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The 2,894-acre site lies within
six parcels. The site extends from Fruitville Road to the south
and east of Interstate 75. The site is on both the east and west
sides of Gum Slough (a.k.a. Cow Pen Slough). Poorly drained
areas of broad flatwoods dominate the habitat, with intermittent
hammocks around pond depressions also present. There are
isolated areas of live oak hammocks and possibly scrub or
scrubby flatwoods.
Importance
The site encompasses an area of wetlands and high quality
uplands directly south of the Gum Slough Protection Priority
Site. The site would extend from the existing Gum Slough site
southeast toward Myakka River State Park; it would protect
tributaries to two of Sarasota County’s largest watercourses,
the Myakka River and Cow Pen Slough. A great diversity of native
Florida plants is present, including some that more typically
found in the northern parts of the state.
Status
The site is currently under single ownership. No existing
development plans are known.
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