Once Controversial Ranch Would Be Jewel For Preservation

Once at odds over groundwater pumping, officials from Pasco and Pinellas counties are rallying around the chance to preserve the 12,500-acre Cross Bar/Al Bar Ranch in north-central Pasco, which includes a public drinking water wellfield.

Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Legislature should join them.

The land, owned by Pinellas County and once a focal point of the water wars, recently was added to the Florida Forever "A" list, signifying its environmental importance. Pinellas officials want to sell but are eager to keep it in the public's hands undeveloped, an extremely laudable goal, and are working with Pasco officials to strike a deal.

Unquestionably, the ranch is worthy of state land preservation funds. It includes uplands, wetlands and wildlife, including the bald eagle, Florida sandhill crane and the threatened Florida scrub jay, studies show.

Protecting the land and wellfield from development is in the public's best interests and would also maintain its setting as a natural classroom for school and other groups.

In addition, the southern boundary of the ranch along State Road 52 connects to the Conner Preserve, nearly 3,000 acres of sensitive land owned and managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Preserving Cross Bar/Al Bar would greatly add to established wildlife corridors and groundwater recharge areas.

Cost and funding are the biggest issues, obviously. The Pasco property appraiser's office has pegged the value at $176 million, but a formal appraisal will be conducted for the purposes of the sale.

It will take some financial creativity, but the purchase can be accomplished with Florida Forever Funds, Penny for Pasco sales tax proceeds and, if necessary, additional appropriations by Pasco and the Legislature. The state also shouldn't hesitate to bond part of the Florida Forever Trust Fund if needed.

Some may question whether county and state taxpayers should pay to preserve undeveloped land already in public ownership. But there's a simple answer: Pinellas could very well sell to a private developer to get the most money for its taxpayers, and this sensitive, picturesque piece of natural Florida could become yet another subdivision.

That possibility alone is why Crist, who is to meet with state Sen. Mike Fasano of Pasco and other project backers later this month, and the entire Legislature should throw their support behind this jewel of a candidate for preservation.