(News Service of Florida) Federal wildlife officials will work with private landowners, conservation groups, tribal and government agencies to develop a national 150,000 acre wildlife refuge and conservation area at the headwaters of the Everglades, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Ken Salazar said Friday. “The Everglades’ rural working ranch landscapes are an important piece of our nation’s history and economy, and this initiative would work to ensure that they remain vital for our future,” Salazar said. The plan targets 50,000 acres for potential purchase from willing sellers and an additional 100,000 acres that could be protected through conservation easements and cooperative agreement in the Kissimmee River Valley south of Orlando. The program attempts to improve water quality north of Lake Okeechobee, restore wetlands, and connect existing conservation lands and wildlife corridors to support overall Everglades restoration efforts.