Sarasota County protects 32 acres of environmentally sensitive lands along Curry Creek

During their March 7 meeting, the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of 32 acres formally known as Edmondson Farms, Inc. The county purchased the land as a fee simple purchase through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP).

In addition to archaeological features, the property is home to the historic headwaters of Curry Creek and the baygall swamp, mesic hammock and pasture provides crucial habitat for native wildlife like a variety of wading birds, eastern grey squirrels, and gopher tortoises.

The 32 acres will also expand public access to Curry Creek Preserve with a trail and preserve entrance planned for the future.

“We are excited about this win-win opportunity for both the county and the Edmondson Family,” said Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director Nicole Rissler. “The family wanted to preserve their family land, and with this acquisition additional public access will be established for the beautiful Curry Creek,” she added.

The ESLPP is a voter-approved and taxpayer-funded program that began in 1999 to acquire and protect environmental land. Since its inception, the ESLPP has protected and preserved more than 40,300 acres of natural habitat, with more than 21,000 of those acres placed under a conservation easement. Conservation easements remove the land’s development rights and require the landowner, current and future, to protect the land for greenways, water quality, habitat, and wildlife protection in perpetuity.

The Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee (ESLOC) advises the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners on land nominations, acquisition, management, prioritization, and use of environmentally sensitive lands throughout the county.

See this video with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Land Acquisition Coordinator Brie Ondercin about the land purchase.

Learn more about the ESLPP by visiting scgov.net or call 311.