Don Pedro Island State Park Addition

Conserving this land supports the preservation of rare, intact barrier island habitat and integral mainland shoreline habitat for many imperiled species, including gopher tortoise, indigo snake, snowy plover, and roseate tern.

The Story

Don Pedro Island State Park, comprised of a mainland section and an island section, is part of a barrier island system protecting the Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve, which flows into Charlotte Harbor, one of Florida’s most productive estuaries. The eight conserved acres are located on the south boundary of the mainland section. We purchased the land from a private landowner and hope to now resell the land to the State as an addition to the park, protecting the park’s natural beauty and enhancing recreation opportunities for all to enjoy.

Why it Matters

This land could have been developed with over 80 condominium units, but instead, now buffers Don Pedro Island State Park from residential development and improves park officials’ ability to manage the adjoining uplands with essential prescribed fire. Conserving this land supports the preservation of rare, intact barrier island habitat and integral mainland shoreline habitat for many imperiled species, including gopher tortoise, indigo snake, snowy plover, and roseate tern. The property is primarily uplands with a small wetland. Improved management of the property will eliminate a host of invasive species and prevent their spread into Don Pedro Island State Park.