The strategy of the SRWMD Governing Board today is the same as when the program began. Then and now the goal is "to acquire as much of the 100-year floodplain of the Suwannee River and its tributaries by way of voluntary sale by owners of large river parcels."

The District's acquisition plan reflects its commitment to preserve and enhance the water resources within its jurisdiction. It outlines the near-term strategy and process for acquiring those remaining lands most important to the protection of our rivers, lakes, wetlands, springs and aquifers.

The management of rivers is a key part of the District's overall mission. The primary benefits associated with the acquisition and management of riverine lands include minimizing flood impacts, protection of water quality, and preservation of natural communities. On a practical level, the 100-year floodplain represents identifiable land area to which specific water resource benefits can be attributed. Large headwater wetlands provide similar benefits and have a large impact on the health of the rivers and streams they feed.

The groundwater aquifers are an especially valuable resource since they supply almost all of the potable water for the District. The ground water is also vulnerable to contamination over much of the District. In many areas, the Floridan Aquifer is unconfined and readily receives inputs through infiltration. In addition, the porous nature of the limestone that holds the Floridan Aquifer allows for innumerable points of interchange between surface water and ground water. The District's acquisition program focuses on those areas where the aquifer is most likely to be affected by conditions or activities on the surface. These include springs, stream-to-sink systems, and municipal wellheads.

There are a number of areas where local governments may need assistance to protect their drinking water supply, complete other water resource development projects, or restore the water resource values to altered hydrologic systems. Acquisitions for these purposes may be considered upon request by a municipal, county, or regional governmental agency.

The District is a leader in the use of conservation easements. These easements are binding agreements that leave the basic ownership of the land with a private party, but permanently restrict development and other management activities on the property.

Where appropriate, conservation easements and other less-than-fee purchases can provide adequate protection at a lower cost to the public. Management costs are reduced and the property remains on the tax roll because the title is still held by the private owner. The District has protected an additional 154,000 acres of water resource lands using this tool.