Florida moves to protect more than 6,000 acres in Myakka from future development
Thousands of acres of land are being preserved in Myakka following a huge land acquisition approval from Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet on Tuesday.
The Cabinet voted to acquire a 559-acre conservation easement and a 5,777-acre parcel of land in the Myakka Ranchlands Florida Forever project. The Manatee County conservation easement, which consists of land surrounding Ogleby Creek, will be used to “expand and buffer diverse habitats, conserve land that is known to have rare plants and animals and protest, restore and maintain the quality of natural functions” in the state, according to the meeting agenda.
Tuesday’s designation as a conservation easement comes with a host of new restrictions for the land, including the prohibition of any trash dumping and the development of homes, businesses or roads.
The larger piece of land is in Sarasota County, east of Interstate 75 in North Port. It will be known as the Orange Hammock Wildlife Management Area. DeSantis says it is the largest piece of undeveloped land in the area, citing the purchase as a necessary action to protect the drinking water supply.
“The protection of our environment and vital water resources is one of the most pressing issues facing out state. Today’s land acquisitions give us another opportunity to address these issues in a meaningful way,” DeSantis said in a statement.
“The protection of Orange Hammock Ranch has been a priority for Conservation Foundation, along with the community for many years,” Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast President Christine Johnson added.
Conservation Foundation has targeted Orange Hammock for years. The group says the land is vital for its Myakka Island Conservation Corridor initiative, which aims to protect more than 8,000 acres in the Myakka River watershed.
Both properties will be managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as well as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The land was purchased using about $23 million in Florida Forever funds. Conservation Foundation has agreed to pitch in $1.5 million toward the Orange Hammock land.
Johnson is also working with the Manatee County Commission to test the waters for how Manatee residents would feel about slightly higher taxes that would help the county pay for its own land conservation purchases.
In a January presentation to county officials, Johnson said her organization is preparing an information campaign to help residents understand the value of land conservation. Organizers hope to have survey results by the end of the month.
In the meantime, the Conservation Foundation is running a campaign to raise $1.5 million by June 1. For more information, visit ConservationFoundation.com.
