FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 5, 2018
DEP's Division of State Lands Hosts 2018 Public Land Acquisition and Management Partnership Conference
~DEP and stakeholders gather to discuss Florida's public land acquisition and management best practices~
 DEP joins stakeholders to host 2018 PLAM Conference
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Division of State Lands hosted the 2018 Public Land Acquisition and Management Partnership Conference (PLAM) in Sarasota, Oct. 1-3, 2018. The three-day conference brought together nearly 250 land managers, public officials, engineers, surveyors, environmental partners and other stakeholders to discuss public land acquisition and management strategies in Florida.
"This conference provided us the opportunity to demonstrate how critical our partnerships have been in Florida's environmental successes," said Secretary Noah Valenstein. "By collaborating with community and environmental partners, we work to complete strategic acquisitions that help protect vital natural resources in perpetuity."
The theme of this year's conference, "OneFlorida," showcased the importance of partnerships in relation to public land management and acquisition, and the future of conservation. Experts shared ideas and success stories on a variety of panels including Data Driven Decisions for Conservation Planning, Working Land and Water Partners, and Coming Together for Conservation. In addition to the educational sessions, attendees were invited to explore some of Florida's natural resources, including Myakka River State Park, Sarasota Bay and others.
Approximately 10 million acres are managed for conservation in Florida, and the
protection of Florida's resources is paramount, requiring partnerships between government, environment advocates, residents and the
business community. Local governments, county governments, state agencies,
military and citizen support organizations all play an important role in preserving's Florida's resources for future generations.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of State Lands is Florida’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship, serving as staff to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund. As such, the division’s role goes far beyond just acquiring lands for protection. It provides oversight for the management of activities on more than 12 million acres of public lands including lakes, rivers and islands. These public lands help ensure all Florida’s residents and visitors have the opportunity to truly appreciate Florida’s unique landscapes.
| 
