Gopher Tortoise Council recently submitted comments regarding the proposed release of Conservation Easements over Split Oak Wildlife and Environmental Area in Orange and  Osceola Counties, Florida.

The issue is still pending with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) delegating authority for consideration of the release of Conservations Easements to its Executive Director on 12/05/2023 with final approval by Commissioners at some future date, TBA. Gopher Tortoise Council Conservation Committee will be monitoring this project as it pertains to the greater subject of habitat loss and fragmentation of valuable, well-managed public lands being proposed for a major toll road transportation project (the Osceola Parkway Extension by Central Florida Expressway Authority). You can read GTC's comments here.