Environmental Protection

Environmental Planning

Our goal is to insure that the natural resources supporting health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Alachua County are managed in a sustainable manner.

Conceptual Framework

In past decades, land use decisions were made with little consideration given to the natural attributes of the land. Environmental features were often considered obstacles or hindrances to be overcome through engineered design solutions or intensive site modifications.

With a better understanding of the ecological impacts of land uses, it has become clear that the natural carrying capacity of the land must be carefully considered in land use decisions if the natural attributes and functions of the environment are to be maintained for future generations.

To ensure resources are maximized and used in the most cost effective manner, a framework was needed to provide the basis for land use decisions in order to create and maintain sustainable communities.

Thus, Alachua County has adopted a whole-systems thinking approach. Whole-systems thinking is a process through which the interconnections between social, economic, and ecological systems are actively considered, and solutions are sought that address multiple problems at the same time.

Strategies of Planning

Whole-systems thinking offers Alachua County its approach to environmental conservation and protection. This approach encompasses an array of strategies. These strategies are presented under four major categories: information, land acquisition, regulatory, and incentives.

  • Information Strategies include indicators tracking, information sharing, education and outreach, civic engagement, and intergovernmental coordination.
  • Land Acquisition Strategies employ the use of voluntary acquisition tools, such as sales, donations, and dedications of interests in land for conservation purposes. The new Alachua County Forever program is described.
  • Incentives Strategies include tax breaks, innovative planning and zoning, rural land stewardship areas, and cost-shares and certification programs.
  • Future Strategies are described within a whole-systems thinking framework.