Little Manatee River — Lower Tract

Jointly purchased by the District and Hillsborough County, this property is significant to the protection of the Little Manatee River, a major tributary of Tampa Bay, and is designated an Outstanding Florida Water. The river is the third largest in Hillsborough County and has a dominating influence on the surrounding area, including the intertidal wetlands of the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve. The lands purchased thus far contain some of the most pristine river frontage remaining in Hillsborough County. Together with the Little Manatee River State Park, six miles of river shoreline have been preserved to its natural state.

The property includes undeveloped uplands and wetlands associated with the Little Manatee River system. The uplands include pine flatwoods, dry prairie, sand pine scrub, mixed hardwood and pine forest areas, and coastal hammocks on numerous riverine islands. The riverine areas range from estuarine to freshwater systems. Conservation of the lands protects the river and its floodplain and wildlife habitat for future generations.