A suggested exchange of land in St. Johns County is facing strong resistance from community members and environmental groups. The plan involves a developer wanting to exchange 3,000 acres of privately owned land, located in various parts of Florida, for 600 acres within the well-protected Guana River Wildlife Management Area.

And that proposal has many in the community saying, “Not so fast.”

Residents and activists convened near the preserve on Saturday to express their disapproval. They contend that this transaction threatens one of Northeast Florida’s most environmentally significant and beloved natural preserves.

“I’m feeling devastated,” said protester Nichole Crosby. “When we received this news on Wednesday, I was in complete shock.”

The land in question borders residential neighborhoods, and Crosby says the thought of losing it is personal.

“We have to fight it, whatever it takes,” she said. “I can’t envision it. It would be the land behind my house, behind all my neighbors’ houses.”

The developer advocating for this proposal claims that the swap would significantly boost conservation efforts. They assert that it would lead to a 400% increase in the amount of safeguarded land across the state, contributing to the protection of wildlife habitats in several Florida regions.

But for residents and organizers, it’s not just about numbers — it’s about protecting the specific, biodiverse land that makes the Guana Preserve so unique.

“This is some of the rarest territory and biodiverse areas that we have,” said protest organizer Stacy Strumpf. “For them to suggest swapping it with just a week’s notice? That’s not right.”

Strumpf tells First Coast News that the protest aimed to show state leaders — including Governor Ron DeSantis — how much this land means to the local community.

St. Johns County Commissioner and Chair Krista Joseph also voiced concerns.

“This is our property,” she said. “It’s public land. To build something that shuts off the public, and takes over conservation areas for animals and archaeological digs — that is wrong.”

First Coast News reached out to Governor DeSantis’s office for comment on the demonstration. As of Saturday evening, we have not yet received a response.

A state committee is expected to review the proposal and make a recommendation next week. After that, the decision will go to the governor and his cabinet, who will have the final say.

For now, the future of the Guana River Preserve hangs in the balance — and local voices are making it clear they’re not ready to let it go without a fight.