The District’s Governing Board recently approved the purchase of the C&D Ranch and Rock Bend Ranch conservation easements. The approximately 1,270-acre acquisition will provide four miles of frontage along the west side of the Peace River in DeSoto and Hardee counties.
Where are the property purchases located?
These important acquisitions are located within the Lower Peace River Corridor Project and span the lower basin of the Peace River, incorporating the surrounding tributaries, connected headwaters and floodplain swamps.
Here are some facts about each property:
C&D Ranch Conservation Easement
- Size: 624 acres
- It is located in Hardee and DeSoto counties within the Peace River Valley, which leads to the Charlotte Habor estuary and protects nearly 2 miles of Peace River frontage.
- It consists of approximately 48% wetlands and 52% uplands.
Rock Bend Ranch Conservation Easement
- Size: 647 acres
- It is located adjacent to C&D Ranch to the immediate south in DeSoto County and protects about 2 miles of Peace River frontage.
- It consists of approximately 60% wetlands and 40% uplands.
How are the properties being purchased?
The parcels are being purchased using approximately $7.5 million from the Florida Forever Trust Fund. Florida Forever is Florida’s premier conservation and recreation lands acquisition program, held and managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The purpose of Florida Forever is to fund the purchase of public conservation lands, water resource protection areas, wildlife habitats and outdoor recreation spaces. Since 2000, the state has purchased more than 1 million acres of land with Florida Forever project funds.
How do these acquisitions meet the District’s mission?
The District’s mission is to protect water resources, minimize flood risks, and ensure the public’s water needs are met. These land purchases meet all four of the District’s Areas of Responsibility, which include water supply, water quality, flood control and natural systems.
Why are these land purchases important?
Not only will these acquisitions safeguard regional water resources, but they will also protect rich plant life and moist soil habitats. Additionally, the Charlotte Harbor estuary will benefit from improved water quality. The properties are located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and within 2 miles of other District and state conservation lands.
With the approval of these land purchases, the District continues its commitment to protecting Florida’s water resources and natural systems while supporting the long-term health of the Peace River Basin. To see these landscapes up close, take a virtual tour of the properties and discover the habitats they help protect.