Upper Shoal River State Park | Photo: Lauren Yoho
WALTON COUNTY, Fl — (12 March 2025 | Trust for Public Land)
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.