Pepper Ranch Preserve

Pepper Ranch Preserve contains critical Florida panther habitat.

The Story

The property, half grazing land, and half native wetlands and woodlands, is located within the Florida panther Primary Habitat zone established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). This preserve is used extensively by both male and female panthers. The conservation easement and legal agreement between Collier County, US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Big Waters Land Trust, fulfills Collier County’s obligation to place a conservation easement on the most natural portions of the County’s 2,512-acre preserve. The conservation easement is required as part of a mitigation agreement offsetting impacts to panther habitat from Collier County Government development of public facilities.

Why it Matters

Pepper Ranch Preserve is rich with abundant wildlife including a variety of wading birds, alligators, and frequent Florida black bear sightings, as well as Florida panther, one of the rarest and most iconic large mammals in the United States. Relegated to the most backwater refuges of the Everglades for decades, this large cat is making a comeback. Populations are expanding northward, and conservation of critical habitat throughout Southwest Florida is making a difference. Trail cameras on the property have documented extensive panther use, including kitten rearing.

The preserve is located on Lake Trafford and open Friday through Sunday between November and June for public use which includes hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Just the Facts

1,512

acre conservation easement

Date Acquired

October 2018

The property is primary habitat for the Florida panther, a federally endangered species
Within the Greater Everglades Ecosystem
Owned and managed by Collier County
Conservation easement held by Big Waters Land Trust