The state agency wants the dirt to protect existing wildlife and the area's water supply. But the district won't go through with the deal unless Volusia County, where the land is located, shares the $1.5 million purchase cost ($1,078 per acre) with a $750,000 contribution.

Elected Volusia officials vote on the request March 7. The county's money would come from Volusia Forever, a voter-approved property tax specifically designated for land conservation acquisitions. The 1,391 acres are needed to complete the 36,000-acre Volusia Conservation Corridor that runs from Tiger Bay State Forest south to the Brevard and Seminole county borders.

Volusia County staffers working on the deal tell GlobeSt.com on condition of anonymity the commissioners will vote for the acquisition.