January 29, 2007 - The FESN sponsored a tour of Lightsey
Cattle Company property, including the Brama Island, a
3,500-acre island within Lake Kissimmee, to high-light the
important role of private property -- particularly ranch and
agricultural lands -- in conserving Florida's imperiled species.
The Lightseys are 6th generation Florida cattlemen and are model
stewards of the land. There are conservation easements on
approximately 70 percent of the Lightsey Cattle Company's 18,000
acres, including Brama Island, which is famous for its abundant
wildlife.
Below are some pictures from this event.
Laurie Macdonald, Florida Director for Defenders of Wildlife,
answering reporters' questions.
 
Hillary Swain, Executive Director of Archbold Biological
Station, which includes the MacArthur Agro-ecology Research
Center based at a Buck Island Ranch in Highlands County, gives
an introduction before the tour leaves for the airboat portion
of the tour. (Photos by Mark Ferrulo, Director Environment
Florida.)
These sandhill cranes are just a few of the diverse wading birds that were seen around Lake Kissimmee.
Tour participants gather on the flatbed for the land tour of
Brama Island.
Carey Lightsey (center in the white hat) answers reporters
questions at the Brama Island Lodge, a famous hunting
destination.
Defenders of Wildlife staff Pat Kiesylis, Kristin Quirk and
Elizabeth Fleming enjoying the scenery at the Brama Island
Lodge.
Carey Lightsey gives a talk at a massive live oak that has
survived hurricanes and other storms for at least four
centuries.
A small portion Lightsey Cattle Company's herd on Brama
Island. The Lightsey's maintain their property in about 60
percent improved grasses and 40 percent native range.
Even the improved range provides valuable habitat for
imperiled species, such as those sandhill cranes foraging in the
background here and the threatened crested caracara, which were
also seen on the tour.
A female bald eagle tending to her young at one of the 11 bald
eagle nests on Brama Island.
The male eagle (perched) watches over the nest and young while
the female (in flight) is away.
Carey Lightsey helps launch an airboat as the participants
end the tour.
Unless otherwise noted, all photos by Brett
Paben, Senior Staff Attorney, WildLaw.
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