Placement: Proclamations and Special presentations
Action Requested: Discussion
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Conservation Lands Program Update
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Submitted By: Marissa Da Breo-Latchman, Environmental Planner II
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal to enjoy culture, nature and fun activities.
Executive Summary (General Business): Staff will provide an update on activities and recommendations for continued conservation land management.
Presentation Information: Staff will provide a 15 minute presentation
Staff Recommendation: Request that the Council Request that the Council support the continued management of conservation lands and direct staff to move forward with implementation.
Background: The acquisition and management of conservation lands and green space has been prioritized in the Strategic Plan. There are currently eight (8) city-owned parcels, approximately 200 acres, acquired through grant and donations under the Conservation Land Trust Program that are underutilized and not adequately managed.
Issues/Analysis: According to the 2022 National Community SurveyTM, 64% of residents rated the overall quality of the natural environment positively, lower than the national benchmark. In more recent surveys, this metric has reduced to 62%. In 2022, 55% of residents rated preservation of natural areas positively, similar to cities nationwide, and 46% of residents rated Port St. Lucie open space positively. In 2024, 46% of residents regarded the preservation of natural areas positively, while 45% rated open space positively. There has been a downward trend since 2022. Residents have indicated a desire for additional green space. The Conservation Trust Fund Management Plan 2015 update and analysis included the eight city-owned parcels and recommended land management activities that are an opportunity to better manage and activate these conservation lands. Staff recommended at that time the priority for allocation of Conservation Trust Fund money for the management and improvement of these existing City-owned large (over 2 acre) parcels. Even with this allocation of funding there are not sufficient existing funds to implement the 5- year action plan proposed herein. Staff will provide an update on management activities and inter-departmental collaboration and recommended improvements/activities. Following Council direction on conservation lands, staff will provide additional recommendations regarding land acquisition as contemplated and currently ongoing through the High Performance Public Spaces Team.
Financial Information: In addition to utilization of currently budget funds, to ensure ongoing property management a line item in the budget should be established and annual allocations of funds should be programmed to this line. Staff recommends an initial Deposit of $925,000 and then annual deposits moving forward of $100,000 for conservation land management. Additional funding for land acquisition may also be allocated.
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments: Staff Presentation
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
N/A