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Wise Words From A Man Who Loves Florida

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 16, 2007

More than 40 environmental land managers, activists, public officials and others from the Tampa Bay area gathered Wednesday at Crystal Springs Preserve in southeast Pasco to discuss the future of the state's land preservation and conversation program, Florida Forever, which is to expire in 2010.

There was no need to state the obvious - that efforts to protect Florida's shrinking green spaces and environment must be continued, probably under a new name. How to do it amid state budget troubles, rising land prices and continuing development pressures were main topics of conversation. Indeed, these are difficult challenges.

But one participant gave strong hope that the state will be able to continue protecting fragile lands for future generations, because that's what he has done out of love for the land and environment.

Bob Blanchard, along with wife Sharon, owns Little Everglades Ranch, just outside Dade City on the western edge of the Green Swamp. He explained why he agreed to sell the Southwest Florida Water Management District two perpetual conservation easements on the 1,798-acre ranch.

The $3.79 million deal, paid for with Florida Forever Trust Fund money, was made two years ago. It protects the property, which is 63 percent uplands and 37 percent wetlands, streams and lakes, from development.

"We didn't do this for financial gain," Bob Blanchard told the participants, who listened intently. "My wife and I wanted that land to stay that way forever. ... Our bottom line was: We want the trees, the swamp, the wetlands. ..."

Blanchard noted that he makes use of his land, too. The ranch hosts an annual steeplechase event and high school cross-country events in a most picturesque setting. A conservation easement, he said, "is a wonderful way" to protect land.

Besides, Blanchard said, "You can't control it from the grave."

Conservation easements are an extremely viable alternative for large landowners who don't want to sell to developers but can no longer afford to keep property or farm it. And for taxpayers, they cost far less than outright purchases of land. Landowners continue to live on their property and pay property taxes.

The Blanchards' willingness to preserve their ranch, protecting natural resources and wildlife, through conservation easements should inspire other landowners to consider doing the same thing. Their story would be a strong selling point as the effort to create a successor to Florida Forever builds momentum.

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