BARTOW, FL — Approximately 991 acres of agricultural land in Polk County will be permanently preserved through two conservation easements purchased for a combined $7.195 million, with Polk County contributing $750,000 toward the acquisitions.
Polk County and the State of Florida collaborated on the purchases through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The easements prevent future development while allowing farming, ranching and other agricultural operations to continue.
The largest property is the approximately 916-acre G-3 Ranch, where the easement was purchased for $6.45 million, including $500,000 provided by Polk County.
About half of G-3 Ranch consists of natural Florida habitat, including slash and longleaf pine forests. Creeks and waterways on the property flow into the Peace River. The remainder consists of pasture and citrus groves that are being transitioned to strawberry and watermelon production.
The second property is the approximately 75-acre David and Elizabeth Hunt cattle ranch. Its easement was purchased for $745,000, including $250,000 from Polk County. The property is primarily pasture and includes wetlands connected to Gator Lake and Lake Pembroke.
Both properties are enrolled in Florida agricultural Best Management Practices and are located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. County officials said the partnership allows agricultural operations to continue while permanently protecting the land from development.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
