Florida Panhandle

Florida Panhandle (Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Bay, Walton, Leon, and Franklin)

Escambia County Conservation (Pensacola, Goulding, Bellview, Ensley)

Coastal and Marine Conservation

• Cities Involved: Pensacola, Goulding, Ensley.

• Key Efforts:

  • Gulf Islands National Seashore:

    • This national park includes both Florida and Mississippi coastlines, protecting miles of pristine beaches, wetlands, and estuaries. Conservation projects focus on preserving natural habitats, protecting sea turtle nesting sites, and managing erosion.

  • Pensacola Beach Restoration:

    • Beach renourishment efforts ensure the stability of Pensacola Beach and its dunes, improving resilience to hurricanes and protecting marine habitats.

  • Seagrass Restoration:

    • Programs to restore seagrass beds in Pensacola Bay to provide essential habitat for juvenile fish, manatees, and sea turtles.

Wetlands and Habitat Protection

• Key Areas and Species:

  • Big Lagoon State Park (Pensacola):

    • The park is part of a larger effort to protect coastal marshes and estuaries. Restoration work focuses on improving water quality and enhancing fish and wildlife habitats.

  • Pensacola Bay Estuary:

    • Restoration efforts target water quality improvements and habitat restoration, with a focus on reducing pollution from urban runoff.

Santa Rosa County Conservation (Milton, Gulf Breeze, Pace)

Coastal and Marine Conservation

• Cities Involved: Gulf Breeze, Milton, Pace.

• Key Efforts:

  • Navarre Beach Marine Park:

    • Restoration projects focus on protecting the beach and coastal dunes from erosion and storm surge, as well as protecting the nesting grounds of sea turtles.

  • Santa Rosa Sound Restoration:

    • Efforts to restore critical wetlands, which help filter water and provide habitats for birds and marine life.

  • Sea Turtle Conservation (Navarre Beach):

    • Programs monitor and protect sea turtle nests on Navarre Beach, an important nesting ground for loggerhead turtles.

Upland and Forest Conservation

• Key Areas:

  • Blackwater River State Forest:

    • Conservation efforts in the Blackwater River State Forest include managing longleaf pine ecosystems, protecting endangered species like the red-cockaded woodpecker, and controlling invasive species.

Okaloosa County Conservation (Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Destin, Niceville)

Coastal and Marine Conservation

• Cities Involved: Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville.

• Key Efforts:

  • Destin Harbor and Bayou Restoration:

    • Conservation projects aim to restore saltwater marshes and estuaries around Destin Harbor, improving water quality and providing critical habitats for marine life.

  • Henderson Beach State Park (Destin):

    • The park protects barrier dunes and coastal habitats. Restoration efforts include protecting the beach from erosion and ensuring the safety of sea turtle nesting sites.

  • Choctawhatchee Bay Conservation:

    • Conservation projects focus on restoring wetlands and improving water quality in the bay, which is vital for local fisheries and biodiversity.

Wildlife and Habitat Protection

• Key Areas and Species:

  • Eglin Air Force Base:

    • Eglin is home to several endangered species and important wildlife habitats. The base works closely with conservation groups to protect species such as the gopher tortoise and red-cockaded woodpecker.

Bay County Conservation (Panama City, Lynn Haven, Callaway, Mexico Beach)

Coastal and Marine Conservation

• Cities Involved: Panama City, Lynn Haven, Mexico Beach.

• Key Efforts:

  • St. Andrew’s State Park:

    • Protecting vital ecosystems such as coastal dunes, salt marshes, and mangrove forests. Restoration programs focus on recovering habitats damaged by storm surges and human development.

  • Bay County Beach Renourishment:

    • Ongoing efforts to restore and protect beaches along Panama City Beach and other local beaches. Beach nourishment and dune restoration efforts help combat coastal erosion and protect sea turtle nests.

  • Panhandle Coral and Seagrass Restoration (Panama City Beach):

    • Collaborative programs aim to restore coral reefs and seagrass beds, which are vital for fish populations and coastal ecosystems.

Wetland and River Restoration

• Key Areas and Species:

  • West Bay Restoration (Panama City):

    • Efforts focus on restoring freshwater flows into West Bay and managing stormwater runoff to improve water quality and protect fish habitats.

  • Conservation of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin:

    • Collaborative efforts between Bay County, Georgia, and Alabama focus on managing the ACF River system to balance the needs of wildlife, agriculture, and urban areas.

Walton County Conservation (Santa Rosa Beach, DeFuniak Springs, Miramar Beach)

Coastal and Marine Conservation

• Cities Involved: Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar Beach, DeFuniak Springs.

• Key Efforts:

  • Grayton Beach State Park (Santa Rosa Beach):

    • This park protects coastal dunes, salt marshes, and upland habitats. Restoration efforts focus on dune stabilization and sea turtle conservation.

  • Choctawhatchee Bay Restoration:

    • Projects to improve water quality in Choctawhatchee Bay, restore wetland habitats, and protect vital fish and wildlife populations.

Forest and Habitat Protection

• Key Areas and Species:

  • Point Washington State Forest (Santa Rosa Beach):

    • Conservation programs in this area focus on managing longleaf pine forests, restoring habitats for species like the gopher tortoise, and controlling invasive species.

Franklin County Conservation (Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Eastpoint, St. George Island)

Coastal and Marine Conservation

• Cities Involved: Apalachicola, Carrabelle, St. George Island.

• Key Efforts:

  • Apalachicola Bay Oyster Restoration:

    • Apalachicola Bay is known for its oyster populations. Restoration efforts focus on rebuilding oyster reefs and managing water quality to support oyster recovery.

  • St. George Island State Park:

    • The park focuses on protecting coastal dunes, wetlands, and marine life. Conservation efforts include preserving sea turtle nesting areas and dune restoration.

Wildlife and Habitat Protection

• Key Areas and Species:

  • Apalachicola River and Floodplain:

    • This area is home to a variety of species, including the Gulf sturgeon. Efforts focus on preserving the river's floodplain and improving water quality.

Regional Conservation and Collaboration

Panhandle Partnership for Conservation:

• This partnership involves local, state, and federal agencies working together to protect natural areas, promote sustainable land use, and address issues like invasive species and water quality. Collaborative programs span multiple counties, ensuring a regional approach to conservation.

Environmental Education Programs:

• Cities Involved: Pensacola, Panama City, Destin.

• Key Institutions:

  • The Pensacola Museum of Art: Offers programs related to environmental conservation and local ecosystems.

  • The Panama City Beach Conservation Program: Focuses on educating the public about sea turtle conservation, coastal ecosystems, and responsible tourism.

  • The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge: Offers educational programs about local wildlife, including opportunities for visitors to engage in volunteer activities related to wildlife rescue and habitat restoration.

Challenges and Future Goals

Coastal Erosion and Habitat Loss:

• Addressing erosion and habitat destruction caused by development, storm surges, and sea level rise is a major challenge across the Panhandle, with efforts focused on beach renourishment and dune restoration.

Water Quality and Pollution Control:

• Reducing nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff, wastewater, and stormwater is a top priority for many Panhandle counties to protect both marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Climate Change and Resilience:

• Given the vulnerability of the Panhandle to hurricanes, sea-level rise, and other climate impacts, future conservation efforts will focus on improving resilience, especially in coastal and wetland areas.