The Lightsey family has been running cattle in central Florida since the 1850s, but with 1,000 people moving to Florida daily, development encroaches on their legacy and the natural resources that support it.
Cary Lightsey and his brother Layne have put 90 percent of their land on 10 ranches into conservation easements with the help of USDA and other groups. These easements help the Lightseys protect the land from development and restore wetlands on the property.
Visit new multimedia story to learn more about the Lightsey family and how USDA easements are helping them protect their heritage.
Source: USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service Florida