Clamming Operation 390x260Hard clam aquaculture is a growing industry in the Big Bend region. Photo by UF IFAS.

Reports Available For Download

Here are the full technical report, Demographic, Economic, and Growth Initiative Analysis:  Big Bend Region of Florida, and the summary Opportunities for Growth:  A Summary Economic Analysis of Florida's Big Bend Region.  Both provide additional ideas for growing the natural resource industry while sustaining the natural resource base.  The technical report features detailed demographic and economic analysis of the area as well as potential funding resources and programs to support future opportunities for growth.  

For more information, contact Kendra Briechle at kbriechle@conservationfund.org or 703-525-6300.

Our Role

In contrast to the theme parks and built up coastlines around the Sunshine State, the Big Bend region is reminiscent of Old Florida. Dubbed the “nature coast,” this largely undeveloped spot in northern Florida has some of the state’s most heavily forested areas and also includes the state’s largest aquatic preserve. The Conservation Fund completed a comprehensive analysis of the Big Bend’s economy, which demonstrated the importance of natural resources. As a result, we launched the Big Bend Seed Grant program to help implement projects that sustainably capitalize on the natural resources of the Big Bend to spark economic opportunity.

Why It Matters

In its inaugural round, the Big Bend Seed Grant program awarded $85,000 to five projects in the Big Bend that support the forestry industry's need for workforce development, ensure sustainable and productive fisheries with oyster reef rehabilitation and spotted sea trout harvests, and facilitate nature-based tourism through a new shellfish trail and wildlife watching opportunities.