More than 1,700 acres in St. Johns County will now be permanently protected following Ring Power’s donation of a major conservation easement to North Florida Land Trust (NFLT). The 1,732-acre property, known as DeerCreek Plantation and located east of the St. Johns River, will remain protected in perpetuity for future generations under the agreement.
The DeerCreek Plantation conservation easement was donated by Ring Power and its owners, Randy and Paula Ringhaver and David and Bree Alban. The property lies within NFLT’s springs, aquifer recharge, and water quality improvement preservation priority area, and is also within the St. Johns River Blueway Florida Forever Project Area. It borders Trout Creek for about two miles along the eastern boundary, helping protect the creek and ultimately the St. Johns River. Several new developments surround the property, and preserving this land through a conservation easement eliminates the possibility of future development and keeps it a pristine piece of natural land.
“This generous donation is a major win for conservation in St. Johns County, which just continues to grow,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “We are grateful to the Ringhaver family for recognizing the importance of saving this natural space because it is now or never. Now their children, grandchildren, and their grandchildren’s grandchildren will be able to enjoy this beautiful property.”
Randy Ringhaver says this property holds profound meaning for him and his family. Over several decades, he and his family gradually acquired parcels from multiple owners, ultimately assembling the more than 1,732 acres that now make up DeerCreek Plantation. As development continued to press in around this natural landscape, the Ringhavers chose to partner with NFLT and place the property under a conservation easement, ensuring that this cherished stretch of wilderness will remain protected forever.
“A close friend once said some things are worth more than they can be sold for, and that is exactly how we feel about DeerCreek,” said Randy Ringhaver, Chairman of Ring Power.
Under the terms of the perpetual conservation easement agreement, Ring Power and the Ringhaver and Alban families may continue to enjoy the property. DeerCreek Plantation is primarily used as a private quail hunting plantation for company outings and business entertainment.
About North Florida Land Trust
North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida’s irreplaceable natural environment. Founded in 1999, NFLT has preserved tens of thousands of acres of land through the donation or purchase of land as well as conservation easements. NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with willing landowners and public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations.
