Florida Panther PES Pilot Program wraps up enrollment, looks ahead

Photos available

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has successfully completed the first enrollment for the Florida Panther Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Pilot Program. This initiative rewards private landowners with per-acre payments for providing habitat conditions that support panther conservation and landscape connectivity - benefiting both landowners and panthers.

"We're encouraged by the response from landowners and the quality of the habitat enrolled in this program," said Jennifer Goff, Deputy Director of the FWC's Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. "Florida's private landowners are essential for conservation in this state. Private lands provide healthy wildlife habitat and connect conservation lands across the landscape. Our landowners' willingness to support panthers on their properties makes a tangible difference for this critically endangered species."

Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through the America's Ecosystem Restoration Initiative grant, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, and the FWC, the pilot program aims to support Florida panther conservation on private lands, strengthen partnerships with landowners, and contribute to landscape connectivity essential for panther recovery and expansion.

"This is a model for how we can secure lasting solutions for both wildlife and communities," said Andrew Walker, President and CEO of the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. "We're proud to support such an innovative program demonstrating how conservation and private land stewardship can work hand-in-hand to protect wild Florida and its people."

By the close of the application period, the program had received 69 applications representing over 172,000 acres across 14 counties - demonstrating widespread interest in habitat conservation on private lands. Of the 69 applications, 59 met eligibility criteria and FWC staff coordinated with applicants to conduct habitat assessments of those properties.

Based on available funding and a competitive ranking process, 15 properties totaling approximately 40,635 acres of valuable panther habitat were selected for enrollment. Participating landowners will receive annual payments over a 3-year period to maintain or improve habitat conditions that benefit panthers. This first year, the FWC will pay out a total of $519,012 to enrolled landowners.

Enrolled landowners can further support panther conservation by voluntarily submitting photos or videos of panthers on their properties. These submissions qualify for bonus payments through the new Cameras for Panther Conservation project that is part of the Panther PES Program. While participation is optional, roughly 40% of the landowners enrolled to date have agreed to host FWC cameras to monitor for panthers.

Looking ahead, the FWC will continue engaging landowners through outreach and evaluation efforts while monitoring the program's performance and exploring opportunities to expand beyond these initial properties. The FWC will also support public programs that raise awareness of PES initiatives and the crucial role private working lands play in conservation.

Florida residents can also support panther conservation efforts by purchasing a "Protect the Panther" license plate. For more information on the program and future opportunities, please contact program staff at [email protected] or visit MyFWC.com/PESpanther.

[[SHARE_THIS]]