Sarasota marks 25 years of ESLPP, 100th land purchase; board approves Cow Lane acquisition
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Summary
The county marked the 25th anniversary of its Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program and closed its 100th ESLPP acquisition (Camp Venice). The commission also approved a new land purchase — Cow Lane — and budgeted $2.3 million for acquisition and startup costs.
Sarasota County staff reported Oct. 21 that the county has crossed two milestones in its land‑protection programs: 25 years since the first voter‑approved Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP) referendum, and the county’s 100th ESLPP acquisition. The commission also approved acquisition steps and budget amendments for an additional property (Cow Lane).
County staff and partners described the program as a long‑running voter‑backed initiative that has conserved more than 34 percent of the county’s land base through fee‑simple purchases and conservation easements. Staff said the ESLPP program (voter approved in 1999, renewed in 2005) has leveraged more than $66 million in partner contributions and has protected thousands of acres in preserves such as Manatee Scrub, Old Myakka and Deer Prairie Creek.
At the meeting the board approved a resolution and budget amendment appropriating approximately $2.312 million to acquire the Cow Lane property (ESLPP land acquisition and startup) and a related authorizing resolution to execute a purchase contract for $1,980,000. The board’s vote cleared the acquisition to close and added the property to the county’s land management portfolio.
Separately, staff noted the county closed on the Venice campground property earlier in October — described by staff as the county’s 100th ESLPP acquisition — and previewed a November 15 celebratory event at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve marking the program’s 25th anniversary.
Why it matters: The ESLPP and Neighborhood Parkland Program (NPP) have been a cornerstone of county land conservation, preserving wildlife habitat, water resources and public access. The Cow Lane purchase and recent closings expand protected acreage and, in some cases, create additional beach and water access or trailhead opportunities.
What’s next: Staff will integrate the newly acquired properties into the county’s land management plans and pursue any necessary park improvements or trailhead work. The board approved the acquisitions and funding unanimously.
Ending: The county’s land protection programs have combined voter backing, interagency grants and private partnerships to acquire and manage a large portfolio of preserves and neighborhood parcels; the Cow Lane purchase and 100th acquisition broaden that portfolio.
