The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board Tuesday approved the purchase of a perpetual conservation easement for a 300-acre parcel of land located within the District’s Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve. This property will be added to the 142,000 acres protected by the District through ownership or conservation easements within the preserve.
The conservation easement is being purchased for $1.125 million with funds from the Florida Forever Trust Fund.
The property, which is owned by Andrew and Marion Barnes, is located in Pasco County at the north end of Puckett Road. This parcel is irregular in shape and almost entirely surrounded by District-owned land and the Little Everglades Ranch, which is also under a District conservation easement.
Under this conservation easement, the owners have agreed not to build any more homes or other structures. They also agreed to follow the District’s guidelines to preserve the wetlands and uplands.
The conservation easement will enhance the District’s ability to manage the adjacent land, and protect and maintain the water quality and natural functions of the land and wetlands system. In addition, the conservation easement will help protect Florida’s diverse species and natural communities.
The Green Swamp region consists of 870 square miles (560,000 acres), of which more than 260,000 acres have been protected through public ownership and conservation easements. Due to its large size, relatively undisturbed nature and diversity of natural habitats, the public lands within the Green Swamp are recognized as one of the most significant natural areas remaining in the state of Florida, second only to the Everglades in terms of native wildlife and public outdoor recreational opportunities.
The Green Swamp is also one of the state’s most significant water resources. Four major rivers flow from the swamp. Also, its unique topography aids in flood protection and acts as a natural filter to provide quality water. The natural systems within the Green Swamp provide diverse ecosystems and habitats for an array of wildlife.