Florida has approved a $6.52 million conservation easement to permanently protect 1,034 acres at Limestone Creek Ranch in Hardee County from future development.
The ranch has supported cattle operations for more than 70 years and was formerly owned by Gov. Doyle E. Carlton. The agreement allows that work to continue: the property supports an average of 300 head of cattle and includes pasture, native woodland and wetlands.
Limestone Creek crosses the property before flowing east to the Peace River. The ranch is also enrolled in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Best Management Practices program, which promotes agricultural practices intended to protect natural resources.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the easement Sept. 29 as part of a broader package of conservation actions. Those measures covered more than 10,770 acres statewide, including more than 2,700 acres in the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor, according to the state.
Limestone Creek Ranch was among more than 4,500 acres of working agricultural land approved for permanent protection through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program uses conservation easements to restrict development while farmers and ranchers retain ownership and continue production.
