Public News Service

After public backlash, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has rescheduled meetings to discuss developing golf courses and other amenities in state parks until the week of Sept. 2, 2024. (Pixabay)

Controversial FL state park development meetings postponed

In a rare unifying and bipartisan rebuke, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has postponed tomorrow's meetings to discuss a …

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection proposes adding more amenities and lodging to nine Florida state parks. (Adobe Stock)

Florida’s hidden agenda: Developments in state parks spark public outcry

Many Floridians online are expressing concerns over the DeSantis administration's surprise proposal to add golf courses, pickleball courts and lodges …

Red areas on the map show regions more likely to have wildfires. (Wildfire Risk to Communities)

New map reveals high wildfire risks for Florida amid heat wave

By Claire Carlson for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collabo…

From Alabama to the Everglades, the Florida Wildlife Corridor is a superhighway of interconnected acres of wildlands, working lands and waters. (FAU/FWC aerial view)

FL Wildlife Corridor study reveals role in climate resilience, population growth

As the Sunshine State grapples with rising temperatures and escalating weather events such as hurricanes, a new study sheds light on the pivotal role …

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is the headwaters of the Suwannee and St. Marys rivers. The swamp's wildlife, cypress forests and flooded prairies draw thousands of visitors each year. (Moultrie Creek/Wikimedia Commons)

Environmental Groups Fight to Stop Mine Near Okefenokee

Environmental groups are calling on Georgia's Environmental Protection Division to reject permits to build a titanium mine near an intact freshwater w…

Salt marshes are coastal wetlands rich in marine life. They sometimes are called tidal marshes, because they occur in the zone between low and high tides. (FWC)

Multi-State Conservation Plan to Protect Salt Marshes

Conservation groups along several states on the East coast stretching from North Carolina to northeast Florida are working through a plan to conserve …

The decades-long project to restore the historic Kissimmee River was completed in 2021. (Screenshot of aerial tour via South Florida Water Management District)

A Call to Prevent Future Mistakes with "Wild and Scenic" Rivers

It took about $1 billion to restore Florida's historic Kissimmee River to its natural state and U.S. Rep. Darren Soto - D- Kissimmee - wants to keep …

The Sentinel Landscape proposed in the Florida panhandle is one of the largest in the country and the second in Florida. (Sentinellandscapes.org)

Conservation, Military Join Forces to Preserve FL Panhandle

A new project in the Florida panhandle is ensuring military readiness while conserving one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Federal …

On Florida's northwestern Gulf coast, the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve supports 664 jobs and generates $46.4 million, including $15.1 million in labor income. (NOAA/Wikimedia Commons)

Report: Apalachicola, Other Estuarine Reserves Help Power Local Economies

APALACHICOLA, Fla. - A system of little-known public lands protecting sensitive coastal habitats generates significant economic impacts for local …

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act includes protection of birds such as the Florida scrub jay. (VvAndromedavV/Wikimedia)

Conservationists Decry Trump's Rollback of Migratory-Bird Protections

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Conservation groups are expressing outrage over the Trump administration's rollback of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The …

Pensacola's Project Greenshores at sunset. (Photo: � Erika Nortemann/The Nature Conservancy)

Living Shorelines: Natural Defense to Storms

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Back in September, as Hurricane Sally battered Florida's panhandle with a deluge of rain and high winds, some locals said their …

Josephine Spearman, education coordinator for the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve near Jacksonville, Florida, holds Indy, an eastern indigo snake, while filming an educational video for teachers and students to use during the COVID-19 quarantine. (Guana Tolomato Matanzas NERR)

Visit Virtually: Popular Parks, Attractions Adjust to COVID-19

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- While the coronavirus pandemic has altered many travel plans, a number of attractions are offering an interactive virtual …

Panthers are solitary, elusive animals that are rarely observed in the wild. Fewer than 200 Florida panthers remain in their wild habitat today. (Wikipedia)

Groups Sue to Protect Florida Panther from Deadly Road Projects

TAMPA, Fla. - Conservation groups filed a lawsuit yesterday against state and federal agencies over road-widening projects in the middle of Florida's …

Exploratory oil drilling applications submitted by two out-of-state petroleum companies to drill in Gulf and Calhoun counties have received approval by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (Pixabay)

Florida Conservation Groups Fight Onshore Drilling Expansions

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Faced with strong bipartisan opposition to offshore drilling, some oil companies are finding success by tapping deeper into …

The intent of the 2001 Roadless Rule has been to provide lasting protection for inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest system, including several forests in Florida. (Pixabay)

'Roadless Rule' Sees New Threats to Keeping Wild Places Wild

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Trump administration wants to reverse a nearly two-decade rule in order to allow more logging in Alaska's Tongass National …

Treasured places in Florida, such as the Florida National Scenic Trail, benefit from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. (USFS)

New Congress Poised to Protect Public Lands

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Congress is poised to pass landmark legislation that could ensure the future protection of some of Florida's most precious …

A prolonged case of red tide and algae blooms along the Florida coast is killing off animals as small as tiny fish and possibly as large as whale sharks. (Joe Monin/Flickr)

Environment, Public Lands Take Spotlight in Fla. Midterm Election

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Toxic green algal blooms have triggered a tide of barbs from some candidates placing Florida's environment at the forefront …

For 52 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has protected national parks and open spaces, including the Florida Everglades. (Everglades National Park/Daniel Miguel)

Latino Communities Rally Support for Public Lands

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The growing chorus of advocates calling on Congress to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund now includes Latino …

Algal blooms happen annually in Florida, but this summer blooms affecting the Gulf of Mexico and Florida�s Lake Okeechobee are having a devastating impact on tourism and the environment. (Pixabay)

Red Tide Continues to Harm Florida’s Coasts

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Harmful algae blooms on Florida's southwest coast have killed wildlife and steered away beach-goers since late last year…

The Land and Water Conservation Fund helps support and protect places like Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and hundreds of other projects across the state. (Francis Storr/Flickr)

Calls Mount to Save Land and Water Conservation Fund

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Time is running out to renew the federal fund that has supported conservation and recreation projects across the U.S…

The Land and Water Conservation Fund has invested more than $1 billion to protect Florida�s outdoor places, protect water resources, increase sportsmen's access and build local parks. (Big Cypress National Preserve/Wikimedia Commons)

Veterans Call on Congress to Reauthorize Funding for Public Lands

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Some U.S. veterans are urging members of Congress to permanently reauthorize and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund…

In the budget year that begins July 1, $100 million from the Land Acquisition Trust Fund will go toward the Florida Forever land-acquisition program, which has been unfunded in past years. But at least $160 million will be spent on agency overhead. (Pixabay)

Judge: Legislature Wrongly Diverted Money Meant for Conservation

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In a blow to the legislative branch, a judge in Tallahassee has ruled that Florida lawmakers wrongly diverted money meant …

The Land and Water Conservation Fund, which helped create Gettysburg National Military Park and other iconic military history sites, is set to expire Sept. 30. (Pixabay)

Veterans Call on Congress to Protect "Lands of the Free"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As Americans observe Memorial Day, more than eight thousand veterans from across the nation have signed a letter urging …

Florida's national parks face a $262 million backlog of deferred maintenance. (Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve/National Park Service)

FL Leaders Meet at Timucuan to Urge Funding For National Park Repairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida's many beautiful parks provide tourist attractions and boost the state's economy. But the state's 11 National Park …

$Anti-fracking groups say Florida's aquifer and the soluble limestone foundation make the state even more vulnerable to damage from fracking. (Pixabay)$

Activists Plan Rally for Fracking Ban at Capitol

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bipartisan group of lawmakers and conservation advocates is expected to host more than 200 anti-fracking activists during …

The health of the Apalachicola ecosystem is the subject of a lawsuit. (Florida Department of Environmental Protection)

Lawsuit Filed Over Management of Apalachicola River and Bay

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Spanning three states and ending in the Gulf of Mexico, the Apalachicola ecosystem is one of the most significant in the …

Conservation advocates urge Floridians to come together for the sake of the environment. (MGDboston/morguefile)

Conservation: Chance For Bipartisan Action, Healing

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – With the dust beginning to settle on election 2016, conservation groups say now is the time to get to work on what should …

Opponents of a proposed pipeline across Florida, Georgia and Alabama are hoping to halt its construction with a lawsuit. (ReubenGBrewer/Wikimedia Commons)

Groups File Suit to Block Fracked Gas Line through Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A controversial plan to build a $3 billion gas pipeline through the heart of Florida has hit a snag, as three groups have …

Dedicated funding for Everglades restoration projects has been 16 years in the making. (Fred Ward/Wikimedia Commons)

FL Residents, Wildlife Breathe Easier with Everglades' Cash Injection

MAITLAND, Fla. – Conservation groups are praising the Florida Legislature's $200 million funding for projects in the Everglades. Everglades …

Scientists say despite some headway for the species, habitat loss and population growth continue to threaten the Florida black bear. (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

Groups Want Protections for Florida's Black Bears

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - While state wildlife officials say Florida's black bear population is on the rise, a coalition of scientists believes more needs …

$Critics say legislation to allow fracking in the state is moving too quickly. (Ostroff Law//Wikimedia Commons)$

Doctors to Lawmakers: Slow the Rush to Frack

TAMPA, Fla. - State senators are poised to vote on a bill that would roll out the welcome mat for fracking operations statewide, despite grave …

Floridians will mark the opening day of the 2016 legislative session with a series of rallies across the state. (Damien Filer/Progress Florida)

Activists Ready to "Awake The State"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - As lawmakers prepare to return to the capitol this week, hundreds of people across the state want to make sure their voices are …

Opponents of bear hunting held a vigil near Orlando on Sunday as part of efforts to stop future hunts. Credit: Adam Sugalski

Bear-Hunt Opponents Vow to Fight On

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The fight to save Florida's black bears will go on, as defenders of the bears say after last month's controversial hunt…

The environmental group Speak Up Wekiva is going to court today to stop Florida's first bear hunt in 21 years. Credit: John Staton/iStockphoto.

Animal Advocates in Court to Stop Bear Hunt

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Wildlife advocates are going before Florida's 2nd Judicial Circuit in Tallahassee today to ask Judge George Reynolds to …

Protests began this weekend and culminate today against St. Augustine's 450th birthday celebration. Activists want an old fort and prison, the Castillo de San Marcos, torn down. Credit: Resist 450 Coalition

Indigenous Rights Advocates Protest Augustine 450 Celebrations

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - Advocates for the rights of indigenous peoples are protesting today in St. Augustine because the city is reenacting the landing…

The public can weigh in this week on proposed restrictions on tourists swimming with endangered manatees at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Citrus County. Credit: Durden Images/iStockphoto.com.

Even Manatees Need Their Space: Proposal to Restrict Public Contact

CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. – The public can weigh in this week on strict new rules to limit the number of people who can swim with manatees at Three …

Emissions from power plants continue to contribute to hazy skies and the effects of climate change. Being a sea level wetland, the Everglades stands to enjoy the most immediate benefits of the president's new Clean Power Plan. Credit: David Parsons/iStockphoto.com

Clean Power Plan Likely to Improve Everglades Air Quality

FLORIDA CITY, Fla. – Environmentalists say Florida's national parks will enjoy considerable benefits from President Obama's new Clean Power …

A new poll says hunters and anglers support expanding the Clean Water Rule to smaller tributaries. Credit: bissel/iStock

Poll: Hunters and Anglers Support Clean Water Rule

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Hunters and anglers support restoring the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Rule to smaller headwaters …

An egret rests in a marsh in the Everglades. A Florida real estate company has filed for a permit to build an exploratory oil rig on land it owns near Miramar. Credit: Floridastock/iStockphoto.com.

Group Vows to Fight Everglades Oil Drilling

Tallahassee, FL - Activists are blasting the idea of drilling for oil in the Everglades - after a longtime Florida firm, Kanter Real Estate, filed …

An algae bloom on Christopher Creek exemplifies Florida's water quality issues, even as the state's attorney general is choosing to fight the EPA over clean water rules. Credit: Earthjustice.

Florida Fights EPA on Clean Water Rules

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida's State Attorney General Pam Bondi is getting the state involved in clean water lawsuits lately and conservation groups …

University of Florida research has found the state's rare frosted elfin butterfly population is threatened by controlled burns if those fires are not managed properly and holistically. Credit: Matt Thom, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Controlled Burns Threaten Rare Florida Butterflies

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Controlled burns could wipe out rare north Florida butterflies if they're not done with insect habitat in mind, according …

Turtles and many other species suffered in the 2005 BP oil spill. BP announced an $18.7 billion settlement Thursday. Florida's share is $3.25 billion. Credit:NOAA.

Florida to Get $3.25 Billion in BP Settlement

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida conservation groups say the BP settlement announced Thursday is a big step forward giving certainty that the funding will …

PHOTO: The future of the endangered Florida panther will be discussed at a meeting in Sarasota on Tuesday. Photo credit: Florida Panther Net.

Defenders of Wildlife Calls on Florida to Recommit to Panther Recovery

SARASOTA, Fla. – The public is invited to weigh in on the future of the Florida panther at a meeting of the Florida Fish and Wildlife …

PHOTO: Florida activists are decrying a move to use money earmarked by voters to expand and restore conservation and recreation lands to instead pay the expenses of existing agencies previously covered by the state's general fund. Photo credit: Chuck Marshalsea/Morguefile.

Florida Budget Deal Angers Environmentalists

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Environmental groups are reacting angrily to Tuesday's news of a budget deal in Tallahassee that spends far less on …

PHOTO: Florida's conservation community says state lawmakers are ignoring a deadline to purchase land owned by the U.S. Sugar Corporation to be used for a new reservoir to keep polluted water from reaching the Everglades. Photo credit: Elle Randi/Morguefile.

"Big Sugar" Getting a Sweet Deal from Florida Lawmakers?

HOMESTEAD, Fla. - With the passage of Amendment One in the November election, Florida now has the funds to protect the Everglades and the state's …

PHOTO: The famed River of Grass is seen in this depiction, Everglades57(js) by Jerzystrzelecki. Restoring the Everglades is one of Florida's top environmental priorities, says Gov. Rick Scott. Photo credit: Jerzystrzelecki, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons.

Everglades Restoration: A $5 Billion Reality?

MIAMI, Fla. – Conservation groups are celebrating some progress in the longstanding battle to restore the Florida Everglades. In November…

Photo: The number of monarch butterflies migrating through Florida are decreasing, according to conservationists. Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Something is Aflutter with Florida's Butterfly Population

ST. MARKS, Fla. - Florida neighborhoods will be invaded by Halloween costumes of all sorts on Friday, including the ever-popular butterfly costume…

PHOTO: Saturday marks the 42nd anniversary of the Clean Water Act, and the EPA is currently accepting public comments on a proposal the agency says would strengthen protection of streams and wetlands. Photo credit Lou Kellenberger/Florida Wildlife Federation.

Happy Birthday Clean Water Act: Legislation Turns 42 Saturday

TAMPA, Fla. – This Saturday marks the 42nd anniversary of the Clean Water Act. Before the legislation was put in place, only one-third of the …

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FL: Public Lands/Wilderness