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The 20,218–acre site is located in the extreme eastern region of the county, mostly north of Interstate 75. The area is defined by extensive pine flatwoods and isolated depression wetlands. Raptors, including the Crested Caracara, numerous wading birds, and bobcats frequent the area. White-tailed deer and turkeys are abundant. Most of the properties in the site are or have been active cattle ranches for many years.

Importance
The site connects the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (SWFWMD) Carlton Ranch conservation easement and the county’s T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve to SWFWMD’s Griffin property. Site boundaries also extend close to the Peace River in DeSoto County. This connection is an important regional linkage for large mammals, such as the Florida black bear and Florida panther.

Status
The county and SWFWMD closed on a jointly owned 3,420-acre conservation easement in July 2002. While conservation easements allow the owner to retain ownership of the property and typically do not allow public access, the natural areas on the conservation easement land will be maintained and managed in perpetuity. Easements also assist the ESLPP by requiring management be performed by the landowner. Negotiations with other landowners are ongoing.

No public access at Eastern Ranch Lands