HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 01 25 How are Lands Preserved?
WINTER SPRINGS OPEN SPACE ADVISORY STUDY COMMITTEE
JANUARY 25,2007
THE ATTACHED ITEM (HOW ARE LANDS PRESERVED?) WAS SUBMITTED
WITH THE AGENDA BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
How are Lands Preserved? What tools are available to enable the
preservation of land?
Preservation is best accomplished when more than one of the following is utilized:
1. Out right Purchase; Donation or Conveyance (for management)
Change in Ownership to those who share the same goals;
Removal of lands from the threat of development by obtaining control of the land.
2. Conservation Easement via platting or recorded agreement
Executed and recorded with Seminole County Clerk of the Circuit Court; and
Should include specific language restricting the use of the land in perpetuity and
guiding appropriate management via a conservation easement agreement.
May be conveyed to another entity for management:
Homeowners Association
SJRWMD
City of Winter Springs
Other Non-Profit Entity, such as Audubon Society, etc.
3. Land Use designation in the Comprehensive Plan
Designation in the City's Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use Element;
Change of designation requires a minimum of three public hearings with final
approval by the City Commission.
4. Regulations and Permitting
Local and State governments oversee environmentally sensitive areas by requiring
permits to be obtained, prior to alteration. These regulations may deter
development or slow development but do not prevent development. Generally a
fee is charged to offset the impact of the proposed development.
(For example, Winter Springs allows the removal of trees, but requires the impact
to be offset by the planting of new trees or the payment of a fee to the tree bank.
Similarly, the development of wetlands is permitted through the purchase of
mitigation lands to replace the impact on the onsite wetlands. Permitting is
managed through the St. John's River Water Management District (SJRWMD).)