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TALLAHASSEE – Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida
Cabinet today approved the preliminary agreement for the
purchase of close to 74,000 acres of Babcock Ranch,
completing a natural land corridor from Lake Okeechobee
to the Gulf of Mexico and preserving important habitat
for some of Florida’s most endangered species.
“This agreement is setting the path for one of the
largest and most unique purchases in the State’s
history, protecting a large parcel of almost 74,000
acres of wildlife habitat, swamps, flatwoods and working
ranch lands,” said Department of Environmental
Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “With this
acquisition we can increase public access and
eco-tourism opportunities, protect natural Florida lands
from development and encroachment and ensuring a
sufficient supply of water for Southwest Florida.”
A partnership with Kitson and Partners, Inc., the
purchase would preserve the single largest tract of
contiguous conservation lands in the state’s history
while at the same time providing a vitally needed
water-recharge area for Southwest Florida. Home to the
Florida panther, Florida black bear and the crested
caracara, Babcock Ranch has large, well-managed tracts
of pine flatwoods and scrubby flatwoods and a highly
functional freshwater swamp system (Telegraph Swamp).
The State would purchase 73,476 acres of Babcock
Ranch for $350 million over five years, which is $44
million less than the appraised value and equates to an
average per acre price of $4,763. Funding for the
purchase would be: $200 million from the Florida Forever
program; $100 million from the State of Florida General
Revenue or bonding, following approval by the Florida
Legislature; $40 million from Lee County, following
approval by the Lee County Board of County
Commissioners; $5 million from the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission, following approval by
the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Board of
Commission; and $5 million from the Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Once the first phase of property is purchased, the
State of Florida will develop a land management plan
that provides for the preservation and protection of the
property while also allowing for the continued operation
of the ranch, including activities such as cattle
ranching, timber management and harvesting, nature-based
recreation and eco-tourism.
The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program
established by Governor Bush and the Florida Legislature
conserves environmentally sensitive land, restores
waterways and preserves important cultural and
historical resources. For more information, visit
www.floridaforever.org. | 
