Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet next week will consider two projects that would help conserve large tracts of land in Highlands and Osceola counties.
The projects involve buying what are known as conservation "easements," which would protect the land from development but allow continued use as ranches.
Scott and the Cabinet will consider spending $4.32 million for a 2,526-acre conservation easement on a northern Highlands County property owned by S.Y. Hartt & Son, Inc., according to the agenda for Wednesday's Cabinet meeting at the Capitol.
They also will consider spending $2.35 million for a 1,189-acre easement on a central Osceola County property owned by Venture Four LLC. Both properties have long been used for cattle operations.
