From wetlands to uplands, from estuaries to pine flatwoods—these landscapes define our region and support our way of life.
Our Mission
To preserve the natural beauty, ecological health, and water quality of Martin County by acquiring and protecting vital lands—ensuring that future generations can experience the same environment we treasure today.
Sales Tax Passed - What Happens Next?
Your Vote Made This Possible
With the passage of the sales tax referendum, Martin County now has the dedicated funding to begin acquiring environmentally sensitive lands. These funds will be used strategically, with community input and expert guidance, to protect our most critical areas before they’re lost to development.
How It Works
The Path To Preservation
Each step is guided by science, community values, and long-term sustainability.
Assess Land Value
Environmental and community importance.
Partner with Owners
All landowners must be willing participants.
Secure Funding
Use local tax + matching grants.
Protect Permanently
Conservation easements or public ownership.
Maintain and Monitor
Ongoing stewardship and community benefit.
Why Protect These Lands?
Because Once They're Gone, They're Gone Forever
- Safeguard Clean Water And Air
- Preserve Wildlife Habitat And Biodiversity
- Prevent Overdevelopment
- Support Outdoor Recreation And Eco-tourism
- Strengthen Resilience To Flooding And Climate Change
Targeted Lands
Where We're Focusing Conservation Efforts
Indian River Lagoon Watershed
27,000 acres
Loxa-Lucie
9,800 acres
Pal-Mar
8,500 acres
Blueways
400 acres
Click Through to Map
Explore The Map
View an interactive map of current priority areas, recently acquired sites, and future opportunities for protection.
How Land Is Acquired and Protected
Every Purchase Follows A Strict, Transparent Process
We work with willing landowners, conservation partners, and local experts to:
- Evaluate Ecological Value
- Negotiate Fair Purchase Or Easement
- Secure Funding (Public And Private)
- Legally Protect And Manage The Land For The Long-Term
Transparency and stewardship are at the heart of every acquisition.
Get Involved
Want To Learn More? Have Land To Nominate? Interested In Volunteering? Reach Out Anytime.
- 2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart, FL 34996
- (772) 288-5400
- landacquisition@martin.fl.us
Partners
Partnering to Protect Critical Ecosystems: CERP, Florida Forever, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and IRL Blueways
This program is made possible through the collaboration of the partners listed below. Their support is critical, as they can provide funding for these acquisitions—helping our tax dollars go further and maximizing the community's investment.
CERP and Martin County
CERP focuses on restoring the Everglades by improving water flow, reducing pollution, and protecting habitats. In Martin County, key projects like the Loxahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers aim to restore natural water systems. The county has supported these efforts by acquiring lands for stormwater treatment, shallow storage, and wildlife corridors. The 2024 sales tax will fund continued land acquisition to complete CERP's goals.
Florida Forever and the Wildlife Corridor
The Florida Forever Program funds the acquisition of important conservation lands, including wetlands and forests in Martin County. The Florida Wildlife Corridor connects these protected areas, allowing wildlife to safely migrate and preventing habitat fragmentation. This corridor is crucial for species like the Florida panther and other endangered wildlife.
Florida Blueways Program
The Florida Blueways Program protects waterways, enhances public access, and conserves habitats. Key Blueways areas in Martin County, including the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon, are vital for water quality, flood resilience, and wildlife protection, while offering recreation opportunities for the community.
Allapattah Flats: A Key Acquisition
Close to 21,000-acres of Allapattah Flats have been acquired as part of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) South CERP project, helping to protect wetlands and improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon. Additional acquisitions are needed to fully restore the Lagoon, and sales tax funding will support these efforts.
Rural and Family Lands Protection Program
The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) is an agricultural land preservation program designed to protect important agricultural lands through the acquisition of permanent agricultural land conservation easements. The program is designed to meet three needs:
- Protect valuable agricultural lands.
- Create easement documents that work together with agricultural production to ensure sustainable agricultural practices and reasonable protection of the environment without interfering with agricultural operations in such a way that could put the continued economic viability of these operations at risk.
- Protect natural resources, not as the primary purpose, but in conjunction with the economically viable agricultural operations.
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