NFLT Press Release
April 8, 2022
The anonymous grantor has provided $305,000 for the purchase of equipment needed to implement land management plans
Jacksonville, Fla., April 7, 2022 – North Florida Land Trust has received a $305,000 grant from an anonymous source that will be dedicated to building its land stewardship and management infrastructure. This is the largest grant NFLT has received in its history that was not for land acquisitions but instead earmarked for stewardship. The money will be used to purchase equipment that the nonprofit land conservation organization needs to execute its land management plan on the nearly 30,000 acres in its portfolio. NFLT has seen major growth in its land portfolio and this funding will help maintain and improve the ecological processes and functions of the landscape.
“This funding will support our team in purchasing much-needed equipment like a zero-turn mower, tractor, trailer and other landscape management tools to manage the properties that we have preserved and allow us to be more efficient and consistent,” said Jim McCarthy, president of NFLT. “These lands come with some land management challenges as they have unique management needs. This money will allow us to own our equipment to continue our current trajectory of growth while simultaneously allowing us to rehabilitate some of our properties that would expand revenue-generating opportunities like serving as recipient sites for endangered species and timber harvesting. It will also ensure the land we conserve is cared for in perpetuity and will be beneficial to both people and nature.”
Specific strategies to manage the conserved landscapes include restoring tidal wetlands, managing forests for wildlife, planting native trees and shrubs, and managing vegetation to reduce and control invasive weeds and species. NFLT will be able to recreate lost habitats for endangered species and return the land its original and natural state. The grant will also allow the nonprofit to realize significant cost savings and be much more efficient since NFLT will no longer be dependent on external service providers and equipment rental companies.
NFLT owns and manages tens of thousands of acres within the seven counties it serves in Northeast Florida which includes Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns. The properties include a variety of ecosystems including coastal salt marshes, pine forests, cypress swamps and beaches which are all very important to the region’s ecological health and directly affect Florida’s quality of life. The preserved land provides ecosystem benefits including serving as a natural buffer against flooding, helping to protect aquifer recharge areas, and providing recreational opportunities.
About North Florida Land Trust
North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida’s irreplaceable natural environment. Founded in 1999, NFLT has preserved tens of thousands of acres of land through the donation or purchase of land as well as conservation easements. NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with willing landowners and public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations. For more information, visit nflt.org.