Crooked River Ranch

Protecting Crooked River Ranch provides opportunities for coastal resiliency, water quality protection, and native habitat restoration.

The Story

This sought-after, riverfront land could have been developed, but instead these 64 acres are now protected forever. We are deeply thankful to the William A. and Janet K. Hunter Family Trust for their decision to protect this special place for the benefit of people and nature. We are also delighted to have once again partnered with Manatee County to conserve Southwest Florida’s critical natural areas for the benefit of all. Crooked River Ranch was purchased by Manatee County on February 12, 2024, and marks the first acquisition under the 2020 Conservation and Parks Projects Referendum Fund. In 2020, we partnered with The Trust for Public Land and the Manatee Fish and Game Association, to advocate in support of this referendum, which provides dedicated funding for water quality protection, natural areas preservation, and park creation/management.

Why it Matters

Known as Crooked River Ranch—for the river’s crooked shoreline along the property’s southern border—these 64 acres are located halfway between I-75 and Ft. Hamer Road in the growing community of Parrish. As one of the last remaining, large, privately-owned parcels along the Manatee River, protecting Crooked River Ranch provides opportunities for coastal resiliency, water quality protection, and native habitat restoration. Conserving this waterfront land helps safeguard imperiled species such as the West Indian Manatee, Eastern Black Rail, Piping Plover, Smalltooth Sawfish, and American Bald Eagle. The quality and uniqueness of Crooked River Ranch make it the perfect combination of natural and public recreational opportunities. In the future, Manatee County plans to provide community recreation opportunities onsite, including hiking, birding, paddling, and camping.

Just the Facts

64

acres

Date Acquired

2024

Located along the Manatee River in Manatee County
Big Waters represented the Hunter family throughout the protection process, bringing the property to Manatee County as a potential conservation opportunity in early 2023
Manatee County purchased the property for conservation on February 12, 2024, marking the first acquisition under the 2020 Conservation and Parks Projects Referendum Fund