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

Polk County and State of Florida Collaborate to Preserve Nearly 1,000 Acres of Agricultural Land

Published: September 23, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (Sept. 23, 2026) - Polk County and the State of Florida have collaborated to permanently preserve two properties totaling approximately 991 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 that allow the continued contribution to the local economy.

"I want to recognize the team from the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program for their partnership to protect water, wildlife, wilderness and working landscapes in Polk County," said Tabitha Biehl, director of Polk County Parks and Natural Resources. "I also want to thank the landowners who have the vision and passion to protect agricultural lands and green spaces in Florida."

The approximately 916-acre G-3 Ranch easement was purchased for $6,450,000, with $500,000 of the cost being provided by Polk County. This property is half covered in natural Florida habitat of slash and longleaf pine forests and has creeks and waterways that flow into the Peace River. The remainder of the property is dedicated to pasture and citrus groves that are being transitioned to harvest strawberries and watermelon.

The approximately 75-acre David and Elizabeth Hunt cattle ranch was purchased for $745,000, with $250,000 being provided by Polk County. This easement is primarily pasture but has wetland connectivity to both Gator Lake and Lake Pembroke.

"Polk County remains committed to preserving our deep agricultural roots and supporting the conservation efforts of our state partners," said County Manager Bill Beasley. "Agricultural communities have long played an important role in conserving Florida's land and natural resources. Through Polk's Environmental Lands Program and partnerships like these, families have an opportunity to continue that tradition by preserving land that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Both acquired properties are enrolled in FDACS Agricultural Best Management Practices and are located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.