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The 1,297-acre site is composed of six parcels located south of Fruitville Road and northwest of Myakka River State Park, wrapping around the northwest portion of Upper Lake Myakka. The site encompasses a large wetland area south of the Oak Ford Subdivision; the wetland feeds into the Myakka River via Howard Creek and Upper Myakka Lake. The site also contains uplands that have been degraded by past land uses but which could be restored.

Importance
In protecting and managing this site, the county would be better able to restore these wetlands, which flow directly into the Myakka River. The site would be a valuable addition to Myakka River State Park because of its adjacent location. If protected, this site would offer a buffer area from development to the park and the wildlife it supports. The site also contains habitat that is currently utilized by both Florida scrub-jays and Florida black bear.

Status
Most of the property is currently owned by the city of Sarasota and a portion of the city’s land is currently used as a spray field to dispose of reuse water. The prior owners have a ‘buy-back’ option on the city’s property and any protection agreement would require the consent of these prior owners.