Home / Environment / Florida Ranch Spared Development: $12.9M Deal Protects 5,610 Acres
Florida Ranch Spared Development: $12.9M Deal Protects 5,610 Acres
26 Oct
Summary
- 5,610 acres of Florida ranch protected from development via conservation easement.
- State approved a $12.9 million deal to preserve Hendrie Ranch's agricultural operations.
- Easement allows cattle, hay, and timber harvesting to continue on the property.
A 5,610-acre segment of Florida's Hendrie Ranch will remain free from future development following state approval of a $12.9 million conservation easement. This agreement, secured on December 17, 2024, as part of the state's Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, preserves the working ranch while allowing its agricultural activities to persist. The land, located in Highlands County, was purchased at approximately $2,300 per acre.
The conservation easement ensures that Hendrie Ranch, managed by the family for over 65 years, can continue its cattle, hay, and timber operations. The property, situated on the southern Lake Wales Ridge, is a crucial component of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Its diverse habitats, including wetlands and native Florida ecosystems, support numerous wildlife species and contribute to a broader conservation landscape.
This initiative exemplifies Florida's strategy to protect agricultural lands from conversion while supporting ongoing farming and ranching. A portion of Hendrie Ranch had previously received protection through a 2022 conservation easement. The recent agreement further shields the property from development, maintaining its economic productivity and ecological significance, serving as a model for preserving farmland and wildlife habitat.
