Gov. DeSantis approves 6,237 acres of new conservation land

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WINK)— Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis approved funding for the permanent conservation of 6,237.46 acres across four properties within and adjacent to the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

The newly approved conservation lands are located across Highlands, Manatee, and Okeechobee counties, according to a press release. This advances the state's commitment to connecting and safeguarding Florida's natural landscapes for future generations.

Dixie Ranch West, Syfrett Farm & Ranch, Thundercloud Ranch, and LFW Farms are all to be protected through conservation easements funded through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 

The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation celebrates the collaboration and leadership of the landowners, FDACS, U.S. Air Force REPI program, Manatee County, Saunders Real Estate, Brown Land Team, and additional partners who played essential roles in making these opportunities possible.

The Florida Wildlife Corridor is a critical ecological network of 18 million acres that connects existing conservation lands to private working lands, providing a pathway for wildlife to roam and thrive. Nearly 10 million acres are already under permanent protection.

By expanding the protected areas within the Corridor, the state is taking a proactive approach to ensuring the long-term sustainability of its natural resources. The four properties approved for conservation within and adjacent to the Florida Wildlife Corridor include Dixie Ranch West, Syfrett Farm & Ranch, Thundercloud Ranch, and LFW Farms.

Dixie Ranch West is a cow/calf operation in Okeechobee County near the Kissimmee River with a conservation easement of 2,996.66 acres. 

The property provides natural drainage to the south in the Kissimmee River watershed and Lake Okeechobee.

The property consists mainly of open pastures with interspersed wetlands, forested uplands, and woodland pastures. It is close to several other Rural and Family Lands easements, creating a protected agricultural corridor necessary for future generations.

Syfrett Farm & Ranch is a cow/calf operation in southern Highlands County with a conservation easement of 1,014.77 acres. The ranch is located on the west side of Harney Pond Canal, which drains into Lake Okeechobee.

The ranch supports a herd of more than 500 cattle and operates a sustainable cow-calf operation. 

The wetland areas provide valuable ecological benefits, such as water filtration and habitat for local wildlife.

LFW Farms is a cattle ranch in the southwest section of Okeechobee County with a conservation easement of 1,183.66 acres. The property is located less than 3 miles from the Kissimmee River.

The property lies within the high-priority Water Recharge area for the Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee. Approximately 10% of the ranch serves as functional wetlands for the area ecosystem, while the remainder is improved pasture.

All three sites are enrolled in the FDACS Best Management Practices program and are entirely located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. 

These conservation efforts represent a significant step forward in protecting Florida's natural heritage while supporting working agricultural lands.