| SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County has acquired three properties for environmental protection along the Myakka River and in the Old Miakka community through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP). Acquisitions include: Myakka River: Sarasota County acquired 20 acres along the Myakka River in east Venice in July. This property links protected land to the north and south with properties like Pinelands Reserve and Sleeping Turtles Preserve South. This purchase also helps protect the riverine habitat along the property’s shoreline. Its connectivity with other green-spaces also serves as a wildlife corridor. Old Miakka: Two properties in the Old Miakka community east of Fruitville Road and north of Myakka River State Park were acquired in August. These properties add an additional 80 acres to Old Miakka Preserve, which now totals 230 acres. These two properties link Old Miakka Preserve to more than 120,000 acres of protected lands surrounding the Myakka River. According to Nicole Rissler, director of Sarasota County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, these purchases are part of the county’s ongoing commitment to protecting natural resources. “Since its inception, this program has protected over 35,000 acres of land, which are vital for Sarasota County’s current and future generations. We appreciate the community’s continued support of these efforts,” Rissler added. A voter-approved and taxpayer-funded program, the ESLPP was designed to acquire and protect environmental land for conservation, protection of natural assets and public benefit.Sarasota County is looking for future parks and natural areas to be considered for protection as part of the ESLPP program. If you have land you would be interested in selling or donating, contact parksonline@scgov.net. Additional information is available by calling the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 or by visiting scgov.net. Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA compliance) |