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Public Meeting to Focus on Myakka Island Conservation Corridor

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The Myakka Island Conservation Corridor is an initiative of Conservation Foundation of the Gulf, a private non-profit land trust, to permanently conserve over 7,560 acres on three critically-located ranches adjoining the “Myakka Island,” a 110,000+ acre assemblage of conserved lands along the central section of the Myakka River.

The Myakka Island Conservation Corridor proposal is an opportunity for the State of Florida and funding partners to purchase land and conservation easements that will benefit both wildlife and human populations. This project will benefit our region in numerous ways. It will help protect and improve water quality and flood protection, so needed for the region. It will enhance and leverage previously invested dollars and resources within the Myakka Island, along the Myakka River and throughout Charlotte Harbor. The Myakka River is a state-designated Wild & Scenic River, that feeds Charlotte Harbor, a National Estuary, Outstanding Florida Water, and one of the Gulf of Mexico’s least-spoiled estuaries. The proposal will also conserve high quality natural habitats for an array of wildlife, from gopher tortoise to Florida panther. It will protect working ranchlands and support Florida’s agricultural economy. Finally, it will support eco-tourism by buffering and potentially expanding recreational opportunities along the river. Both Sarasota and Manatee Counties take advantage of local recreational and natural resources in their economic marketing and development plans, recognizing that 83% of Florida visitors say that being close to nature is important.

There is an upcoming opportunity for the public to show its support for the Corridor, to tell the State's Acquisition & Restoration Council why these lands should be a top priority for protection and the State's Florida Forever funding.

The Florida Funding Forever - Public Hearing will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 5:00pm at the Bradenton City Council Chambers, 101 Old Main St., Bradenton, FL 34205.

For questions, call Debi Osborne or Lee Amos at (941) 918-2100