Environmental Protection
Files, Reports & Forms
General Interest
"Open Space Proximity and Land Values, Alachua County, Florida"
- Abstract: 2004 Study by the Trust for Public Land on the impact of conserving open space in Alachua County on the Tax Base.
"The Economic Benefits of Land Conservation." Trust for Public Land, 2007.
- Abstract: Too often we hear that communities can�t afford to create parks, preserve farms, conserve open space, and protect watershed landscapes. Government officials and business leaders want to know how conserving land affects a community's finances. The five research studies in this report come from acknowledged experts in their fields. Taken together, the papers confirm that strategic land conservation promotes sound economic growth. (from the Foreword)
"The Economic Benefits of Parks and Open Space" Trust for Public Land, 1999
- Abstract: Accumulating evidence indicates that open space conservation is not an expense but an investment that produces important economic benefits. Evidence is from the firsthand experience of community leaders and government offcials who have found that open space protection does not "cost" but "pays." This casebook presents data and examples that can help leaders and concerned citizens make the economic case for parks and open space conservation. (from the Foreword)
"The Benefits of Parks" Trust for Public Land, 2006
- Abstract: This white paper outlines how desperate the need is for city parks-especially in inner-city neighborhoods. And it goes on to describe the social, environmental, economic, and health benefits parks bring to a city and its people. (from the Foreword)
- Abstract: Staff's presentation to the Manager.
Local Land Conservation Efforts: A Study of Selected County Programs in the United States
- Abstract: University Of Washington Study Comparing Natural Resource Stewardship Efforts in the U.S. Used in benchmarking for levels of effort, budget and personnel assignment.
Alachua County "Great Work" Presentation
- Abstract: Outreach presentation.
Alachua County "Heart of Alachua County" Brochure
- Abstract: Outreach Information.
Benefits of Open Space and Land Conservation Pamphlets (from Trust for Public Land)
"Taking Land off the Tax Rolls: Good or Bad Idea?"
- Abstract: Opinion piece on the impact on the tax base of conservation. By Robert "Hutch" Hutchinson.
- Abstract: The Nature Concervancy's estimate of the remaining need for Florida Forever and focused on Environmentally Sensitive Land
"Florida Parks in the 21st Century"
- Abstract: Report from Florida Recreation and Park Association focused on active recreation and urban green space.
"The Local Government Perspective 10-09-06"
- Abstract: Staff presentation to Partnership and Land Acquisition and Mangement Conference
Impact of local government on conservation of land efforts across Florida
- Abstract: List of local conservation programs in Florida.
Report on the amount of conservation land by county in Florida
- Abstract: Conservation land acreages in Florida
Local Land Trust Signed A Fraudulent Tax Form!The Daily News, July 31, 2004
by Stephen J. Small, Esq.
- Abstract: Legal Opinion column excerpted from Exchange, The Journal of the Land Trust Alliance. Fall 2003
"Conservation Easements Today: The Good and the Not-So-Good"
by Stephen Small
- Abstract: Legal Opinion column excerpted from Exchange, The Journal of the Land Trust Alliance. Spring 2003
"The Silent Partner in Conservation Easements: Drafting for the Courts"
by Andrew C. Dana
- Abstract: Excerpted from the Back Forty, The Newsletter of Land Conservation Law January/February 1999 Vol 8, No. 1, "In my conservation real-estate law practice, my experience has been that land trust personnel--who are often untrained in drafting legal documents--negotiate and draft conservation easements themselves, without direct attorney oversight. Although this practice is contrary to most printed advice and the Land Trust Alliance's recommended Standards and Practices, the reasons are practical and understandable..."
Links and other useful information....
- The Florida Forever State of Florida Land Conservation Program
- State of Florida Office of Greenways and Trails
- Florida Communities Trust - State of Florida Recreational Lands Grant Program
- USDA Land and Water Conservation Fund
- Alachua County Forever Maps and Project Descriptions
- Land Trust Alliance
Program Operations
Alachua County Forever Adaptive Acquisition Techniques Round Table. June 10, 2005.
Summary Report in Adobe format
- Abstract: On June 10, 2004, the Program held a workshop to develop prinicples to deal with the volatile and speculative Real Estate market and guide negotiation of conservation projects.
Alachua County Forever Land Conservation Workshop January 14, 2002.
Summary Report in Adobe Format
- Abstract: On January 14th, 2002, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) held a workshop to develop guidance for land conservation project selection, financing and stewardship under the Alachua County Forever program.
Alachua County Forever Decision Matrix and Support Document
- Abstract: These documents help staff score and evaluate nominated properties
BoCC Land Conservation Guidance Document
- Abstract: Developed from the January 14, 2002 Land Conservation Workshop, this document codifies the Commission priorities for the selection of conservation lands.
Chapter 36 of the Alachua County Code
- Abstract: This section of the County Code was created through Ordinance 00-13 and establishes the Program and the Land Conservation Board.
- Abstract: This County Resolution establishes the process for selecting and acquiring environmentally sensitive land. Adopted January 10, 2006 amending and replacing earlier Resolutions.
- Abstract: County Ordinance establishing a land conservation program; creating a land conservation board; providing for the acquisition and County ownership of real estate; and providing for use of bond proceeds. Adopted July 25, 2000
- Abstract: County Resolution calling for a bond referendum for the issuance of limited general obligation bonds to acquire environmentally significant lands Adopted July 25, 2000
- Do you want to nominate lands for conservation? You will need this form.
Contracts and other items to be considered by the County Commission:
Date: 10/14/2008 Consent Agenda
Barr Hammock Preseve Management Plan Update
Barr Hammock - Hare Addition to the Acqusition List and contract execution
Note: These are provided as reference only. Official copies may be obtained from the Alachua County Agenda Coordinator's Office 374-5204
Files for Land Conservation Board Meetings.
For Next Meeting: November 13, 2008. 5:30 P.M.
Environmental Protection Department, Conference Room A
201 S.E. 2 Avenue, Suite 201. Downtown Gainesville.
Park in the McGurn Garage and walk across the second second floor breezeway.
