More than 1,300 acres of ranchlands, wetlands and floodplains along Charlie Creek in Hardee County are now permanently protected through Florida’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). The protection ensures long-term conservation of critical water resources, wildlife habitat and working agricultural lands.
The Charlie Creek Marsh project safeguards more than 3 miles of Charlie Creek, an important tributary to the Peace River. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), that helps protect water quality for more than 1 million Southwest Florida residents while supporting cattle and citrus operations that have been in the Hancock family for generations.
“This land has been in our family for more than 150 years, but protecting it is about more than just preserving our own legacy,” said Ned Hancock, a fifth-generation grower and rancher. “The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program keeps agriculture viable, protects our water and wildlife, and delivers real value for taxpayers by conserving land that benefits the entire state. It’s one of the smartest investments Florida can make for its future.”
The conserved lands in the Charlie Creek Marsh project play a vital role in flood protection, water storage and maintaining hydrological flows into the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor Estuary. The project also supports the Florida Wildlife Corridor by protecting habitat for wide-ranging species such as the Florida panther and black bear.
The RFLPP is Florida’s agricultural land protection program, conserving family agricultural lands. Every year, critical funding for the RFLPP and Florida Forever is decided by the Florida Legislature.
There are currently more than $2 billion dollars’ worth of land on the eligible list waiting to be conserved, representing more than 500,000 acres.
“Projects like Charlie Creek Marsh show how conservation and agriculture go hand in hand,” said Julie Morris, executive director of the Florida Conservation Group. “By working directly with ranchers and farmers, we can protect Florida’s most important waters and wildlife while keeping working lands intact for future generations of Floridians. Continued full funding of programs like the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever is essential to safeguarding Florida’s natural resources, food systems and economy.”
Watch a short video of Hancock discussing the Hardee County project.
Source: FDACS
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