Sarasota County Acquires Two Environmentally Important Parcels

The Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program of Sarasota County is a voter-approved and taxpayer-funded program that acquires and protects natural lands. Sites are ranked on environmental criteria including connectivity, water quality, habitat rarity, land quality and manageability. On Dec. 15, two parcels were acquired:

The Getman parcel (3.77 acres) in the South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve connects previously-acquired land, resulting in 61 contiguous acres of coastal and scrubby habitats. Estuarine birds, fish and invertebrates are found in the coastal waters, while gopher tortoises and other wildlife inhabit its upland areas. The Decker parcel (2.92 acres), provides adjacent acreage to the County-owned Snook Haven Park & Riverfront Restaurant. It has a canopy of mature live oaks and frontage on the Myakka River. Existing improvements include a residence and boat ramp. The Decker parcel expands this successful investment and enhances water access for recreation.