The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board Tuesday approved the purchase of a 20-acre parcel of land located within the District’s Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve. This acquisition will be added to the 142,000 acres protected by the District through ownership or conservation easements within the preserve.
The property, which is located in Polk County on the west side of Rock Ridge Road, is surrounded on three sides by District-owned land.
The parcel is being purchased for $400,000 with funds from the Florida Forever Trust Fund. Acquiring the land is consistent with the District’s Florida Forever Work Plan, which specifically identifies the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve.
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.