Public meeting on new environmental land and recreational opportunities is Dec. 4
SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources invites residents to share their thoughts regarding the draft Walton Ranch concept plan for future improvements at an open house-style public meeting from 1-2:30 p.m. and again from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Morgan Family Community Center, 6207 West Price Blvd., North Port.
The Walton Ranch draft concept plan includes amenities such as primitive camp sites, trails and trailheads, wildlife viewing areas, picnic areas, parking, restrooms and interpretive information. County staff will be available at the public meeting to answer questions about the property, future improvements, accessibility and connectivity.
The 3,759-acre Walton Ranch site, situated between the Carlton Reserve and Longino Ranch, was purchased through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program in 2010. The Southwest Florida Water Management District has a conservation easement over the property to further preserve the land.
Per the Walton Ranch Conservation Easement, the conservation values of the ranchland, forest land, natural habitats, and water resources on the Walton Ranch site shall be preserved in perpetuity while acting as a regional “trail hub” and providing nature-based recreation, camping, horseback riding, agritourism, eco-tourism, and agricultural and outdoor educational opportunities to the general public.
For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources or visit www.scgov.net.
