The Myakka Ranchlands was a “Florida Forever” priority project through joint land acquisition by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, acting as the County’s land acquisition agent, submitted the application for “Florida Forever” funds and negotiated the acquisitions with ranch owners. These partners worked closely for over three years to realize the goal of protecting the Myakka Ranchlands. This acreage is important for habitat conservation, watershed protection and public outdoor recreation. 

The Walton Ranch acquisition that closed in July 2010 includes the County’s purchase of the 3,760-acres that creates a conservation corridor linking environmentally sensitive land in Sarasota County to District protected land in DeSoto County. The District contributed “Florida Forever” funds to acquire a conservation easement over the ranch to further safeguard water supplies and water quality. The purchase creates an ecological corridor that provides regional connections for wildlife, including the endangered Florida panther. 

The Longino Ranch conservation easement on 3,980 acres that closed in August 2010 expands a previous 3,420-acre conservation easement on the Longino Ranch. The District and Sarasota County jointly acquired both conservation easements to provide natural flood protection, recreational opportunities and connection between the Walton Ranch and the District’s RV Griffin Reserve in DeSoto County. Protecting these lands enhances the ‘Myakka River Island’, which now encompasses more than 106,000 acres, making it larger than 22 National Parks in the United States. 

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast led the negotiations culminating in both the Walton Ranch purchase and Longino Ranch conservation easement. A recreational trail easement on the Longino Ranch will provide connections for a regional trail. This future ‘River to River’ trail will provide public access to a 36-mile trail – from District lands at the Peace River to Myakka River State Park – for hiking, nature walks, horseback riding, bird watching and educational study. 

Sarasota County and the District have partnered on eight acquisition projects using funding provided by Sarasota County’s voter-approved Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program and the District’s Land Acquisition Program. We welcome you today to recognize the partnerships that achieved this significant conservation project. By working together, we are protecting land for wildlife, water, habitats and recreation that will benefit everyone. These lands will provide opportunities for eco-tourism and nature education for generations.