DEP's Division of State Lands Hosts 2019 Public Land Acquisition and Management Partnership Conference 

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 3, 2019

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP's Division of State Lands Hosts 2019 Public Land Acquisition and Management Partnership Conference 

~DEP and stakeholders gather to share strategies and showcase strength in partnerships~

PLAM

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Division of State Lands hosted the 2019 Public Land Acquisition and Management Partnership Conference (PLAM) in St. Augustine, Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2019. 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 has proven how our partnerships have been vital to the environmental success of our state," said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. "By collaborating with community and environmental partners, we are able to complete strategic actions that help further protect Florida's precious natural resources."

The theme of this year's conference, "Strength in Partnerships," showcased the importance of collaboration 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 Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve and Anastasia State Park.

Approximately 10 million acres are managed for conservation in Florida requiring partnerships between government, environment advocates, residents and the business community. Local and county governments, state agencies and citizen support organizations all play an important role in preserving 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.