Tucked into lush greenery at Polk County’s Eagle Haven Ranch, a sign boasts renderings for a planned luxury resort. But that’s the furthest the development will advance thanks to a joint effort by conservation buyers Arnie and Lauren Bellini.
On September 3, Conservation Florida announced it had helped secure permanent protection of 2,317 acres along the southwest shore of Lake Kissimmee through a conservation easement.
The ranch, once known as Lost Oaks and Shady Oaks, is home to nearly 200 species, including bald eagles, alligators, and the endangered Florida scrub jay. It sits within the Northern Everglades, an area that is home to 38 federally listed species and more than 160 state-listed threatened and endangered species. In addition, the swamps and marshes on Eagle Haven Ranch filter water for the Kissimmee River and the Everglades system.
The ranchland was protected at one point, but it lost that status after the Southwest Florida Water Management District deemed it surplus and it was sold. Developers swooped in with high hopes for the land, and plans were made for a luxury resort complete with cabins, restaurants, a marina, and even a golf course.
Conservation Florida credits Carlton Ward Jr., founder of the Florida Wildlife Corridor project, with sounding the alarm about the planned development.
Many thanks to everyone involved in the conservation efforts. Old Florida is disappearing before our eyes, and these lands are critical to preserving heritage, habitat, and wildlife.