Polk County and State of Florida Co...Polk County and State of Flori...

Polk County and State of Florida Collaborate to Preserve Nearly 375 Acres of Agricultural Land

Published: October 2, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 2, 2026) - Polk County and the State of Florida have collaborated to permanently preserve 375-acres of working Florida agricultural land through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' (FDACS) Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

Rural protection easements prevent development and allow for agricultural operations such as farming and ranching to continue to contribute to the local economy.

"The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is key in protecting the water, wilderness and working landscapes in Polk County," said Tabitha Biehl, director of Polk County Parks and Natural Resources. "Because of this program and participating landowners, this landscape will remain as a working agricultural operation, while providing green space and habitat for wildlife."

The 375-acre Walter Farms property is a cattle ranch located in Alturas. The easement was purchased for $3,005,000, with $750,000 of the cost being provided by Polk County. The site primarily contains improved pastureland and has a shoreline along the northern side of Gator Lake.

The acquired property is enrolled in FDACS Agricultural Best Management Practices.