The Myakka Ranchlands Focus Area includes a cluster of five sub-watersheds in eastern Manatee and Sarasota Counties that reflect a diverse and ecologically significant landscape. Of all the sub-watersheds studied by our GIS model, these sub-watersheds contain the highest estimates of biodiversity.
Our Strategic Focus
The Myakka Ranchlands focus area expands the “Myakka Island” of conserved land, which currently spans over 130,000 acres. Land use across this focus area is dominated by a mosaic of pastureland and cattle ranches, interspersed with remnant natural areas.
Of all the sub-watersheds studied by our GIS model, those within this focus area contain the highest estimates of biodiversity, including Florida scrub jay habitat in Wildcat Slough, Owen Creek, and Tatum Sawgrass Swamp, which are part of the M4 sub-population of scrub jays (see Upper Manatee River Focus Area description). The wet pastureland landscapes are notable for their crested caracara, sandhill cranes, and large flocks of wading birds, with the area recognized as an Important Bird Landscape, as defined by National Audubon Society.
Wildcat Slough, Owen Creek, and Tatum Sawgrass Swamp are at particular risk of development, with Owen Creek calculated by our GIS model as the most at-risk of development of all 136 sub-watersheds studied.
The Owen Creek and Tatum Sawgrass Swamp sub-watersheds are crucial for water filtration, flood water storage, and wetland biodiversity. They flow into the Myakka River, Myakka River State Park and ultimately Charlotte Harbor.
The North Cocoplum Waterway, Wildcat Slough, and Big Slough Canal sub-watersheds collect and drain through Myakkahatchee Creek, where the City of North Port obtains a portion of their drinking water (the remaining water comes from the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority and six ground water wells).
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Myakka Ranchlands Focus Area Map
