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.