Pasco County recently completed its first two conservation purchases under the county’s Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP). The contiguous parcels, a 111-acre tract located on the Pithlachascotee River north of State Road 52 and an adjacent 11-acre parcel, will form the Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve. Part of the Quail Ridge Two development, the larger parcel was purchased for $1.1 million and includes a cypress tree estimated to be at least 200 years old that is listed in The Historic Places of Pasco County. The smaller tract was acquired for $426,000 to provide easier access to the preserve and includes a house that may be used as a nature center. The county is seeking state reimbursement for half of the purchase costs. Voters approved a 1-cent sales tax increase in 2004 in part to help fund the environmental lands program.
Article originally published Summer 2007.
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