Conservation Florida, FDEP permanently protect significant property along the Rainbow River

An aerial shot of the Rainbow River. Photo by Carlton Ward Jr./WildPath

This extraordinary conservation acquisition protects some of the last undeveloped land along Rainbow River and makes critical connection in the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Marion County, FL (July 24, 2023) - Conservation Florida, a dynamic driver of land conservation in Florida, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, have permanently protected the 135-acre Gissy Rainbow River Ranch in Marion County, Florida. This landmark conservation acquisition ensures that the largest last undeveloped piece of land along the Rainbow River stays this way - forever.

Funding was secured in January of 2023 when Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet in its role as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund allocated it to the State's Florida Forever program to complete the purchase of a conservation easement.

“Gissy Rainbow River Ranch is an amazing piece of land that is now permanently conserved thanks to the Gissy family, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the many people supporting Conservation Florida's work," said Traci Deen, President and CEO of Conservation Florida. “This property does it all- it protects water, wildlife, scenic views along the river, and serves as a critical connecting piece of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. We are so proud to have worked with Mr. Gissy and the Department to bring this property into conservation."

Partnership was extremely important in making this type of boots-on-the-ground conservation happen. Thanks to the strong partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Division of State Lands, the permanent protection of a critical property with enormous conservation value has been accomplished.

“We are living in a time of unprecedented land conservation in Florida,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “The conservation of Gissy and the protection of the Rainbow River is yet another example of Florida’s commitment to preserving our natural lands through the Florida Forever program and the Florida Wildlife Corridor. We are thankful for partners, like Conservation Florida, which share our mission to conserve and protect our natural resources for generations to come.”

Initially, Jim Gissy, landowner of Gissy Rainbow River Ranch, explored the idea of building an eco-friendly resort on his riverfront property. An outpouring of community support and advocacy to keep the beloved land wild and undeveloped inspired Gissy to seek conservation alternatives instead. To accomplish this, Gissy worked with Conservation Florida to negotiate the sale of a conservation easement to the State of Florida through its Florida Forever program.

"We are so pleased to have conserved this special property and the scenic views it provides to those enjoying the Rainbow River", said Gissy. "The property will never be a subdivision, or a shopping center- it will always be family land with no more than 2 more private homes and barns. My gratitude to Conservation Florida and the Department of Environmental Protection for working with me and my family. It brings me joy to know that our property now adds to the long-term protection of the spring and river and serves as a critical connecting piece of the Florida Wildlife Corridor."

The 135-acre property is located in southwest Marion County in the City of Dunnellon, and lies within Priority 2 of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The property boasts of 4,200 linear feet of shoreline along the Rainbow River and has been identified as a critical choke point for the Wildlife Corridor as well. The easement now conserves a large portion of undeveloped shoreline along the eastern side of the river and provides a connection to the southern end of the Rainbow Springs State Park (RSSP).

Gissy acts as an important linkage to existing conservation land in the area as it shares its northern and eastern boundaries with RSSP, southwest boundary with the City of Dunnellon’s Blue Run of Dunnellon Park, and western boundary with the Rainbow River. 

Rainbow River is one of the largest spring runs in the world and is a designated National Natural Landmark, an aquatic preserve, and an Outstanding Florida Waterway. Additionally, Rainbow Springs is considered a first magnitude spring and, at this time, has the highest average flow of any spring in Florida. Restricting development on the property is crucial for the protection of the water quality, and the flora and fauna along the Rainbow River.

Aerial views of the Rainbow River. Photos by Carlton Ward. Jr./WildPath

This conservation win not only provides landscape linkages and completes a conservation corridor, but it also protects surface waters, contributes to aquifer recharge, and enhances natural resource-based recreation opportunities by filling several land gaps between sections of the Rainbow River State Park.

“Seeing these properties placed in permanent conservation was the ultimate goal of the Florida Springs Council's campaign to stop the proposed resort along the Rainbow River,” said Florida Springs Council executive director Ryan Smart. “Congratulations to Mr. Gissy and Conservation Florida for protecting this incredible piece of natural Florida.”

The property contains a number of natural communities such as hydric hammock, sandhill, scrubby/mesic flatwoods, and upland mixed forest/mesic hammock. These communities serve as habitats for several native Florida species including several turtle species and state-listed wading birds.

1. A pair of Ibis enjoying the water along the property | 2. Traci Deen in the sunlight on the property’s inlet | 3. A turtle sunning in water along the property | Photos by Carlton Ward Jr./WildPath

As always, Conservation Florida is committed to conservation projects that protect Florida's water, wildlife, wild places, and help conserve a functional Florida Wildlife Corridor. This project is special. Rainbow Springs is a first magnitude spring and currently has the highest average flow of any spring in Florida.

This was a rare opportunity to complete a local corridor of protected lands to prevent further development and conflicting land uses that could harm the ecological value of the beautiful Rainbow River. Further, the project conserves scenic views from the water that all Floridians can experience-- the magic of wild Florida--and you simply can't put a price on that.

About Conservation Florida

Conservation Florida is a statewide accredited land conservancy working to conserve Florida’s water, wildlife, wild places, and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The organization’s conservation projects support Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, wildlife corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy, and nature-based recreation. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has prioritized strategic and evidence-based land protection and has saved over 32,000 acres of critical habitat.