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Ranch Reserve consists of 21,373-acres in 37 parcels. The site is adjacent and northwest of the county’s and Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Longino Lewis Conservation Easement and includes Carlton Ranch properties. Pine flatwoods and depressional wetland areas define most of the site. This site also contains oak hammock and hydric hammock habitat. Some areas are frequently flooded resulting in slough drainage systems.

Importance
This site is located in the largest area of undeveloped land in Sarasota County and contains both high quality native habitat as well as improved, but restorable, pastures. Protecting this site would provide a vital link to the ‘Myakka Island’, a large protected natural area that provides regional corridor connections. The site also protects the water quality of Big Slough/ Myakkahatchee Creek, the primary water supply of the city of North Port.

Status
The site is predominately used for various large agricultural operations at this time. Rising property values may make the continuation of the agricultural operations less likely in the future.