TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has secured a 1,668-acre conservation easement over Bar-B Ranch in Martin County through the Florida Forever Program, protecting a working cattle ranch while preventing future development.
The ranch, located near the C-44 Stormwater Treatment Area and Allapattah Flats Wildlife Management Area, has been operated for decades and currently supports about 250 head of cattle. The easement ensures the land will remain in agricultural production.
State officials said the property was identified as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, where protecting land is intended to help restore natural water storage and improve water quality flowing south through the Everglades system…