The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) of Indian River County is thrilled to announce a significant step forward in environmental conservation efforts.
Starting March 1, the BOCC staff will begin accepting nominations for acquiring environmentally sensitive lands, utilizing $50 million in general obligation funds generously approved by voters on November 8, 2022.
This ambitious initiative aims to direct funds toward the acquisition and preservation of lands that are crucial for the restoration of the Indian River Lagoon, protection of water resources, natural habitats, wildlife sanctuaries, and sources of drinking water. Additionally, part of the plan includes the construction of public access improvements to ensure that these pristine areas can be enjoyed by the public responsibly.
The Environmental Land Acquisition Panel (ELAP) will review and evaluate nominations for potential land acquisitions. This nine-member advisory group is composed of individuals appointed from diverse backgrounds to ensure a comprehensive assessment process. The panel includes one appointee from each Commission district, selected by the current Commissioner, two members with extensive experience in Natural Resources, one with a deep understanding of Real Estate or Finance, and another with significant expertise in Planning and Engineering.
The process involves a thorough initial screening of each nominated property by staff to verify that it meets the minimum criteria for consideration. This preliminary evaluation is crucial for ensuring that only properties aligning with the county’s environmental conservation goals are forwarded for detailed assessment by the ELAP.
The ELAP will then thoroughly evaluate properties based on criteria outlined within the Environmental Lands Program Guide (ELPG). Following their review, the panel will rank properties, recommending the most suitable candidates for purchase by the BOCC.
Residents and property owners interested in nominating land for acquisition can find the nomination form, detailed information about the ELPG, and the minimum criteria for property review on the county’s official website at indianriver.gov/conservation.