Environmental Protection

Nominate Land

Property Nomination

  • The public nominates property to the Program.
  • A simple one-page form is all that is required.
  • Examples of past nominations are: park additions in Gainesville, 17-acre greenspaces in High Springs, 2,000-acre forests, to the entire Santa Fe River corridor.
  • Funds are limited, so not every property can be acquired.
  • The more environmentally significant, the better the chances it will be approved by the Land Conservation Board and the County Commission.
  • Staff is available to assist and answer questions.

Notes

  • Property owners must be willing. Condemnation of property is not permitted.
  • Projects are evaluated by staff and the volunteer Land Conservation Board.
  • Criteria include water resources protection, habitat protection, species protection, social value, manageability, economic and acquisition issues.
  • The County Commission approves all projects.
  • The County can negotiate to acquire property outright or acquire certain rights through conservation easements.
  • Offers are made based on independent, private appraisals of market value.
  • Acquisitions are funded through $29 million in voter-approved bonds, payable through a quarter-mill ad valorem property tax, levied for 20 years.
  • Million of dollars have been provided by partner agencies, cities, private groups and individuals.