Florida Conservation Group Partners with Florida ranchers to Protect our Agriculture, Wildlife and Waterater Resources
Nokomis, FL — On December 17, the Florida Cabinet approved conservation easements protecting over 10,000 acres in Florida’s Northern Everglades and Kissimmee Valley.
In collaboration with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the Florida Conservation Group (FCG) has secured the future of Williamson Cattle Company, Overstreet Ranch and One Nine Cattle through FDACS’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). These three family-run operations play an essential role in conserving the Northern Everglades, Florida’s agricultural economy and the state’s water resources.
“As urban development encroaches, programs like the RFLPP are critical to protecting our water supply, food security and wildlife for generations to come,” said Julie Morris, Executive Director of the Florida Conservation Group. “This partnership highlights the importance of responsible land stewardship in conserving natural Florida. We’re grateful to Commissioner Wilton Simpson and FDACS for their leadership in protecting the state’s food supply, water and wildlife.”
Located in a rapidly disappearing, ecologically significant region, the acquisition of these agricultural lands is critical to watershed protection, wildlife corridors and enhanced ecological function of the Northern Everglades. These ranches lie within the Kissimmee River Valley–one of the nation’s biological hotspots and the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area. The region’s natural and agricultural lands are at risk as development rapidly encroaches. Protecting these lands conserves not only agricultural operations but also wildlife habitat, groundwater recharge areas and water quality for millions of Floridians.
Williamson Cattle Company
The 2,996-acre conservation easement builds on the network of protected lands within the Northern Okeechobee Watershed and the Lower Kissimmee Basin, enhancing landscape connectivity for wildlife and strengthening ecological resilience across the state. Located just five miles north of Lake Okeechobee, the property lies within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and provides vital habitat to a number of endangered and imperiled species, including the Florida panther and the Florida scrub jay.
The protection of this ranch will significantly influence the region’s hydrology, helping regulate the quantity and quality of water flowing into Lake Okeechobee, a critical water source for the state. The ranch also bolsters east-west and north-south wildlife corridors, facilitating movement between existing conservation areas within the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area.
“I want to thank Commissioner Wilton Simpson, the Legislature and the Governor for their support of these conservation easement programs and urge lawmakers to continue to fund them during the upcoming legislative session,” said Wes Williamson, owner of Williamson Cattle Company. “Conservation of agricultural lands is absolutely critical for the longevity and health of our beautiful state.”
Overstreet Ranch
Comprised of three ownerships—Overstreet Ranching, Wilma Overstreet Trust and Kissimmee Prairie—the 4,980-acre cattle ranch in Osceola County will be permanently protected from urban encroachment radiating from the rapidly expanding Orlando-Kissimmee suburbs.
Located along the eastern shore of Lake Kissimmee and adjacent to the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, Overstreet Ranch plays an important role in protecting water quality and wildlife habitats in the Kissimmee River Basin. The easement further bolsters regional wildlife corridors, supporting species like the northern crested caracara and the Florida burrowing owl.
“Central Florida, particularly, is facing immense pressure for development to accommodate the influx of people moving to our beautiful state,” said Rawl Overstreet, owner of Overstreet Ranch. “The goal has always been to preserve our natural resources and maintain the integrity of the land we’ve called home for over 100 years. This [RFLPP] program allows us to continue protecting the land, its wildlife and the agricultural way of life that defines Florida.”
One Nine Cattle Company
Located just over 20 miles north of Lake Okeechobee within the Kissimmee River Basin, this family-run cattle operation spanning 2,788 acres in Okeechobee County plays a fundamental role in protecting natural ecosystems of the Everglades Headwaters region while supporting local agriculture and wildlife.
The ranch, situated within the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area, plays an essential role in protecting and restoring water resources supplying Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades and the residents of South Florida.
“Our family has been ranching this land for over a century and preserving it has always been at the heart of what we do,” said Keith Bass, owner of One Nine Cattle Company. “Maintaining a ranch in Florida’s challenging climate, while facing constant pressure from developers, hasn’t been easy. But with FCG’s support and perseverance, we finally secured a conservation easement after years of effort. This is about more than just today—it’s about making sure this land remains healthy and productive for future generations.”