LAKELAND, FL, November 19, 2025 – In a major win for Florida conservation, the 21,600-acre Waccasassa Flatwoods Tract has been preserved, creating a critical link in the Florida Wildlife Corridor and protecting essential wildlife habitats, forests, and water resources. Since acquiring the property in 2021, Rayonier has revitalized the land through sustainable forestry practices, replanting native species and upgrading infrastructure to support forest resilience and water quality. Brokered by Saunders Real Estate, led by Founder and Managing Director Dean Saunders, ALC, CCIM, along with brokers John A. “Tony” Wallace, CF, and Greg Driskell, ALC, the transaction highlights how skilled brokers, responsible landowners, and public agencies can collaborate to safeguard Florida’s natural landscapes for generations to come.
The preserved land supports healthy bald eagle habitats and nesting.
Located within the Waccasassa Watershed, the conservation project protects working forests, the Waccasassa River and Bay, and provides an upland buffer for the Waccasassa Bay State Preserve and the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve. The tract is home to iconic Florida species including bald eagles, Florida black bears, gopher tortoises, and swallow-tailed kites, and also preserves remnants of Florida’s historic turpentine industry.
“Florida’s natural lands are facing increased development pressure, and this acquisition demonstrates what’s possible when landowners, public agencies, and brokers collaborate,” said Saunders. “I’ve long supported efforts to protect Florida’s natural heritage, and this transaction helps connect the Florida Wildlife Corridor, safeguard water and forests, and preserve these lands for future generations.”
Before Rayonier’s acquisition in 2021, the Waccasassa Flatwoods Tract had been partially converted to cattle grazing. The company’s forestry team took on a meticulous restoration, carefully reintroducing native species and repairing key infrastructure such as roads and bridges. These efforts not only improved forest health and resilience but also enhanced water quality and accessibility, setting the stage for the tract’s transition into a protected conservation landscape.
“At Rayonier, we pride ourselves on being responsible stewards of our land,” said Doug Long, Executive Vice President and Chief Resource Officer at Rayonier. “We genuinely see conservation sales like this as a true win for both the public good and our company, demonstrating our commitment to doing the right thing for the environment, our communities, and the future of our business.”
These comprehensive efforts have strengthened the site’s environmental integrity, preparing the land for its next chapter as part of the State Forest system and as an important ecological connector for critical wildlife habitats and watersheds.
“Our sustainable forest management practices not only cultivate healthy, productive forests but also enable us to transfer that environmental stewardship to other entities when a property is identified for its unique public conservation value. This helps achieve vital long-term conservation goals in meeting the needs of society,” Long added.
The 21,625-acre Waccasassa Flatwoods acquisition protects working forests and critical wildlife habitat for native Florida species.
The Waccasassa Flatwoods Tract is now part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, an 18-million-acre ecological network linking conservation lands with private working lands, creating critical pathways for wildlife. Nearly 10 million acres within the Corridor are already permanently protected. By adding this property, the State of Florida strengthens ecological sustainability, ensuring that the state’s iconic species, forests, rivers, and wetlands remain intact for the future.
Approved during the March Cabinet meeting, the transaction was made possible through the leadership and collaboration of Rayonier, the State of Florida, and the expert brokerage team at Saunders Real Estate. The deal adds to a growing list of high-impact conservation projects in Florida that protect natural resources while balancing the interests of landowners and the public.
This acquisition reinforces Florida’s commitment to land conservation through the Florida Forever program and highlights the growing role of the Florida Wildlife Corridor in preserving large, connected landscapes amid rapid statewide growth. For Saunders Real Estate, the transaction strengthens its track record of brokering major conservation easements and environmental stewardship deals that protect Florida’s natural resources for generations to come.
Since January 2025, Saunders Real Estate has brokered 56,289 acres valued at $203,759,300 to protect Florida's green infrastructure.
About Saunders Real Estate
Saunders Real Estate is a leading land and commercial real estate brokerage serving buyers, sellers, investors, and landowners across the Southeastern United States for 30 years. With over 100 advisors and offices in major U.S. markets including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, we specialize in large-acreage land transactions, commercial property sales and leasing, and property management.
To reflect our legacy and continued growth, Saunders Real Estate operates through two divisions – Saunders Land and Saunders Commercial. Our expertise spans agriculture, conservation, recreation, residential development, and commercial real estate, supported by specialized services such as forestry, land management, and investment acquisitions.
Today, Saunders Real Estate is recognized as a trusted authority in the region, delivering exceptional results through experienced leadership, innovative strategies, and a client-focused approach.