O-Bar-O Conservation Area
Located on the Myakka River, this incredible landscape is a factory of biodiversity, both on land and in the water.
The Story
Big Waters served as the acquisition agent for Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP) between 2007 and 2014. During that time, we used our land conservation expertise to preserve a number of properties through this program that are considered iconic natural areas. The O-Bar-O Conservation Area was selected because of its beautiful oak hammocks, extensive shoreline on the Myakka River, and adjacency to Pinelands Reserve and Myakka River State Park. After the acquisition of a conservation easement in 2008, the land has remained a private cattle ranch.
Why it Matters
The O-Bar-O Conservation Area is located at the heart of the Myakka River, just south of lower Myakka Lake. Protection has precluded development in this area, keeping the river wild and scenic for future generations. Additionally, the land is now part of 110,000 acres of conservation lands on the Myakka. This incredible landscape is a factory of biodiversity, on land and in water. The Myakka River flows to Charlotte Harbor, supplying the clean water necessary for healthy fisheries, including tarpon, snook, grouper, and shrimp.
Just the Facts
162
acres
Date Acquired
2008
- “Wild & Scenic” Myakka River frontage, mesic hammock
- Privately owned and managed
- Conservation easement held by Sarasota County
No public access
ConnectivityHabitat/WildlifeWater
