May 2007         

Volusia Forever preserves valuable open space as a legacy for the future

New county parks - Barkley Square Dog Park, left, and Lake Beresford Park, right, are now open on the west side of DeLand.

The character of Volusia County often is defined by its natural assets, including rural lands.

To ensure that environmentally significant lands are preserved for enjoyment of future generations, the Volusia Forever program was established in 2000.

The mission of Volusia Forever is to finance the acquisition and improvement of environmentally sensitive lands, water resource protection, and outdoor recreation lands, and to manage these lands as conservation stewards in perpetuity.

“Volusia Forever is guided by a nine-member citizens advisory committee known as the Volusia Forever Advisory Committee, according to Phil Maroney, the committee’s chairman. Members provide assistance to county staff on potential acquisitions by reviewing and ranking properties under consideration and making formal recommendations to the Volusia County Council.

Committee members are local citizens appointed for two-year terms by the County Council and represent a cross section of user and interest groups. Volusia Forever is administered by the county’s Land Acquisition and Management Division volusia.org/growth/landacq.htm.

“A primary goal is the preservation and expansion of the Volusia County conservation corridor, an area in the center of the county of major importance for water recharge and wildlife habitat,” said Maroney.

This is accomplished through conservation, maintenance and restoration of the natural environment. The goal is not only to protect these assets, but also to provide access for the enjoyment and education of the public. Volusia Forever derives funds from a property levy of 20 cents were $1,000 of assessed valuation to be collected over 20 years. This property tax is expected to yield $191 million over the life of the program. As these funds are invested in protecting natural resources, partnerships with federal, state, water management districts and local agencies are formed when possible to stretch available dollars.

Another concern of Volusia Forever includes providing resources to ensure sufficient quantities of water are available to meet current and future needs. The program works to meet the need for high-quality, resource-based outdoor opportunities, greenways, trails, and open space.

It works to preserve the habitat and water recharge systems. It ensures the natural resource values of such lands are protected and that the public has the opportunity to enjoy the lands to their fullest potential.

Doug Weaver, Director of the Division of Land Acquisition and Management, reviewed some of the parcels recently purchased or under review by the Advisory Committee. Among them are:

• The Volusia 44 Partners Property (also known as the Festival Property), a 2,272-acre tract within the Volusia/Flagler Conservation Corridor. This parcel is in public ownership as the county partnered with the St. Johns River Water Management District on the $11-million purchase.

• The Stanaki Property is within the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve in Southeast Volusia. Port Orange has taken the lead and negotiations are ongoing for all or part of the 450 acres on the east side of I-95 in Port Orange. The county is a potential partner.

• The Double B Ranch Property is a 3,700-acre tract adjacent to the District’s Hawk Creek Preserve.

• The David Strawn Property is a 1,400-acre tract in the DeLeon Springs area off Lake Winona Road and U.S. 17. This proposed acquisition will be for a conservation easement. The St. Johns River Water Management District has indicated that it would be a 50 percent funding partner for this acquisition.

• The Krol Property is a 667-acre tract on S.R. 415 and is now under contract for an $8 million purchase scheduled to close this summer. The St. Johns River Water Management District is a partner on this purchase.

• The Lake Colby properties include 21 acres off East Kicklighter Road near Lake Helen adjacent to Lake Colby Park. This parcel is in public ownership after an April closing on the $1.3-million purchase.

• The Amy Brooks property is a 10-acre in-holding of Wiregrass Prairie Preserve in the Osteen area.

• The Hamlin-Dann Property is a 1,172-acre tract in the southeast section of the county near Lake Harney.

• The Ford property is a 50-60 acre tract in the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve.

These and other properties have been identified for purchase under the Volusia Forever program, each of which is environmentally significant and illustrates Volusia County’s dedication to conservation.

Volusia County has been a leader in land conservation since 1986 when the first bond referendum was passed to purchase conservation lands. That program, the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program, was one of the first in the state of Florida. Volusia Forever is the continuation of this philosophy by the citizens of the county to continue to acquire conservation lands using taxpayer approved funds.

The program has been recognized nationally and has received the County Leadership in Conservation Award. This national award was presented on behalf of the National Association of Counties and the Trust for Public Lands. It was presented as recognition of the county’s leadership, innovation, and excellence in local land conservation.