Conservation lands support our quality of life and enhance our local economy. They also provide essential habitat for native species and allow water to flow naturally on the surface and to aquifers — cleansing and storing water needed for our water supply.  What can we do to secure the additional conservation land needed to protect critical water and wildlife habitat areas in Florida - especially in light of sea level rise?

The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP) recently held the 2018 Conservation Lands Workshop.  This workshop provided an opportunity for those who work with and are concerned about conservation lands to network and learn more about solutions to issues facing these lands in southwest Florida. Speakers included representatives from the South Florida Water Management District, Lemon Bay Conservancy, National Wildlife Refuge Association, The Trust for Public Land, and more.