The rare flora and fauna of the Lake Wales Ridge will get more protection thanks to a vote Tuesday by the Polk County Commission to approve a $24 million purchase of 1,225 acres on both sides of Masterpiece Road near Lake Wales.
The property is being purchased from Alcoma Properties and UPCO.
The purchases will occur over three years to allow county staff to seek matching funds from other financial sources to stretch the tax dollars.
It is the first purchase that has been made under the program that was approved as the result of a citizen-initiated referendum approved in 2022 to renew a land- purchase program originally approved by a citizen-led referendum in 1994.
On Second Anniversary Of Environmental Lands Vote, Polk Commissioners Approve Purchase Of First Site To Protect Lake Wales Ridge
Posted in Group Conservation Issues.