Land Acquisition Selection Committee
In 1991, the Board of County Commissioners appointed a citizens committee, the Land Acquisition Selection Committee (LASC), which was charged with the task of preparing a proposal for public acquisition or protection of significant natural areas in the County. Two LASC sub-committees, Habitat and Finance, made recommendations concerning (1) the location and quality of remaining native upland habitat, and (2) available fiscal means for preservation. In March 1994, the Land Acquisition Selection Committee made specific recommendations to the County Commissioners.The Habitat sub-committee utilized the KBN: Upland and Wetland Inventory and site visits to examine the largest tracts of remaining native habitat in the County. The sub-committee ultimately selected five sites that were to be considered high priority: Adams-Bluefield Rangelands, Vikings North Savannas, Fort Pierce Woods, South Hutchinson Island, and North Trust Pinelands.
The Finance sub-committee unanimously determined that a voter-approved, general obligation bond would be the most suitable means to pay for a native habitat preservation program. In 1994, the sub-committee recommended the preservation of upland properties through public purchase to be financed through a $20 million local bond referendum. The referendum was approved by 67% of voters in 1994.
The LASC now serves as an advisory body to the Board of County Commissioners to recommend properties which meet the program criteria for preservation through public purchase. The Land Acquisition Selection Committee and the Board of County Commissioners utilize Resolution 94-070 to evaluate and select projects for preservation through public purchase. In order to qualify for a project to be considered for the program, it must contain native upland habitat and fulfill one or more of the following criteria intended to further the following objectives and policies set forth in the County's Comprehensive Plan:
- Preserve unique ecological communities (Conservation Objective 8.1.8.11)
- Sustain rare and endangered plant and animal species (Conservation Policy 8.1.8.11)
- Safeguard drinking water quality (Conservation Policy 8.1.5)
- Maintain natural flood protection (Conservation Policy 8.1.3.3)
- Improve passive, resource based recreational opportunities (Recreation Policy 9.1.1.2)
The bond funds provided tremendous financial resources to protect lands from development, thereby assuring present and future generation access to important natural areas throughout the County. On December 7, 1995, Spruce Bluff, a 97-acre site along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, was the first site acquired through the Environmentally Significant Lands program. Since that time, over 7,355 acres have been acquired and more land identified for protection through public acquisition. Funds provided from the $20 million bond program, which are often utilized as match for federal or state grants, are expected to provide funding for the purchase of the majority of lands the Land Acquisition Selection Committee has selected for purchase.
Meeting Date
Fourth Thursday of Each Month at 5:30 p.m. (Subject to change)
Meeting Place
Conference Room 3
Roger Poitras Annex
2300 Virginia Avenue
Fort Pierce, Florida 34982
Staff Contact
For more information, contact us at 772-462-2526 or send an email to: OliverC@stlucieco.gov