Martin County's Bar-B Ranch being preserved forever from development

State and Martin County officials approved a $17 million deal to purchase the development rights to 1,700 acres of Bar-B Ranch, permanently protecting the land from future development. Funded by $12 million from the state and $5 million from the county’s voter-approved sales tax, the agreement allows the Troup family to retain ownership while conserving critical wildlife habitat and supporting Everglades restoration efforts.