Martin County moves to protect 1,700 acres of Bar-B Ranch from development

By Tiffany Rizzo

CBS 12 News

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — As new developments pop up across the Treasure Coast, Martin County is taking a different approach. State and local leaders have agreed to protect more than 1,700 acres of land from ever being built on.

The property, known as Bar-B Ranch, is a large working ranch that will now be permanently preserved. It’s part of a rare conservation deal between the state of Florida and Martin County, aimed at keeping green space, wildlife habitat, and water quality intact for future generations.

Michael Yuston, senior project manager for Martin County’s Environmental Resource Division, said the location makes the ranch especially important.

“It’s right in the middle of everything, it’s surrounded by all these important lands that help protect the St. Lucie River," Yuston said.

The property connects to nearby conservation areas, including the C-44 Reservoir, stormwater treatment area, and Allapattah Ranch, creating a corridor for wildlife to move and thrive.

Yuston said animals like deer, turkey, bobcats, hawks, and owls are often seen on the land. The preservation was made possible through a conservation easement, which allows the landowner to keep the property while giving up development rights.

“It means we pay less money to buy the property and don’t have to manage it, while still ensuring it’s conserved for future generations,” Yuston said.

The $17 million project is being funded through the Florida Forever Program, with costs split between the state and Martin County. Yuston says it’s money well spent, made possible by local taxpayers who voted years ago to fund land preservation projects.

“It’s because they care about quality of life here in Martin County,” Yuston said. “They don’t want to become Palm Beach or Broward County. They want to conserve the county and keep it the way it is with plenty of green spaces and places to explore.”

County officials say Bar-B Ranch is part of a larger effort to protect natural areas, restore water quality, and maintain the character that makes Martin County stand out.