Land Acquisition

The State of Florida and numerous county governments have established programs to assist with the acquisition of environmentally-sensitive lands. Here is information on some of the programs:

Greenways and Natural Areas Win Clear Victories, Foresight, Winter 2000

Florida voters did deliver one clear message in the recent elections. By solid margins, they rallied in support of protecting environmentally sensitive natural lands. Greenways—a concept launched in Florida in the early 1990s by 1000 Friends—were big winners in several counties.

Seminole County voters supported a $25 million bond referendum to purchase land to expand the county's showcase trail system. More than 100 miles will be added to the present system, which includes the Seminole Wekiva Trail, the Flagler Wilderness Trail, and the Cross Seminole Trail. In Volusia County, voters endorsed both Volusia Forever, to acquire and protect environmentally sensitive lands and water resource areas, and Volusia ECHO, to fund historic preservation projects, parks, trails, and centers for arts and the environment. Each is expected to generate up to $80 million. Voters in Alachua County supported a property tax increase. The $29 million proceeds will fund Alachua County Forever, aimed at protecting environmentally sensitive lands. Broward County voters endorsed a $400 million bond referendum for Safe Parks and Land. About half of the proceeds will go toward purchasing 500 acres of environmentally sensitive lands and additional open space, with the balance used to create regional parks and improve existing parks.

Two of 1000 Friends recent annual award winners won support for their projects at the ballot box. Local voters authorized funding to implement innovative community improvement plans in Leon County and Jacksonville. Leon County voters authorized extending a penny sales tax to implement the provisions of Blueprint 2000 and Beyond. This holistic plan will fund transportation, stormwater, and greenway projects in the amount of $700 million dollars. This year, 1000 Friends gave an award to the Tallahassee-Leon County Environmental and Economic Consensus Committee for bringing together business and environmental leaders to develop this model approach. In September the citizens of Jacksonville supported a half-cent sales tax for the Better Jacksonville Plan. Up to $300 million of the proceeds will be used to purchase environmentally sensitive lands. In 1999, 1000 Friends honored Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney for his visionary proposal, which laid the foundation for this important initiative.

1000 Friends extends congratulations to the citizens of these communities for securing the funding to implement their innovative improvement plans.

Overwhelming Support for Land Acquisition in Palm Beach County, Foresight Summer 1999

By now the success of Revision 5, "the Conservation Amendment," is widely known. On November 3, an impressive 72 percent of all voters in Florida approved this revision to the state's constitution. 1000 Friends of Florida and numerous environmental organizations endorsed this important initiative and participated in a major campaign to educate the voters on its benefits. Notes Charles Pattison, Executive Director of 1000 Friends, "The protection and wise management of environmentally-sensitive lands is an important growth management tool that will leave a lasting imprint on the future of Florida."

Among other things, Revision 5 creates authority for the state to continue its program to acquire and preserve land after Preservation 2000, Florida's current land-buying program, is dissolved in the year 2000. P2000, as it is popularly known, has resulted in the acquisition and protection of over a million acres of environmentally-sensitive lands in this state.

Revision 5 also makes it more difficult for the state to sell preservation land, requiring that the Cabinet approve such sales with a two-vote margin rather than the current simple majority. It also adds a provision to the state constitution that Florida values its environment and will protect it.
Additionally, Revision 5 creates a state agency to oversee wildlife resources, including fresh and saltwater fish. This will result in merging the current Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission with the Marine Fisheries Commission.

However, work on Revision 5 is not yet complete, as many details have to be finalized and ratified by the Florida Legislature. Environmental groups and lawmakers have already begun drafting "Forever Florida," P2000's successor program, which must be adopted by the Legislature in order to go into effect. The Legislature must also grapple with how to structure the new state agency, tentatively being called the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Expected to be a point of contention is the transfer of some employees of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to this new agency.

" Through Revision 5, the voters of Florida have mandated more meaningful protection of this state's environmental resources," notes Pattison. "1000 Friends of Florida sees this an affirmation of our work to advocate for better planning to protect our fragile natural resources."

Martin County Supports Land Conservation and River Restoration, Foresight, Winter 1998

On November 3rd, the Martin County electorate approved a one-cent sales tax referendum which will generate $44 million of local funds and an additional $150 million in state and federal funds for land conservation and river restoration in Martin County. The three-part referendum will allow the acquisition of 60,000 to 80,000 acres of conservation lands, the purchase of lands identified through the Army Corps of Engineers' Restudy of the Everglades, and stormwater management projects in the City of Stuart.

Doug Coward, formerly the Community Planner for 1000 Friends of Florida, called the referendum "vitally important for preserving Martin County's quality of life, leveraging substantial state and federal funds, securing major greenway linkages, and aggressively pursuing short- and long-term river restoration projects." It is also precedent-setting, he said, "because Martin County is the first local government in Florida to commit funds to acquire lands identified in the Corps Restudy."

Passage of the referendum is the result of a concerted effort. The Martin County Board of County Commissioners should be credited with modifying the original greenways proposal to incorporate important river restoration projects. A broad-based coalition of environmental, business, and nonprofit groups spearheaded a successful campaign to inform the voters of the referendum's many benefits. Community leaders, including Max Quackenbos, Sue Yorke, Mel Sherman, and Tim Kinane, worked tirelessly to promote this proposal. Assistance came from Nathaniel Reed, 1000 Friends of Florida, The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, The Pegasus Foundation, the St. Lucie River Initiative, the Economic Council, the Conservation Alliance, and many others.

Congratulations to Martin County for its leadership and continued commitment to the environment!

Around Florida: A Million Acres Saved! Foresight, Fall 1998

By Dan Pennington

Florida has developed an enviable system of protected natural lands, managed forests, connected greenways, rails-to-trails, and city parks and paths. The state’s “infrastructure in green” is a work in progress and a prototype for other states. This year will mark the acquisition of the millionth acre of land under Preservation 2000, or “P-2000,” an accomplishment to be proud of. What is P-2000? Simply put, it is a steady source of funding for the acquisition of environmentally significant public land. Based on the sale of government bonds, it is backed by State of Florida documentary stamp proceeds (a tax applied to the sale of property) and general tax revenues. Through every transaction, past and present sale of lands contribute to acquisition of these “green” lands.

1000 Friends of Florida strongly supported initial adoption of P-2000, and continues to advocate for its extension. In addition to its many environmental benefits, P-2000 serves as a vital growth management tool. Through P-2000, Florida now has an important infrastructure of green which will guide future development in this state. These funds have helped protect vital open space and preserve community character. Examples best illustrate how P-2000 promotes smarter growth throughout Florida.

Small Scale: With matching funds from P-2000’s Florida Community Trust, Panama City bought the Oaks-by-the-Bay property along the St. Andrews waterfront, protecting an important archeological site and a grove of beautiful live oaks. St. Andrews, a Waterfronts Florida community in Panama City, is incorporating this charming parcel as an anchoring feature of its present revitalization efforts.

Medium Scale: Rapidly growing Tallahassee is using a network of green to shape its urban fabric. With assistance from P-2000, the community has established the Miccosukee Canopy Road, Lafayette Heritage Trail, Governor’s Park, Lake Munson Park, and Phipps/Overstreet/Maclay Park greenways. These strategically-sited acquisitions preserve beloved natural assets. As with other public infrastructure, these greenways will serve as a framework for the developing urban area.

Large Scale: Seminole, Lake and Orange counties continue to experience tremendous pressure from the ever-expanding Orlando area. A combination of P-2000, Water Management District and local funds have been used to acquire important segments of natural systems. Significant lands containing important natural habitats along the Econlockhatchee, St. Johns and Wekiva Rivers have been preserved, as well as large hammocks and other freshwater wetlands of Lake Jesup. With continued acquisitions under P-2000, a workable balance between central Florida’s natural and human environments may yet be found.

Very Large Scale: Presently, the Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District are in the midst of a restudy of the vast Kissimmee/Okeechobee/Everglades ecosystem, with almost 870,000 acres in land acquisition having been identified as key. With a combination of federal, state and local funding, more than 315,000 acres have been acquired, and less-than-fee rights have been purchased on another 32,000 acres. P-2000 funds are being used to acquire stormwater treatment areas and the Frog Pond/Rocky Glades area, helping to reestablish historic water flow patterns and improve water quality in the Everglades and Florida Bay. P-2000 funds also have been used to acquire lands to restore the Kissimmee River, and to protect environmentally significant areas within the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed, Horse Creek Scrub, and the North Fork St. Lucie River.

Benefits of Florida’s Green Infrastructure

In the face of continuing population growth and development throughout the state, P-2000 ensures that we maintain a high quality of life and produce desirable places to live. But P-2000 and other land acquisition efforts also offer a positive return on the money spent. By protecting lands now, we are helping to ensure drinkable water and clean air for future generations. Those who use and enjoy these natural parks, trails, and green spaces contribute to the public coffers through a variety of tourist-related taxes, and support our tourism economy which delivers paychecks to many Floridians.