Triangle Ranch

Triangle Ranch is essential to the protection of the Myakka River, its water quality and biodiversity, and our region’s flood protection.

The Story

For over 100 years, the Carlton family owned Triangle Ranch and worked the land. Tony and Lela Carlton wanted to see the land protected and gave Big Waters Land Trust the gift of time to find a conservation buyer. Over a three-year period, we elevated the property to the Florida Forever list, and searched high and low for funding, ultimately finding success in a partnership between non-profits, philanthropic foundations, a government agency, and a private philanthropist. This land is now protected forever thanks to Big Waters Land Trust, The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, The Morton and Spapperi Family Foundation, Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), and private philanthropist Elizabeth Moore. The ranch is privately owned and managed while SWFWMD holds the permanent conservation agreement.

Why it Matters

Triangle Ranch in Manatee County is just north of the northern boundary of Myakka River State Park. Triangle Ranch is essential to the protection of the Myakka River, its water quality and biodiversity, and our region’s flood protection. More than three miles of the Myakka River winds through Triangle Ranch and conserving the ranch protects, restores and maintains the natural functions of land, water and wetland systems. The 1,105-acre conservation easement and additional deed restrictions on 37 acres will protect these three miles of the Myakka River before it flows into the state-designated “Wild and Scenic” portion of the river in Sarasota County.

Just the Facts

1,143

acres

Date Acquired

2016

Conservation easement covers 1,105 acres with additional restrictions on an additional 37 acres
Hydric hammocks, wetlands, marshes
Privately owned; conservation easement held by SWFWMD