State and Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast Work Together for Historic Land Conservation

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces the permanent protection of the 5,777-acre Orange Hammock Ranch in Sarasota County, within the city of North Port. Conserving Orange Hammock Ranch has been an environmental priority for decades, critical to the region’s drinking water supply and providing vital habitat for threatened wildlife.  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) will manage the ranch as a wildlife management area (WMA) with eagerly anticipated public access. 

In February, the Florida State Cabinet voted to purchase Orange Hammock Ranch contingent upon Conservation Foundation’s pledge to raise part of the funds.  Florida Forever funds contributed $19.5 million, and Conservation Foundation raised $1.5 million to complete the purchase. Conserving Orange Hammock Ranch has been a major priority for Conservation Foundation since its inception 17 years ago. The Foundation succeeded in getting this property added to the Florida Forever list in 2013, and worked to build public and political support since then.

“Land conservation must be a cornerstone of our environmental initiatives. The Orange Hammock acquisition is critical because it protects 5,777 acres of natural, pristine Florida habitat and represents the largest undeveloped property left in Sarasota County. The Department is proud to be a partner in this project that will protect this ecologically diverse tract for future generations,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein.

President of Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast Christine Johnson stated, “This is a significant moment for land conservation. The community stepped up without hesitation to raise the final $1.5 million needed. We are grateful and humbled by the support, receiving more than 750 gifts of all sizes from across the region. Our deep gratitude goes to the Felburn Foundation; the Floyd C. and Flo Singer Johnson Foundation; Gulf Coast Community Foundation; James Ericson; Bob and Joan Geyer; Skip and Jan Swan; Steinwachs Family Foundation; The Gardener Foundation; The Jelks Family Foundation, Inc.; Tom and Gwen Watson, and two anonymous donors, who all made leadership gifts.”

The ranch is located on the north side of Interstate 75 within the City of North Port. It connects RV Griffin Preserve with the Longino Preserve through about six miles of shared boundaries, and increases the 120,000-acre buffer surrounding the Myakka River and strengthens the connection between the Myakka and Peace Rivers. Immense volumes of rainfall collect on the property and feed the Snover Waterway and RV Griffin reservoirs, both of which are critical sources of North Port’s clean drinking water.

The property is also nearly pristine, with natural areas in better condition than many public lands. Over 200 wetlands are intermixed with pine flatwood, globally-imperiled dry prairie and other native habitat. Given this location and exceptional natural condition, the conservation of Orange Hammock Ranch will have sweeping benefits for regional connectivity, water quality, public recreation, and wildlife habitat.  This vast land is home to quail, indigo snake and the Florida black bear. Importantly, the property is connected with 120,000 acres of protected land, making it viable habitat for Florida panther, which are now breeding in nearby Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area.