FIA Enhances Florida Wildlife Corridor with Strategic Land Sale
Deal News | Jun 17, 2025 | Forest Investment Associates L
Forest Investment Associates (FIA) has agreed to sell 12,243 acres from the 95,573-acre Bear Creek Timber Company forest to the Florida Forever Program. This transaction is part of a major conservation initiative focused on permanently protecting over 85,000 acres within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The conservation effort, supported by partnerships with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Forest Service, and other organizations, aims to safeguard vital ecosystems and biodiversity. The area supports species such as the gopher tortoise and the Florida black bear and is crucial for water resource protection. FIA has managed this property since 2004, emphasizing sustainable forestry and habitat restoration. This sale represents a successful alignment of conservation goals with positive investment outcomes for the institutional investors FIA represents.
Sectors
- Conservation and Environmental Services
- Forestry
- Private Equity
Geography
- Florida, USA – The land sale and conservation efforts discussed in the article focus on regions within Florida, specifically Calhoun, Bay, and Gulf counties.
Industry
- Conservation and Environmental Services – The article discusses the sale of land for conservation purposes, engaging multiple stakeholders to protect vital ecosystems in Florida.
- Forestry – The transaction involves a working forest managed as part of FIA's sustainable timberland portfolio.
- Private Equity – FIA, a private equity firm, is facilitating this deal as part of its investment management for institutional clients.
Financials
- 12,243 acres – The portion of land sold from the Bear Creek Timber Company to the Florida Forever Program.
- 85,000 acres – The total area targeted for protection within the Florida Wildlife Corridor Project.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Investment Associates | Selling Company | Company | A private equity firm focused on forestry investments, managing the Bear Creek Timber Company forest. |
| Bear Creek Timber Company | Target Company | Company | The working forest entity within FIA’s portfolio from which the land is being sold. |
| State of Florida | Buyer | Government | The buyer of the land for the Florida Forever Program, collaborating with FIA. |
| Florida Department of Environmental Protection | Partner | Government | A government agency involved in the conservation initiative. |
| Florida Forest Service | Partner | Government | Responsible for managing the land post-transfer to ensure its conservation. |
| Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation | Partner | Charity | Supports the conservation efforts within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. |
| Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape Partnership | Partner | Other | A collaborative partner in the land conservation efforts. |