The Florida House and Senate voted on the state’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year last week.
The budget includes teacher pay raises and a larger investment in education from state lawmakers.
However, Eric Draper of the Audubon Society said lawmakers weren’t as generous with money for conversation land through the state’s Florida Forever Program.
“Some of the types of projects that we are really concerned about – such as springs and wildlife habitat—won’t necessarily be protected under this particular program,” Draper said.
Most of the money set aside is going to buy property next to ranches and military bases in order to create a buffer from commercial property.
Gov. Rick Scott requested $25 million for the conservation program – the Florida House and Senate allocated $10 million for it.
