Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) announced the purchase of 40 acres near Ichetucknee Springs that the nonprofit identified for protection in 2021.  

Located in Columbia County and called the Big Tree 40, the property is in the Ichetucknee Trace, a section between Lake City and the Santa Fe River, and just north of the Ichetucknee Head Spring. The land falls within several mapped focus areas: Ichetucknee Springs Priority Focus Area, the Santa Fe Basin Management Action Plan, and the Ichetucknee Springs State Park Optimum Boundary.   

“ACT Staff observed little to no invasive plant species during site visits and incredible old growth,” said Tom Kay, ACT executive director, in a press release. “Its protection creates better connectivity, as well as reduces future development and agricultural pressures on the river and its springs.” 

The property contains 25 acres of hardwood forest and 15 acres of planted pine. ACT plans to restore the property and perhaps open a portion for passive recreation, like with its other conservation tracts.  

Funding for the purchase came from Atira Conservation, individual donors and a private foundation.