Local Conservation District Supports Fred George Community
Tallahassee, FL - At the regular July meeting, the Ochlockonee River Soil and Water Conservation District (ORSWCD) passed a resolution to support conservation of sensitive areas in the Fred George Basin. Three parcels owned by RP Properties, LLC. and James Maples were proposed for rezoning to higher densities earlier this year. The Wildwood Preservation Society (WPS), a project of the 501 (c) (4) non-profit Advocacy Consortium for the Common Good (ACCG) worked with the ORSWCD to bring attention to the sensitive areas, including endangered species habitat, on these parcels.
"Neighbors, developers and property owners are moving forward together in a way that we are all pleased with. We are so thankful to Supervisor Thure Caire and the ORSWCD for understanding the seriousness of the water and soil quality issues involved in preserving this area," said Misty Penton of WPS. "In addition to the resolution by the ORSWCD, the Apalachee Audubon Society and the Florida Audubon Society have officially supported placing the parcels into conservation on behalf on the endangered Wood Stork. Citizen Involvement and dialogue continue to make all the difference!"
"I think this is a solid win-win situation," said Thure Caire, who brought the resolution to the ORSWCD. "These sensitive lands are on the Blueprint 2000 Priority List for acquisition, and now there is a chance to use available funds to secure them for conservation at a reasonable price."
The parcels, which total approximately 160 acres contain severe slopes and wetlands which make developing them more complicated. Prime habitat for endangered species, such as the Wood Stork and Gopher Tortoise, would also be damaged or eliminated by the development of these parcels. Because the Fred George Basin is a closed basin, there are limited opportunities for natural flood storage, and preserving these parcels will take advantage of that opportunity.
"In the Fred George Basin, there are limited areas remaining for natural flood storage, said Scott Matteo, Chair of the ORSWCD. "It is important that these parcels be used as a benefit to our community, which is why the supervisors unanimously decided we were willing to use our time and resources to bring attention to this area."
The Ochlockonee River Soil and Water Conservation District is a five member board that serves all of Leon County. Under a combination of state and federal laws conservation districts perform duties and bring funds to their district to assist landowners in protecting natural resources by implementing best management practices. The board members serve four year terms and are not paid for their service. For information about our local conservation district please visit http://www.votewithcaire.com/orswcd.html or contact the chair at (850)339-2302.
"Neighbors, developers and property owners are moving forward together in a way that we are all pleased with. We are so thankful to Supervisor Thure Caire and the ORSWCD for understanding the seriousness of the water and soil quality issues involved in preserving this area," said Misty Penton of WPS. "In addition to the resolution by the ORSWCD, the Apalachee Audubon Society and the Florida Audubon Society have officially supported placing the parcels into conservation on behalf on the endangered Wood Stork. Citizen Involvement and dialogue continue to make all the difference!"
"I think this is a solid win-win situation," said Thure Caire, who brought the resolution to the ORSWCD. "These sensitive lands are on the Blueprint 2000 Priority List for acquisition, and now there is a chance to use available funds to secure them for conservation at a reasonable price."
The parcels, which total approximately 160 acres contain severe slopes and wetlands which make developing them more complicated. Prime habitat for endangered species, such as the Wood Stork and Gopher Tortoise, would also be damaged or eliminated by the development of these parcels. Because the Fred George Basin is a closed basin, there are limited opportunities for natural flood storage, and preserving these parcels will take advantage of that opportunity.
"In the Fred George Basin, there are limited areas remaining for natural flood storage, said Scott Matteo, Chair of the ORSWCD. "It is important that these parcels be used as a benefit to our community, which is why the supervisors unanimously decided we were willing to use our time and resources to bring attention to this area."
The Ochlockonee River Soil and Water Conservation District is a five member board that serves all of Leon County. Under a combination of state and federal laws conservation districts perform duties and bring funds to their district to assist landowners in protecting natural resources by implementing best management practices. The board members serve four year terms and are not paid for their service. For information about our local conservation district please visit http://www.votewithcaire.com/orswcd.html or contact the chair at (850)339-2302.
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