Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secures Conservation Easement for Kenansville Ranch

Strategic Insights -

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has secured a conservation easement on the 7,514-acre Kenansville Ranch in Osceola County, preserving a historic working cattle ranch while protecting vital wildlife habitat. This significant move is part of the Ranch Reserve Florida Forever Project, a priority area for conservation. The ranch supports approximately 1,600 head of cattle across pastures, pine flatwoods, and wetlands fed by Wolf Creek, Tenmile Creek, and Sixmile Creek.

Key Takeaways:

  • The conservation easement on the Kenansville Ranch preserves 7,514 acres of land, supporting 1,600 head of cattle while protecting vital wildlife habitat and water quality.
  • The easement is part of the Ranch Reserve Florida Forever Project, a priority area for conservation in Osceola County.
  • The property is within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and provides habitat for rare and imperiled species such as the bald eagle, eastern indigo snake, and Florida burrowing owl.
  • The ranch connects with nearby conservation lands, creating a larger protected landscape for wildlife movement.
  • The conservation easement was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet during a previous Cabinet meeting.
  • Florida has committed more than $1.4 billion to the Florida Forever Program since 2019, including $950 million specifically for the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
  • Over 374,000 acres have been acquired for conservation since 2019, with 91% of this land within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
  • This conservation effort strengthens Florida's role in the nation's food security and natural resource conservation.
  • DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert emphasizes the importance of conservation easements in preserving Florida's landscapes while keeping working lands productive.

Statistics:

  • 7,514 acres: the total area of the Kenansville Ranch conservation easement
  • 1,600 head of cattle: the number of cattle supported on the ranch
  • 91%: the percentage of land acquired for conservation since 2019 that is within the Florida Wildlife Corridor
  • $1.4 billion: the amount committed to the Florida Forever Program since 2019
  • $950 million: the amount specifically allocated for the Florida Wildlife Corridor
  • 374,000 acres: the total number of acres acquired for conservation since 2019

Sources:

  • Florida Department of Environmental Protection (no date)
  • Ranch Reserve Florida Forever Project (no date)
  • Governor Ron DeSantis (no date)
  • Florida Cabinet (no date)
  • Florida Forever Program (no date)