Florida protects 1,034-acre cattle ranch in $6.52m conservation deal
The state of Florida has approved a $6.52 million conservation easement to protect the 1,034-acre Limestone Creek Ranch from future development. This initiative is part of a broader state effort to preserve working agricultural lands and wildlife corridors.
Why it matters
This highlights the intersection of agricultural preservation and environmental conservation policy in the United States.
Florida approved a $6.52 million conservation easement last month to protect Limestone Creek Ranch in Hardee County from future development.The 1,034-acre property, which was formerly owned by Governor Doyle E. Carlton, has supported cattle ranching for more than 70 years. The agreement was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet on September 29, 2026, as part of a wider round of conservation measures across the state.The ranch supports an average of 300 head of cattle and includes grazing pasture, native woodland and wetlands. Limestone Creek runs through the property before draining east into the Peace River.Easement protects ranch and wildlife habitatThe conservation agreement prevents future development while allowing cattle operations to continue.
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