Ongoing Land Management Activities
Farming and Ranching
Currently, the property comprising the West Viera planning area is actively managed as a ranch and sod farm. A. Duda & Sons, Inc. continues to raise cattle on the West Viera property as well as a portion of the River Lakes Conservation Area, about 8,000 acres of which was leased back to DUDA after the state purchased the property from the company in 1999. Over 65 years after purchasing the Cocoa Ranch, the company's substantial cow-calf operation has spread throughout Florida.
In addition to cattle operations, DUDA manages part of the West Viera property as a sod farm, one of six locations throughout Florida. In addition to supplying the large landscape contractors who follow new home growth, DUDA is a source for the replacement lawn business and supplies retail nurseries and other sod outlets, as well as lawn maintenance professionals.
River Lakes Conservation Area
The 44,000-acre River Lakes Conservation Area, managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District, includes Lakes Washington, Winder and Poinsett. The area contains extensive wetland communities and provides important habitat for fish and wildlife populations, including several listed species: wood storks, bald eagles, Florida sandhill cranes and river otters. Recreational activities include seasonal hunting, fishing, hiking, bicycling, primitive camping, canoeing, boating and wildlife viewing.
The Moccasin Island Tract in the River Lakes Conservation Area is open to the public. It is located at the west end of Wickham Road and can be reached by traveling past the agricultural areas of the Cocoa Ranch. A kiosk at the trailhead offers information about hiking trails.
The River Lakes Conservation Area is a very important, positive feature that surrounds Viera in a crescent shape along the west, northwest and southwest sides of the property. It will be one of the key considerations as the planning team develops the West Viera master plan. |
