Julie Morris joined Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to announce the establishment of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area in southwest Florida.   The Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area will allow the USFWS to work with landowners to secure conservation easements over ecologically sensitive lands, protecting those lands in perpetuity while allowing con ..read more

Understanding programs that promote ranchland conservation through conservation easements.   FCG Executive Director Julie Morris speaks volumes about the necessity of nature and Florida’s land conservation programs in this podcast on Florida Uncut with Mason Gravely. Having preserved thousands of acres with the knowledge and straightforward approach of a wildlife biologist, coupled with a passion for all things natural, Julie provides a compelling case for conservation in this episode.   Listen to the episode.   About Julie   Julie Morris has over 25 years of experience in ..read more

It is critical we protect our timberlands and ranchlands to preserve a connected natural landscape.   The Florida Wildlife Corridor identifies the lands that need to be protected to maintain our native wildlife, watersheds and habitats. Some is already in conservation, but much remains to be done. In the northern part of the state, the vast majority of the Florida Wildlife Corridor is in timberlands. In the southern part of the state, the vast majority of the Florida Wildlife Corridor is in private ranchlands. If we want to preserve a connected natural landscape from south to north F ..read more