Conservation Florida works to protect XL Ranch Lightsey Cove: A Conservation Gem on Lake Istokpoga
Ancient oak hammocks grace the landscape at XL Ranch Lightsey Cove on Lake Istokpoga. Photo by Adam Bass.
Conservation Florida and its partners are working to save 537 acres of incredible Florida habitat that includes such endemic and endangered species as cutthroat grass and the Florida scrub-jay.
Sebring, Fla., June 26, 2020 — Conservation Florida, a leader in statewide land conservation, has entered into an agreement to buy a conservation easement on 537 acres in Highlands county.
This property is prized for its undisturbed habitat. Located on the northwest edge of Lake Istokpoga, the landscape offers a glimpse of prehistoric Florida with ancient oak hammocks and sand pine scrub scattered among vibrant marshes and endangered grasslands.
These habitats are teeming with life and play a vital role in protecting the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, which spans from Orlando to Florida Bay at the southern tip of Florida.
Added public benefits include protection of 2,000 feet of shoreline, scenic vistas and an archaeological site. Protection will also contribute to the preservation of Highland County’s cultural ranching heritage, as this privately-owned land has historically been used as a place for free roaming cattle to graze.
“Lake Istokpoga is Florida’s fifth largest lake and a world-class destination for bass fishing,” said Traci Deen, Conservation Florida’s executive director and CEO. “XL Ranch Lightsey Cove contains some of the most phenomenal habitat I’ve ever seen, and its protection is a top priority of ours.”
The XL Ranch Lightsey Cove lies within the Avon Park Air Force Range (APAFR) Sentinel Landscape. This vast landscape is centered around the Air Force’s “largest primary air-to-ground training range east of the Mississippi River,” according to APAFR.
“Our partners at Avon Park Air Force Range are supportive of this project because it falls within their Military Influence Planning Area 3,” said Adam Bass, Conservation Florida’s director of conservation.
The project fits into Conservation Florida’s strategy of saving lands with multiple benefits including recreational opportunities, agricultural production, habitat connectivity, water quality, rare and endangered species protection, and other factors, such as military readiness and cultural heritage.
Cary Lightsey, the owner of the property, said, “Lightsey Cove is a very diverse piece of land. It hosts prehistoric scrubs with endangered Scrub Jays, long leaf pines, cutthroat grass, cypress heads with ancient trees, shoreline on Lake Istokpoga, an Indian mound and many endangered wildlife species. This easement is a perfect fit for preserving this variety of land forever. The Cove should never be developed or destroyed because of the natural resources it provides the state of Florida.”
The protection of cutthroat grass is important because this species of grass is found nowhere else in the world, and only in five Florida counties. Other endangered plant species found in the cutthroat grass community include an herb called ‘many flowered grass-pink’ and Edison’s ascyrum. The habitat is also ideal for species such as the Florida scrub-jay, Florida panther, and gopher tortoise, as well as a large number of plant species that are State-listed as threatened. During a recent site visit, Conservation Florida’s team documented scrub jays on the property. Florida black bears and panthers have also been confirmed to use the site.
With the property under contract, Conservation Florida and its partners are seeking grants and donations to help buy a conservation easement, which is a binding legal agreement that permanently restricts development of the land.
The XL Ranch Lightsey Cove conservation easement project is one of many that Conservation Florida is working on in the Greater Everglades ecosystem. A larger goal of the regional initiative is to form a continuous conservation corridor stretching from Lake Wales Ridge to Lake Okeechobee.
“I believe this state will stay sustainable, if we continue preserving our sensitive lands. Our future depends on us doing what we can to save it,” said Lightsey.
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is a statewide accredited land trust with a mission to save Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations. Our conservation projects support Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, conservation corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy and nature-based recreation. Since our founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has led the way in strategic and evidence-based land protection and has saved over 30,000 acres of critical habitat through acquisition, facilitation and incubation of conservation projects.
We save land by developing conservation strategies, exploring funding sources and purchasing or accepting donations of land and conservation easements. Our other services include providing expertise to guide landowners through the land protection process, serving as a trusted community partner to support statewide land conservation and promoting land conservation through effective education and advocacy. Our vision is large-scale, and we are 100% committed to conservation in the state of Florida – for nature, for people, forever!