The Southwest Florida Water Management District announced today it has closed on the purchase of Boat Spring. It's part of the headwaters of Hammock Creek spring system, located in Aripeka, on the Gulf of Mexico at the Hernando and Pasco County line.
Here's more information from the Southwest Florida Water Management District:
The Hammock Creek spring system includes Boat, Magnolia, Aripeka 1 and 2 springs which all flow into Hammock Creek that connects with the Gulf of Mexico. The acquisition property also includes the spring run from Magnolia Spring. The District already owns adjacent property as part of its Weekiwachee Preserve project. The acquisition consists of 81.69 acres, with approximately 53.4 acres in Hernando County and 28.2 acres in Pasco County. The property is a mosaic of unusual physical features including springs, a spring run, a natural sand ridge with elevations approaching 40 feet together with freshwater swamps that support the adjoining saltwater estuary of Hammock Creek. Boat Springs will protect the water resources of the Hammock Creek spring system, link existing District ownerships and enhance the natural systems of the Weekiwachee Preserve. The property will also provide passive recreational opportunities to the public. The acquisition cost of $1,318,779, was funded through the District’s remaining balances of prior year Forever Trust Fund allocations.
