656 Acres Forever Protected at Longino Ranch

September 6, 2024 | Osprey

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is delighted to announce the permanent conservation of 656 acres at Longino Ranch. Located in eastern Sarasota County, this protection brings the total conserved lands protecting the Wild & Scenic Myakka River to over 130,000 acres. Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP) purchased the conservation easement on July 23, and the land remains privately owned and managed by Longino Ranch. This protection marks the fourth time Ranch leadership demonstrated their commitment to conservation, protecting over 8,400 acres throughout Longino Ranch over the past 22 years.

“It was our honor to help the Longino family build upon their remarkable conservation legacy,” comments Christine P. Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation. “We thank Longino Family Ranch for their continued dedication to protecting natural Florida, and we thank the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners and staff for utilizing the voter-approved Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program to purchase the Longino conservation easement to ensure the permanent protection of this land.”

“We take great pride in protecting and preserving our lands here in Sarasota County,” said Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director Nicole Rissler. “This 656-acre site will continue to provide private cattle grazing for ranchers, while protecting green space and native habitat and expanding existing wildlife corridors.” 

Longino Ranch is situated between SR 72 to the north and annexed lands of the City of North Port to the south. The R.V. Griffin Reserve is adjacent to the east, while the conservation lands of Carlton Ranch and county-owned Carlton Reserve and Myakka River State Park lie to the west. The newly conserved acreage connects to the Florida Wildlife Corridor and expands the network of protected lands across the state. Connecting protected land to create corridors offers safe passage for animals, prevents the isolation of wildlife populations, lowers the risk of inbreeding, and bolsters the overall health and resilience of natural communities. This land also plays a critical role in storing and filtering stormwater, protecting our community from increased flooding and safeguarding the health of our waters.

“The ranching and farming industries are an integral part of Florida’s economy, history, and culture, providing economic opportunities, supporting rural communities, preserving cultural heritage, and contributing to the state’s agricultural diversity and sustainability,” notes Lee Amos, Conservation Foundation land stewardship manager. “Longino Ranch, now in its sixth generation, is an excellent example of how land conservation can benefit ranchers and help ensure a productive and sustainable future for generations to come.”

“At Conservation Foundation we assist landowners in navigating conservation programs and finding opportunities to achieve their conservation and land management goals,” Amos adds. “We’re here to help.”

Landowners interested in learning how land conservation might work for them are encouraged to contact Conservation Foundation by calling their office at 941.918.2100 or completing their online inquiry form at conservationfoundation.com/savemyland.