TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — 16,000 acres have been acquired for conservation in DeSoto and Hardee counties.
Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet invested more than $56 million to acquire seven properties across the state that will be designated for conservation. The seven parcels total nearly 20,000 acres, more than 98% of which are within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a recently designated network of connected lands that are crucial for wildlife habitat.
A conservation easement will cover 11,958 acres within the Horse Creek Ranch Florida Forever Project in DeSoto and Hardee counties. The Southwest Florida Water Management District is purchasing a conservation easement over Carlton Horse Creek Ranch’s remaining acreage, which will bring the total easement acreage to more than 16,000. The property is located in the Peace River Basin and will help to ensure the continued protection of the area’s drinking water supply. It also supports the area’s tourism industry and local commercial and sport fishing industry.
