Upper Shoal River - Florida To Create New State Park In Walton County!

[Mike Jones]

Florida has voted to create the first new state park in seven years. It will be in Walton County in northwest Florida.

The Upper Shoal River Florida Forever project includes 2,483 acres and is pocketed with canopies of long-leaf pines, dense shrubs, and rare foliage like the red pitcher plant and the white-top pitcher.

Newly appointed Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert told DeSantis and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis buying the land would help protect clean water and provide the final linkages for a wildlife habitat corridor.

DEP manages the state parks system. The Upper Shoal land will be the fifth state park in Walton County. It's a region of the state with sugar-white beaches, rare coastal dune lakes, and it's home to imperiled plants and animals. It's the state's first new park since Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park along the Santa Fe River was approved in 2017.

The Upper Shoal project comes in the wake of a public uproar over a now shelved DEP plan to commercialize state parks, including Walton’s Topsail Hill Top Preserve, with golf courses, tennis courts and resort-style lodging.

Plans call to spend $8.4 million to buy land in central Walton County for the state’s 176th state park. The park will connect to a landscape conservation buffer that surrounds Eglin Air Force Base.

The tract includes wooded flatlands, and a slope forest descending to streams that feed the Shoal River. "An Outstanding Florida Water" is a park designation that preserves habitats for the Florida black bear, gopher tortoise and eastern indigo snake.

Park planners said because of its unique landscape, the Upper Shoal provides an opportunity to create a resource-based outdoor recreation destination that offers camping, hiking, and biking along with the expansion of the designated Shoal River Paddling trail.

 

[UpNorth]

Evil DeSantis! I wonder what super sneaky freedom threatening motive is behind such an action.

 

[Jane]

This is very cool. Love Walton County!

 

[bob1]

Evil DeSantis! I wonder what super sneaky freedom threatening motive is behind such an action.

He is getting barbecued in a state park development scheme.

 

[Professor]

@MikeJones, thank you for posting. I lean toward "the more the better" regarding the state acquiring land as long as they make it a traditional type state park, not the golf course, "resort" setup. This park seems to be north of I-10.

I have not been able to find an actual rendition of the boundaries of the park. Nor has anyone else. Wonder why? If the state is making this grand announcement, why not release a nice photo/map rendering?

1. https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/FLDEP_DSL_OES_FF_2024_UpperShoalRiver.pdf
2. Florida acquires 2,483 acres for new Walton County state park

 

[Kurt]

Upper Shoal River State Park - Our Work in FL

Learn more about the Upper Shoal River State Park project and discover the impact of Trust for Public Land’s park and conservation work.

www.tpl.org

What We’re Doing
Creating a new Florida State Park so more Floridians can experience the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of their state.

Our Goal
Conserve important ecosystems in Florida while expanding recreational access for generations to come.

We’re a Coalition of Park Lovers
Our organization is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors.

We were founded in 1972 on the conviction that all people need access to nature and the outdoors, close to home, in the cities and communities where they live. We work with communities to create parks and protect public land where they’re needed most, as a matter of health, equity, and justice.

We’ve protected 4 million acres of land and connected 9.7 million people to the outdoors, and we’re not stopping there.

Once inaccessible to the public, the pristine woodlands and riverfront along the headwaters of the Shoal River and Gum Creek are on the verge of becoming Florida’s newest State Park—soon to be known as the Upper Shoal River State Park.

Nestled in Walton County, just west of DeFuniak Springs and conveniently located off Interstate 10, this stunning landscape will soon offer Floridians an unparalleled outdoor experience. This state park will allow public access, allowing families and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities like paddling, hiking, and fishing in one of northwest Florida’s most serene settings.

Beyond recreation, the Upper Shoal River State Park features diverse habitats that are increasingly rare across Florida, including sandhill ecosystems. It’s also home to five rare and special species, including the gopher tortoise and the eastern indigo snake. Additionally, this land will play a critical role in preserving Florida’s natural heritage and supporting vital military operations, buffering nearby Eglin Air Force Base while enhancing the movement of native wildlife across connected habitats.

With the help and funding support of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Forever Program, Atira Conservation, and the EJK Foundation, we’re ensuring this land remains a sanctuary for both people and nature—today and for generations to come.

 

[Kurt]

Trust for Public Land (TPL) proudly announces the Upper Shoal River Project, a transformative effort to protect 2,491 acres of critical riverfront and woodlands along the Shoal River and Gum Creek. This acquisition, funded through the Florida Forever program, Atira Conservation, EJK Foundation, and the Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation, ensures long-term conservation of the Shoal River’s headwaters while creating new opportunities for public recreation and community connection with nature.

The Shoal River is a vital resource for Northwest Florida, supporting local water quality and feeding into the Choctawhatchee Bay. Preserving this segment safeguards clean water, prevents habitat loss, and protects the region’s natural resilience. The land’s sandhills and steep riverbanks provide a unique landscape where visitors can hike, paddle, camp, and fish while enjoying the scenic beauty of the river corridor.

“Protecting the headwaters of the Shoal River means safeguarding a vital lifeline for local communities and wildlife alike,” said Melissa Hill, Florida Project Manager at Trust for Public Land. “Thanks to Florida Forever and funding partners, this park will not only preserve the river’s ecological integrity but also create a public space where people can immerse themselves in the beauty of Florida’s wild landscapes.”

Since its inception, Florida Forever has been instrumental in protecting the state’s most precious natural resources, ensuring that future generations can experience Florida’s unparalleled landscapes. This program’s support underscores the importance of the Upper Shoal River Project as a cornerstone for regional conservation and public access to nature.

“This acquisition is a big win for conservation, protecting water quality, enhancing wildlife corridors and expanding recreation opportunities in Northwest Florida,” said Bryan Bradner, Acting Deputy Secretary of Land and Recreation Programs, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. “We’re excited to see it become a state park for future generations to enjoy.”

Recreational opportunities at the park, managed by the Florida Park Service, will boost regional tourism and provide a lasting resource for residents to explore and appreciate their local environment.

The project’s conservation value is immense, protecting habitat for rare and listed species like the gopher tortoise and Florida black bear. It also strengthens regional conservation efforts through partnerships with Walton County, Eglin Air Force Base, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. These collaborations not only enhance wildlife corridors but also support the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape, which balances environmental stewardship with military readiness.

About Trust for Public Land
Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,504 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $110 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 9.7 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.