Agenda Item Name:
Title
Management of Lands Acquired with Wild Spaces and Public Places Funding
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Presenter:
Charlie Houder / (352)264-6804
Description:
A presentation by staff to update the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) on the management of conservation lands acquired with funds from the 2016 voter approved Wild Spaces and Public Places (WSPP) initiative.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Hear informational presentation.
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Prior Board Motions:
On 3/9/21 the Board passed a motion directing staff to provide an update on: Wild Spaces Pubic Places overall, lessons learned, future visions including agricultural lands in preparation for infrastructure surtax and any inventory or prioritization of lands.
On 1/26/21 the Board passed a motion to direct staff to provide the BoCC with recommendations for a permanent facility location for the Office of Land Conservation and Management.
On 10/20/2015 The Board passed a motion to:
1. To refer to the County Manager to return with options for funding long term land maintenance on the conservation portfolio. The item may be brought back when ready but final budget decisions will be made during the budget cycle.
2. Provide to the Board members copies of and a description of the communitywide visioning and planning process the County went through.
3. Provide how staff envisions using the 2.2 million dollars.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
Not applicable - informational presentation
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Background:
In 2016, Alachua County voters approved an extension of the Wild Spaces and Public Places initiative with a one-half cent sales tax to be levied for eight years. Since 2016, the program has purchased 5,213.56 acres, bringing the acreage protected to 25,150. These acquisitions have resulted in additions to five existing preserves and the creation of seven new preserves. The Fox Pen Connector which is expected to close by August 27, 2021, will add an additional 4,000 acres to the conser...
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