Deep Creek Preserve (Volusia County, Florida) Explained

Deep Creek Preserve is an 8,040 acre conservation area in Volusia County, Florida. The preserve was created in 2010 after the county purchased a ranch. The preserve protects water supplies and is part of a wildlife corridor connecting the Everglades in south Florida to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge on the Florida/Georgia line.

The preserve is owned by Volusia County and the St. Johns River Water Management District.^[1]

History

Part of the preserve was owned by the Leffler family and purchased in 2010 for preservation. The property was known as the Leffler Ranch.^[2] It was purchased for $28.8 million. An additional parcel was purchased in 2011 from Kemcho for $9.86 million.^[3]

Ecology

Water quality in the Deep Creek stream is monitored. There is a Deep Creek Diversion Canal.^{[4] [5]} An Eco Buggy ride event was held at the preserve in 2019. Kemcho land was purchased in 2011 for $9.6 million.^[6]

Hiking biking and horseback riding are allowed in trails in the preserve.^[7]

References

28.9722°N -81.1514°W

Notes and References

1. Web site: Deep Creek Preserve General Management Plan. Volusia County.
2. Web site: Volusia Conservation Corridor a winding path to preservation. Dinah Voyles. Pulver.
3. Web site: Hunting permit turns into dogfight. Dinah Voyles. Pulver. News Journal. 31 August 2014.
4. Web site: DEEP CREEK NEAR OSTEEN, FL. waterdata.usgs.gov.
5. Web site: Deep Creek Diversion Canal - Seminole County Water Atlas. USF Water Institute, School of Geosciences, University of South. Florida. seminole.wateratlas.usf.edu.
6. Web site: SOLD OUT Eco Buggy Tour at Deep Creek Preserve .
7. Web site: Deep Creek Preserve. June 15, 2021. www.volusia.org.