Braden River Property Eyed For Development To Be Preserved

MANATEE COUNTY, FL – Manatee County Government and the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announced May 22 the permanent protection of a 44.5-acre preserve on the Braden River that will be named the Floyd C. Johnson & Flo Singer Johnson Preserve at Braden River.

Over the past six months, volunteers, donors, private foundations and the Manatee County commissioners worked together to find a way to purchase the land, the majority of which was slated for development.

Located on the Braden River east of Interstate 75, the 44.5-acre natural area is home to a diversity of plants and animals not normally seen in similar suburban areas, with mature live oaks, tall long leaf pines, important wetlands that store water preventing flooding, imperiled swallowtail kites and gopher tortoises.

The land’s riverfront and floodplain forests are part of a corridor linking natural habitat along the Braden River, which supplies drinking water for the City of Bradenton.

Empowered by the Floyd C. Johnson & Flo Singer Johnson Foundation’s challenge grant of $500,000, the Conservation Foundation raised more than $1.29 million toward the $3 million purchase. County commissioners agreed to fund the remaining $1.7 million. The land purchase was completed May 22.

The Keep Woods grassroots group worked for two years to save this piece of Old Florida, and asked for Conservation Foundation’s help. The Conservation Foundation secured the option to purchase the property, raised public awareness and the funds.

The Manatee Fish & Game Association was among the first to contribute to the cause.

“This is a true community success. We are humbled by the resounding commitment of the volunteers and donors who responded quickly to our call to action,” said Christine Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation. “We are also thankful to Pat and John Neal of Neal Communities and Neal Land Ventures, whose flexibility, resources and dedication were immensely helpful in making this happen for the residents of Manatee County.”

The additional 11.6 acres were bequeathed to the Conservation Foundation by the estate of Carlton Bergstresser, and the foundation pledged to donate this land to the new Johnson Preserve at Braden River.

The Conservation Foundation will hold a permanent conservation easement on the entire 44.5-acre preserve which is a legal restriction that ensures that the land is protected forever.

"We appreciate the efforts to build a successful partnership providing for the acquisition of this important riverine environmental area," said Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County's Parks and Natural Resources director. "We look forward to working with the foundation and the community in providing the kinds of passive recreation that respects Mother Nature and the many opportunities to learn much from her on this property."

Image via Manatee County