The Polk County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a $7.5 million purchase of 603 acres 0f undeveloped scrubland along the eastern shore of Lake Marion adjacent to Poinciana,
The purchase involved a cooperative agreement involving Polk County. Conservation Florida and The Nature Conservancy, both of which contributed funds toward the purchase. Polk’s share is $5.9 million, which will come from the Lake and River Enhancement Fund and the Stormwater Utility Fund.
Lake Marion is a 2,990-acre water body whose outlet, Lake Marion Creek, flows 8.4 miles in a winding easterly route to Lake Hatchineha in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes that form part of the headwaters for the Everglades.
The property contains some protected species such as Florida scrub-jay, gopher tortoise and sand skinks as well as extensive patch of a scrub habitat known as a rosemary bald, which is an open habitat that harbors a number of uncommon species. It is also part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor and in the area that would aid in protecting land around the Avon Park Air Force Range.
Preserving the site has the potential to reduce pollution flowing into Lake Marion, whose water quality has declined over the past three decades by keeping development away from the three miles of lakeshore and perhaps installing some stormwater treatment areas, according to county officials.
It will also add to a statewide wildlife corridor and complement the more than 7,000 acres of existing public conservation lands in the Marion Creek basin.
The property, which will be called the Bellini Preserve, will eventually be open to the public, under the agreement.
A temporary trailhead will be built sometime in 2024. By 2025, the construction of a boat ramp, parking lot and a trail network will be completed, according to the purchase agreement.
Restrooms and additional parking will be added by 2026.