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The 67-acre site consists of one
parcel located south of Dearborn Street and east of State Road
776. Gottfried Creek forms the eastern boundary, with
approximately a half mile of creek frontage. The site is
predominately sand pine/rosemary scrub habitat and very dry.
Seasonal wetlands with high quality mangrove and salt marsh
habitats occur along Gottfried Creek.
Importance
This small site is west of the Ainger Creek Protection Priority
Site and would provide an opportunity to protect high quality
habitat in an archipelago of protected scrub sites throughout
southern Sarasota and adjacent Charlotte counties. The site’s
proximity to the bay, undeveloped land to the east, and nearby
protected scrub makes it a valuable sanctuary for wildlife in
the Englewood urban area. The area contains sand pine and
rosemary – a rare habitat in Sarasota County. Protecting this
natural area along Gottfried Creek is also important for
maintaining water quality.
Status
The Englewood Water District (EWD), an independent public
agency, owns the entire site that is utilized as a potable water
wellfield; this use is compatible with protection of its
environmental features. The site has no permanent protection
should the current use or ownership change. The EWD governing
Board has voted to consider entering into an agreement with
Sarasota County to protect the site while allowing the wellfield
operations to continue.
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