Florida has permanently protected nearly 1,500 acres of working ranchland in Manatee and Highlands counties through conservation easements totaling $8.7 million, according to an announcement from Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
The agreements cover Mossy Island, a roughly 420-acre cattle operation in Manatee County, and the approximately 1,046-acre Florida Commission Company Ranch in Highlands County. The easements prevent future development while allowing the properties to remain in agricultural use.
Mossy Island received a $4 million conservation agreement, including a $500,000 contribution from Manatee County. The ranch borders Myakka River State Park to the west and the Myakka Prairie Conservation Easements to the south. State officials said development is projected along its northern boundary by 2040, citing University of Florida projections.
Florida Commission Company Ranch is protected through a $4.7 million rural land protection easement. The Highlands County property raises cattle on pasture and natural areas and grows hay for use on the ranch.
Both properties are within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and participate in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Best Management Practices program. The state says the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program pays landowners to restrict future development without ending farming or ranching operations.
The program was created in 2001. Florida has protected more than 253,000 acres of farmland through it, including nearly 188,000 acres during Simpson's administration, according to the department.
