Volusia County, through the Volusia Forever Program, was awarded the second annual County Leadership in Conservation Award. This competitive-based national award, presented on behalf of the National Association of Counties and the Trust for Public Lands, is given to two counties in each of three categories, which is based upon population size. The categories are small, medium and large. The award was developed to recognize leadership, innovation, and excellence by forward-thinking county leaders in local land conservation. Volusia County was given the award for a medium sized county.

Volusia County has been a leader in land conservation since 1986 when the first bond referendum was passed to purchase conservation lands. This 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.