Florida Legislature Moves To Protect Ag Lands

The newly signed H.B. 7087 by Florida Gov. Rick Scott is meant to streamline the management structure for Babcock Ranch, a 74,000 working ranch in Southwest Florida purchased by the state and Lee County in 2006. The ranch represents an approach to land management that is intended to be self-sufficient, operating at no cost to the taxpayer. Revenues from the working agricultural operations will fund the land management, natural resource conservation, and public recreation. The streamlined management is intended to produce efficiencies and budget savings that will allow the state to expand the currently limited public recreational opportunities available on the property. The Babcock Ranch Advisory Group will continue to allow the community around the ranch to stay involved and have input on activities at Babcock.

The bill also will allow the department to work with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to develop best management practices for wildlife on agricultural lands. This would be similar to a two-decade partnership with this department and the Department of Environmental Protection to implement best management practices for water quality on agricultural lands. In addition, the legislation modernizes practices and programs at the department by removing statutes, organizations, reports and councils that are obsolete. Changes are expected to yield $400,000 in savings annually.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement after the signing of H.B. 7087: “This legislation will help us improve the management of public lands and better protect Florida’s land, water and wildlife. I appreciate the support of Gov. Scott, as well as Sen. Bill Montford and Rep. Halsey Beshears, whose leadership helped this bill pass unanimously in both the Florida Senate and House.”