Agenda Item Name:
Title
Interlocal Agreement between Alachua County and the City of Gainesville for Management of Four Creeks Preserve
End
Presenter:
Andi Christman, Senior Environmental Specialist, Office of Land Conservation and Management, 352-262-5157
Description:
An Interlocal Agreement has been developed addressing responsibilities and coordination between Alachua County and the City of Gainesville for management of Four Creeks Preserve. The Agreement has been executed by the City of Gainesville and is presented to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the approval and execution of the Interlocal Agreement.
End
Prior Board Motions:
November 8, 2016 - The BoCC moved to place the Weiss property on the active acquisition list.
June 12, 2018 - In response to BoCC Regular Meeting Agenda Item #3 on the 5pm agenda, the BoCC moved to approve and authorize the necessary steps for acquisition of the Weiss property. The unanimous motion included direction for staff to follow normal procedures and due diligence for the acquisition, and additionally directed staff to:
1. develop a joint management strategy with the City of Gainesville,
2. work towards the property being placed on the Registry of Public Lands following acquisition,
3. open a basic trail system to the public within one year (including a basic trailhead and kiosk).
August 13, 2019 - During public comment in the 5pm BoCC Public Hearing, the BoCC moved that staff bring the issue of public access to Four Creeks Preserve and associated parking strategy along NW 37th Street to a BoCC public meeting so that the public and Board is informed of decisions being made.
August 27, 2019 - In response to staff presentation on the plans for providing initial public access to Four Creeks Preserve, the BoCC moved to follow staff recommendations, including opening the preserve on September 28, 2019, and additionally to finalize an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Gainesville to facilitate management of Four Creeks Preserve both within and across ownership boundaries.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
Management costs for the County-owned portion of the preserve are incorporated into the operating budget of the Office of Land Conservation and Management. Fiscal responsibility for management of the City of Gainesville-owned portion of the preserve will be assumed by the City of Gainesville.
Estimated annual recurring costs of $14,158.
Fund: 001.41.4160.537 various expense accounts
End
Background:
Four Creeks Preserve is a 715 acre preserve located in northwest Gainesville. The preserve is the first Alachua County Forever conservation land acquisition under the citizen-supported Wild Spaces Public Places referendum passed by voters in 2016. The property was purchased on September 26, 2018. Alachua County purchased 470 acres, for $2.88 million, and the City of Gainesville purchased 245 acres for $1.5 million. The preserve contains a mixture of pine-dominated uplands, with over 200 acres of wetlands. The preserve protects portions of four different creeks, including Turkey Creek and Blues Creek, and the watersheds of Hogtown Creek and Possum Creek. A 2.5 mile long walking trail loop that crosses onto both the County-owned and City-owned portions of the preserve has been opened for public access since September 28, 2019. This Interlocal Agreement formalizes the respective duties, rights, and responsibilities of the City of Gainesville and Alachua County in management of the preserve. In summary, County resources will be focused on the County-owned portion of the preserve, but County staff may conduct activities on the public trail loop in the interest of public safety and access (eg. clearing downed trees across the trail, mowing, etc.). City and County staff may also coordinate as needed in habitat management and public use planning and implementation.