Simpson announces protection of cattle ranch in Okeechobee: ‘A win for agriculture’
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, Fla. – Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced the protection of Clemons Oak Creek, an 1,800-acre cattle ranch and farm in Okeechobee County on Wednesday.
The land will be preserved through a cost-effective rural land protection easement, as part of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which was established in 2001.
“This is a win for agriculture, a win for conservation, and a win for Florida’s taxpayers,” Simpson said.
The agricultural activities at Clemons Oak Creek includes cow and calf operations, row crops, and wildlife management.
The easement, totaling almost $6.5 million, will “prevent future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy.”
Simpson called the move “yet another victory for the state of Florida and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.”
“By protecting this economically and environmentally critical agricultural land, we safeguard the livelihoods of our farmers and ranchers, we ensure the continued production of essential food and resources for our state, and we help preserve our natural resources and spaces according to state standards,” Simpson said.
Last legislative session, Simpson helped secure $100 million through SB 1638 for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. This includes an additional $100 million each year to support the Florida Wildlife Corridor which includes the acquisition of easements.
Last month, Simpson honored families of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program at an event in Lake Placid where they celebrated the program’s 100,000 acre milestone.
