While these activities have affected particular sites, much of Eglin remains relatively untouched. Since receiving control of the property, Eglin has cleared some lands necessary for defense missions, while reforesting other areas. Since 1978, the primary focus has been to reestablish the historically dominant longleaf pine to areas where it had once been found. Eglin's present resource management goal is the continued protection, maintenance, and enhancement of native plant and animal species communities. To meet this goal, Eglin has set guidelines for forestry, fire and pest management, recreation, wildlife, and threatened and endangered species.
Emphasis is on managing ecosystems rather than individual species of plants or animals.
An ecosystem can be a very small unit, such as a decaying log and its inhabitants. A larger, more complex ecosystem includes all living and non-living elements that form a pond or a pine forest. By managing ecosystems, Eglin can best preserve the complex, natural relationships that benefit the entire spectrum of species. Inventory Eglin works cooperatively with other federal agencies, the State of Florida, and interested private organizations. One of these private organizations, the Nature Conservancy, is a national non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of plants, animals, and intact ecosystems.