Manatee, Conservation Foundation partner on Robinson Preserve expansion

Manatee County Commissioners have entered into an agreement with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to expand Robinson Preserve by 150 acres. The additional property would be used for additional wetland and upland restoration, construction of an environmental center, trails, boardwalks, pedestrian bridges and a playground.

Robinson Farms Inc. now owns the parcel, located at the preserve's southwest corner. The Conservation Foundation will assist in raising funds to purchase the land and will then to convey it to the county.

The agreement allows the Robinson family to retain 50 acres, on which it could build up to 50 units under the current zoning and residential density for the property.

“Two hundred acres of this land is awaiting a future as a residential development with a full-service country club and golf course, but we'd like to change that future for 150 acres to become an extension of the current Robinson Preserve ... and return that land to valuable coastal habitat,” Manatee County Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker told the board. “We have the opportunity today to acquire land that will have great value for this generation and generations to come.”

Robinson Preserve is a 487-acre preserve along the Manatee River and Perico Bayou that attracts more than 300,000 visitors a year. Manatee County purchased the property in 2002 for $10 million, later it spent more than $11 million in grants and county funds to improve the property for habitat conservation and passive recreation.

The Conservation Foundation works with landowners, businesses and governments to protect and preserve the beauty and natural integrity of the bays, beaches and barrier islands of the Gulf Coast.