The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board Tuesday approved a land management plan for the Conner Preserve, which will provide a variety of recreational opportunities for the public.
The Conner Preserve encompasses 2,980 acres in central Pasco County and consists of a variety of habitats including wetlands, pine flatwoods, cypress domes, freshwater marshes, mixed uplands and improved pasture. The preserve also contains the headwaters of Five Mile Creek.
The District’s 10-year land use and management plan for the preserve describes the condition and special management needs related to the protection of the property’s water resource values, natural systems and wildlife found there.
The plan also includes public recreational uses that are compatible with the natural resources of the site. Recreational uses available at the preserve will include hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, primitive camping, wildlife observation, geocaching, interpretive uses, nature study, outdoor nature photography, picnicking and trail running.
The property is now open with limited access while the District finishes marking the trails and the other infrastructure needed to accommodate recreation. This work should be complete within the next few months. The property entrance is located off State Road 52, just east of U.S. 41.
The District acquired the preserve in 2003 as part of District’s annual Florida Forever Workplan. The land was primarily purchased for preservation of natural systems, groundwater recharge, water quality, flood protection and passive recreation. However, the preserve also functions as a key wildlife corridor that connects other publicly owned lands in Pasco County.