FREEPORT – A special ribbon-cutting ceremony held Thursday featuring representatives from the Northwest Florida Water Management District, The Nature Conservancy, and Walton County celebrated the continued preservation of more than 2,000 acres within the delta of the Choctawhatchee River.
The ceremony marked the official acceptance of 2,295 acres The Nature Conservancy donated to the District. The parcel is located in Walton County east of Choctawhatchee Bay and encompasses the majority of the Choctawhatchee River delta.
“The Nature Conservancy has been a generous partner to the District for many years, and this donation will allow us to continue to preserve and protect this parcel which is so important for the overall health of the Choctawhatchee River and Bay,” said Gus Andrews, a member of the District’s Governing Board who represents Walton County. “We are grateful to TNC not just for this donation but for continuing to partner with us to protect the natural resources of northwest Florida.”
Originally acquired by TNC in 1980, the parcel is comprised of brackish and freshwater marsh systems and floodplain forest.
“The growth we’re experiencing in Florida can be good for our economy and communities but brings the challenges of safeguarding water quality, sourcing drinking water, and maintaining our way of life, especially up here in real Florida,” said Greg Knecht, Florida executive director of The Nature Conservancy. “That’s why collaborating with entities like the Northwest Florida Water Management District, which is always a phenomenal partner, is critical to protecting special places like these almost 2,300 acres of pristine northwest Florida.”
Now that the transition of ownership is complete, District staff will begin regularly inspecting the property to ensure the estuary and natural marsh system is not impacted by dumping or illegal structures. District staff will also address any issues that may arise from the presence of non-native or nuisance plants and animals.
Because this parcel was donated to the District, an appraisal was not required. The District and TNC shared costs associated with an environmental site assessment of the property as well as a boundary map and acreage certification. The District paid closing costs which included a title exam, title insurance, recording fees, and a documentary stamp tax.
