A proposed land swap in St. Johns County is drawing fierce opposition from residents and environmental advocates alike. A developer is looking to trade 3,000 acres of private land — scattered across Florida — for 600 acres inside the protected Guana River Wildlife Management Area.

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

On Saturday, protesters gathered near the preserve to make their voices heard. They say the deal threatens one of the most ecologically sensitive and cherished natural areas in Northeast Florida.

“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 behind the proposal argues the swap would ultimately increase conservation — saying the trade would result in 400% more protected land statewide and help preserve wildlife habitats in different regions of Florida.

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.