MINUTES
VOLUSIA FOREVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
3:30p.m. - 5:30p.m.
Thomas C. Kelly Building
123 West Indiana Avenue, Training Rooms 1 & 2, DeLand, Fl 32720

Reid Hughes, Chair, called the meeting to order at 3:40p.m.

Reid Hughes, Chair, instructed the Recording Secretary to record the roll of the Members in attendance, in which six (6) Members were present. Member Alan Alshouse was recorded as an Excused Absence, and Member Richard Schuler was recorded as an Unexcused Absence.

Reid Hughes, Chair, called for a motion to approve the January 15, 2003, Minutes. Member Carrie Stewart made a motion to approve the January 15, 2003, Minutes, as amended. Member Gordon Kipp seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Chairman Reid Hughes introduced and welcomed two (2) new Committee Members, Jo Ann O'Bannon and Linda White, who will begin their two (2) year term on April 1, 2003.

Evaluation and Ranking of Eligible Applications - Rob Walsh explained that the first five (5) properties listed on the Agenda, which were deemed as eligible during the 2nd Cycle of 2002 (7-1-02 through 12-31-02), were being ranked to determine their placement on the "A" or "B" List. The remaining properties listed on the Agenda were the current "B" List properties, which the Committee would be determining if they would move to the "A" List or remain on the "B" List. He added that the properties on the current "A" List would not be presented as this is the active acquisition list and staff was actively pursuing them for acquisition.

Rob Walsh and Randall Sleister provided pictures and a brief overview of each property as follows:

1. Hamlin-Dunn Property - This property is 1,170 acres in size, located in the southeast section of the County near Lake Harney. It is wet flatwood and a pine plantation that was replanted due to heavy fire damage in 1998. Some dome and strand swamps are located on the property. The property owners are offering this property as a conservation easement. The property is bordered to the south by the Water Management District's Colbert Cameron Mitigation Bank; to the east by the Miami Corporation property; and to the west by the Lake Harney Woods subdivision. County staff approached the District to determine what their interest would be in the acquisition of this property and the District indicated that their interest was low. However, staff believes that their interest could change with time. Volusia County's Historic Preservation Officer did not discover any historical/archeological elements on the property. The management of the property would be minimal due to the conservation easement, which places the management responsibilities on the title owners.

Member Dennis Bayer requested clarification on the connectivity to other public lands as the staff report indicated that this property does not adjoin any public lands, but is approximately 1 mile south of SJRWMD property. He asked if there are any lands between the Hamlin-Dunn and SJRWMD properties that are potential targets for acquisition.

Randall Sleister clarified that the property located between Hamlin-Dunn and SJRWMD's Buck Lake Conservation Area is in private ownership and is part of a State permitted mitigation bank (Colbert Cameron Mitigation Bank).

Rob Walsh added that there is connectivity southward from the Buck Lake Conservation Area.

Chairman Reid Hughes asked if the present usage of the property was conducive to protection of the resource.

Randall Sleister responded that due to the replanting caused by the heavy fire damage of 1998 and the lack of maturity of the trees, staff could not see any significant problems with the present usage (silviculturing). He added that the conservation easement would be protection of the resource.

Member Dennis Bayer requested clarification on how to rank properties, "A" List or "B" List, that are conservation easements when compared to a fee simple acquisition.

Doug Weaver stated that there is no simple answer to Member Bayer's question. However, conservation easements could be more attractive due to the fact that the management of the property is the responsibility of the titled owner. He added that as long as the property is on the "A" List the type of acquisition should not matter.

Member Dennis Bayer questioned what partnering opportunities would be available with a conservation easement.

Doug Weaver explained that there was a new program called Forestry Legacy, which could be a funding opportunity for this property. He added that the District was also a potential partner. He reminded the Committee that not every deal would be a 50/50 partnership and that at some point in time the County's portion could become more than 50%. He also explained that if this property were placed on the "A" List, then staff would further investigate and locate a funding partner.

Dean Saunders, Representative for the property owner, stated that the property owners are interested in offering this property as a conservation easement. The property also offers connectivity as it fronts the mitigation bank, and backs up to the Miami Corp. property and Lake Harney Woods. Even though this property is not adjacent to public owned lands, it is within two (2) miles of other public lands.

2. Townsend-Schroeder Trust Property - This is a 637-acre tract that lies south of SR 44. The future land use categories are Environmental System Corridor (ESC), Forestry Resource (FR), and Natural Resource Management Area (NRMA). It is a very wet site with cypress strands/ swamps and isolated patches of pine flatwoods. It has been managed for timber production. Recent harvesting and site prep work has been done. The property currently does not have connectivity to other public owned properties, but American Timberlands is adjacent, which is a property within the Volusia Conservation Corridor and is actively being pursued by the State for possible acquisition. With the acquisition of the American Timberlands property, there would be connectivity to public lands. Staff deems that the size, unique features of this property, and the easy accessibility for public access, would make this a prime example of a stand-alone property. The public resource/access potential on this property is very good because of its location directly off of SR 44. Also, there is a roadway with spurs that already exists on the property, which could provide hiking trails or trails of some kind with little effort to create. The historical/archeological potential is very high, according to the County's Historic Preservation Officer, as an old railroad spur existed on the property. The management of the property would require some restoration of the timber areas and fire would be the primary management tool. However, the property's close proximity to SR 44 would potentially be an issue due to the smoke from the fire. County staff approached the District to determine what their interest could be in the acquisition of this property and the District indicated that their interest was minimal.

Doug Weaver stated that another funding option could come about if the State acquires the American Timberlands property, which could lead to an amendment to the Volusia Conservation Corridor and include this property. With the amendment of the corridor, reimbursement from the State for the acquisition of this property could be possible.

Chairman Reid Hughes added that the natural resources on this land alone should bring a higher interest from the District to partner with the County for the acquisition of this property.

Member Phil Maroney asked if there would be an exorbitant amount of cost involved with the management of the property due to the number of roadside swales and berms.

Randall Sleister responded that there should not be an exorbitant amount of cost to manage this property.

Doug Weaver added that it could take several years to obtain a funding partner. Staff has determined that this may be a prime property for pre-acquisition, which is permitted by amended Resolution 2001-198, and that reimbursement from various funding partners would be pursued.

Member Dennis Bayer asked if the District's interest in being a funding partnering was low due to the fact that there aren't other tracts in close proximity to this one that the District is managing, or that this property doesn't meet their criteria for acquisition?

Rob Walsh explained that potentially the District's interest was low due to the fact that their available funds were very low at the time. Although, recently the County transferred funds ($4.3 million) to the District for the County's portion of the Plum Creek/Rayonier acquisition. However, the District's staff did not provide a specific reason why their interest was low.

Doug Weaver added that the potential partnering discussions between the District and County staff have been at the staff level only and are unofficial. He explained that if the Committee determines that this property qualifies to be added to the "A" List, then staff would pursue any and all potential funding opportunities (i.e., the District, the State, etc.).

Member Carrie Stewart stated that this property was particularly appealing as there is a high potential for the creation of trails, which the news media has stated that this Committee and ECHO are not providing to the public.

Chairman Reid Hughes explained that thus far there have not been any trail projects submitted to the Committee. He added that there is not an anti-trail sentiment by the Committee and trail advocates constantly remind the Committee of the trail element that is to be provided to the public.

Doug Weaver stated that staff was currently working on trails at the Lake Beresford property and staff meetings have been ongoing for other passive, natural trails throughout the County (i.e., trail from US Hwy. 92 to SR 40). He added that trails would be constructed in natural areas and would be environmentally friendly, not ribbons of asphalt.

Chairman Reid Hughes explained that the first objective would be to acquire the property to have a trail before the opportunities have passed and the property has been covered with asphalt.

3. O’Reilly-King Property - This property lies north and south of SR 44 in the City of New Smryna Beach with Hunting Camp Road being the western boundary. Staff has discussed this property with the City of New Smyrna Beach to ensure that the City was kept apprised of the situation, and the City was pleased that this property could potentially remain as conservation lands. This property contains cypress swamp/domes and pine flatwoods, and has a very limited amount of exotic plants. The property has been managed for timber and recently replanted. The deep ditch at the entrance to the property from Hunting Camp Road is a concern. The historical/archeological potential is very low, according to the County's Historic Preservation Officer. Burning is the preferred method of management for this property. However, the property abuts SR 44, which could be an issue when doing prescribed burns. This property has several jeep trails throughout the property, which would make providing public access very easy. The District expressed a high interest in being a funding partner with this property as they are searching for properties for mitigation purposes. This property lies within the District's Halifax River Basin.

Chairman Reid Hughes added that there is development in close proximity to this property and there is a need to protect this property from being developed.

Member Phil Maroney asked if there were any public safety concerns with the significant difference in the elevation of the roadway and swale/ditch at the entrance of the property.

Randall Sleister explained that staff would need to have an engineer review the potential safety issue and make a determination that would alleviate any safety concerns. However, given the number of trees located at the point of concern, this may be enough to serve as a natural barrier to remedy any safety concerns.

C. Allen Watts, Esq., Representative for the owners, explained that the applicants own a total of 11,000 acres, which the majority of the property has been annexed into the City of New Smyrna Beach with various land use categories to allow the silviculture use of the property. The property owners are interested in preserving the property for future generations. The western boundary of this property is Hunting Camp Road and the Samsula Canal. Samsula Canal was created to drain the portion of Spruce Creek Swamp that lies south of SR 44. In response to staff's safety concerns at the entrance to the property, he explained that heavy rain accelerates the natural sheet flow through the canal and creates a backup at the culvert to the entrance of the property, which takes time to dissipate and continue on into the portion of Spruce Creek that is channeled to the north. This property is a very large watershed area for Spruce Creek with an upland area called Long Island, which is bordered on all sides by lower swampy strands. There is an old tram road that passes north and south across Long Island, and could potentially provide foot access to the west on across to Hunting Camp Road. The submitted application proposed 1,500 acres, which is the western most portion of the 11,000 acres owned by the applicant and is the western city limits of the City of New Smyrna Beach. A couple of reasons why the owners thought the proposed 1,500 acres would be a suitable tract was: 1) the management of Samsula Canal and the sheet flow within Spruce Creek Swamp could be restored to some type of a natural condition if it were in public ownership; and 2) it would create a finite urban growth boundary that would protect the rural community of Samsula as this is the current western city limits of New Smyrna Beach. The applicant left the eastern boundary of the proposed tract fuzzy because the applicant did not know where the Committee and County staff wanted to set the boundary. The 25' contour was suggested as a natural boundary. However, the 25' contour may be difficult to trace out. The applicant is confident that an agreement can be reached and an eastern boundary defined.

Member Dennis Bayer asked, depending on the environmental analysis, if there was a possibility that the owners may want to sell more of their property, or do they feel that the other acres are more suitable for other purposes rather than conservation.

C. Allen Watts explained that approximately 1/2 of the property is wetland and the other 1/2 is higher than the majority of property in the City of New Smyrna Beach. Should the property owners be willing to offer additional acres for sale, the City of New Smyrna Beach should be included in those discussion as the current proposal creates the end of the City's limits to the west and the City should be allotted some growth.

Member Anne Hallum asked if the issues raised by Member Dennis Bayer at the January 15, 2003, meeting regarding the survey had been resolved.

Member Dennis Bayer explained that Mr. Watts was attempting to explain that the exact boundaries remained unclear and the definition of the boundaries would be part of the negotiations between County staff, the District and the other entities that may be involved.

C. Allen Watts added that when the boundary line is determined it would match the natural system.

1. Sea Horse Farm Property - This property is 9.5 acres in size located in the middle of the Tiger Bay State Forest and abuts US Hwy. 92. The property is a cypress swamp. Management of the site would be minimal with the exception of cleaning highway trash and there aren't issues with the existence of exotic plants. Staff has contacted the Florida Department of Forestry, Tiger Bay State Forest staff to determine if they are interested in the acquisition of this property. DOF staff is very interested in the acquisition of this property and has contacted their land acquisition staff in Tallahassee, who will be taking the lead in the acquisition of this property.

Member Carrie Stewart asked why DOF hadn't acquired this property before now.

Rob Walsh stated that there had been legal issues regarding the Estate of Ivey Strickland, which have recently been cleared up.

Hugh Strickland, property owner and representative for the Estate of Ivey Strickland, replied that his family had approached DOF after his mother died in 2000 to offer the property to them, and DOF never responded. He thought it was reasonable to incorporate this property with their other parcels. With no response from DOF, the family decided to offer the property to the County through the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program.

Member Phil Maroney asked if there would be any public use connected with this property.

Rob Walsh responded that there would not be any public use, but would be an addition to the Tiger Bay State Forest, which has extensive public use.

Doug Weaver added that if the Committee made a determination that this property should be placed on the "A" List and DOF couldn't obtain the funding from Florida Forever to acquire it, then Volusia Forever would pursue its acquisition.

5. Ponce Preserve Conservation Project - This is the first true project that has been submitted to the County with the exception of the Volusia Conservation Corridor. This project is 155 acres in size located within the Town of Ponce Inlet, west of Peninsula Drive and extends out into the Halifax River, with a multitude of property owners. It is primarily mangrove, salt marsh. An additional map was provided to illustrate the layout of the project, which shows the location of conservation land and the property owners willing to participate in this project. The map also illustrates the gaps that currently exist between the properties of willing and unwilling sellers. This project will be similar to the Volusia Conservation Corridor where a project area is identified and all the parcels within that area are pursued. The parcels that are highest on the list of parcels to acquire will be those that directly abut conservation land. The potential funding source for these parcels would be FCT as they funded the original Ponce Preserve project. The County and Town of Ponce Inlet staff are working together to complete an FCT Grant Application. This project would expand the boundaries of the original Ponce Preserve and create connectivity.

Suzanne Konchan, Representative for the Town of Ponce Inlet, added that this project is a community effort to preserve environmentally sensitive land in the Town of Ponce Inlet. The Town's recently formed Land Acquisition Committee, who is responsible for identifying properties that are important to acquire, brought to light the amount of environmentally sensitive land that is privately owned. There are 15 willing sellers within the project area.

Discussion ensued regarding the Harbor Village development with Chairman Reid Hughes reminding the Committee the importance of protecting and preserving environmentally sensitive land from this type of development.

Suzanne Konchan added that a portion of the Harbor Village property has a conservation easement on it.

Member Carrie Stewart stated that this project would also promote the protection of the Halifax River. She also asked where the future location would be for the Town Hall.

Suzanne Konchan responded that one of several sites currently being assessed for the location of Town Hall is the Pigg Property. She added that whatever decision is made for the location of the Town Hall, the Town Commission would make every effort not to impact environmentally sensitive land.

Member Dennis Bayer asked how much of the project area is uplands or is it all tidal swamp.

Rob Walsh provided a rough, desk assessment from the District depicting the amount of sovereign land and uplands, which shows that the majority of the properties are sovereign land/wetlands.

Member Dennis Bayer expressed concerns about potentially acquiring properties that are already protected by the Land Development Codes, when the Committee has previous rejected applications with similar qualities. He also stated a concern about the possibility of encroachments by private landowners onto public land, as the boundary lines are difficult to establish with sovereign land.

Doug Weaver explained that keystone parcels have been identified and the intent would be to acquire those parcels first to maintain the connectivity to public land. He added that the Town of Ponce Inlet's staff potentially intends to submit this to FCT for funding. If an FCT application was submitted, potentially by October 2003, it would be known if the application scored enough points for funding. He added that there is a potential for the Town of Ponce Inlet and the County to partner on these acquisitions.

Member Phil Maroney asked if there are opportunities for public access or use, due to how segregated the parcels are from one another.

Rob Walsh explained that staff has discussed the issues involving public access and use, as this is part of FCT's requirements. Staff also discussed the possibility of boardwalks, wildlife observation points, canoe/kayak launching points, etc. Unlike other properties, this project could incur a greater expense to provide public access and/or use.

Suzanne Konchan added that there are canoe trails planned throughout this area of Ponce Inlet, and many of these properties would assist in extending those trails along with connecting them with one another. Although you can see the Halifax River from Peninsula Drive, access is a problem and the addition of over-walks would add some enhancements to the quality of life for both residents and visitors.

Doug Weaver stated that the appraisals could be the determining factor for the reality of this project, as property owner's expectations are high and funds are limited.

Chairman Reid Hughes reminded the Committee that one of their goals was to work with municipalities and this project allows the Committee to fulfill that goal.

Tami Lewis, Chairman of the Land Acquisition Committee with the Town of Ponce Inlet, added that this project was created by concerned citizens, who don't want to see another Harbor Village developed on environmentally sensitive lands. She added that this is a community effort to preserve the natural lands for future generations and for the wildlife. She explained that a responsible Town Manager would assess all the properties that the Town owns in order to make the best choice for the location of the Town Hall and the least impact on the natural environment.

Discussion ensued regarding the potential for an FCT application for this project.

Member Dennis Bayer expressed concerns regarding the submission of an FCT application without having all or almost all of the identified property owners aboard at the time the application is made, given the potential for additional property owners to become willing sellers. He deemed it important to have all or almost all of the identified property owners aboard to better the potential for FCT funding. He added that problems could occur with any attempt to add willing sellers after the application has been submitted to FCT.

Tami Lewis stated that the Town would be working to obtain additional willing sellers from the remaining property owners and hoped to have them aboard as soon as possible to make a complete FCT application.

Larry Mullins, a public participant, asked if the proposed acquisition would be for a conservation easement.

Suzanne Konchan explained that the letter to the identified property owners stated the type of acquisition was undetermined, which could be fee simple or conservation easement. The acquisition specifics would be known as the application moved through the ranking/application process.

Tommy Campbell, a public participant and resident of the Town of Ponce Inlet, was present to express his support for the project.

At the conclusion of staff's presentation and discussions, Chairman Reid Hughes reviewed the options available to the Committee for the ranking of the five (5) new eligible properties from this cycle, which could be as a package or individually. He added that staff's recommendation was to add these five (5) properties to the "A" List.

Member Carrie Stewart made a motion to add the five (5) new eligible properties to the Group "A" List. Member Phil Maroney seconded the motion that carried by a unanimous voice vote.

Member Anne Hallum asked what would be the purpose for having such a long list of properties on the "A" List.

Doug Weaver explained that a long "A" List would allow immediate acquisition of some properties where others could take years to acquire. He added that almost every property currently on the "A" List was actively being pursued for acquisition with the exception of the Harper Trust Property, which was potentially being sold to a family member. However, this sale has not been confirmed.

Member Phil Maroney requested clarification that the position of the property on the "A" List was irrelevant as there are agreements being made sooner than others, which would allow for quicker closings.

Doug Weaver confirmed that as long as the property is on the "A" List, staff would proceed toward acquisition of the property, and that the ranking position may not be necessary. He added that some properties move forward in the acquisition process quicker than others as some agreements are reached quicker. Another hold up in the process could be the funding partner, which applications submitted to FCT or DEP require time and can be very competitive.

Discussion ensued regarding the acquisition status of the properties currently on the "A" List with Member Dennis Bayer stating that several properties have been acquired through different sources (i.e., SJRWMD or FDOT mitigation) and that the list needed to be revised/updated.

Rob Walsh stated that staff would be providing the Committee with a revised "A" List after the property has been acquired and the closing has occurred.

Doug Weaver gave the following update on the acquisition status of the "A" List of properties and stated that the "A" List would be updated by removing properties that were acquired:

1. Volusia Conservation Corridor - This is the County's top priority and a continual acquisition pursuit.

2. Plum Creek/ Rayonier - This was a joint acquisition between the County and St. Johns River Water Management District, and will be removed from the "A" List as it closed in March 2003.

3. Stanaki Sections 1&2 (Spruce Creek) - DEP is in the process of completing an appraisal on the property.

4. Southern Pines Plantation - The Florida Department of Transportation has acquired 1,900 acres and is in the process of acquiring the remaining 200+ acres, which should be accomplished by the summer. This property will be removed from the "A" List.

5. Smith (Lake George) - The property owner has signed a contract and staff is seeking approval of the contract by the County Council on March 27, 2003.

6. Ocklawaha (Spruce Creek) - DEP is in the process of completing an appraisal on the property.

7. Catholic Diocese - The appraisals have been completed and the property has moved from "contingent" funding to "funding" on FCT's acquisition list as properties higher on the list have dropped out.

8. Pine Island Properties: Mayo; Harper Trust; Harrington; and Kilian - The appraisals have been completed and forwarded to the District for approval as they are the funding partners with these acquisitions.

9. Corbett (Lake George) - The appraisals have been completed and forwarded to the District for approval as they are the funding partners with these acquisitions.

10. Timberlands Consolidated - This was a joint acquisition between the County and the District and is scheduled to close in April 2003.

Chairman Reid Hughes added that other potential funding sources are becoming known and pursued as staff proceeds with the acquisition of the properties on the "A" List. To date, there have been 18,600 acres acquired through the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program, which has been a tremendous feat when compared to other counties. He thanked County staff and the Committee for their continued hard work in making the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program a success.

Member Gordon Kipp also expressed his gratitude for staff's hard work and commitment to establishing contacts with federal, state and local agencies, who are potential funding sources.

Member Carrie Stewart asked for an update on the map, which would display the Committee's acquisition accomplishments/successes for each year.

Rob Walsh replied that staff has just completed the base map, which identifies the existing conservation lands, and should be able to provide the final map, which displays the Committee's acquisition accomplishments/successes this year, by the April 16, 2003, Committee Meeting.

Florida Audubon Property

Member Carrie Stewart asked for a status report regarding the Florida Audubon Property.

Rob Walsh explained that the Florida Audubon Property was currently on the "B" List of eligible properties and is not being actively pursued for acquisition as the "A" List is the "Active Acquisition" List.

Member Carrie Stewart asked if any other agency was actively pursuing the acquisition of the Florida Audubon Property.

Rob Walsh responded that staff could not provide that information at this time, but would investigate.

Member Dennis Bayer suggested adding the Florida Audubon Property as part of the FCT application being put together by the Town of Ponce Inlet for the Ponce Preserve Project.

Rob Walsh explained that staff has concerns with acquiring land that is primarily sovereign with public money and is already owned by a conservation entity.

Member Dennis Bayer stated that conservation entities, such as The Nature Conservancy, and the Florida Audubon, frequently offer lands to conservation programs as a way to maintain the protection of the property and also generate revenues to acquire other environmentally sensitive land.

Kirton Farm/Akins Property

Chairman Reid Hughes requested a status report regarding the potential funding opportunity with Farmlands Protection.

Doug Weaver reported that staff met with USDA Staff in Gainesville to further understand the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program, which is a national program that is administered by USDA. Recently, the manager of the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program was in Volusia County and was provided a tour of properties that could be potential applicants to the program. She also saw the potential impact of urbanization. The USDA staff has indicated that there is a pot of approximately $150 million, which would be divvied out nationwide to the various regions. As we move through the year, it will become obvious that some states will not utilize all of their allotment. Florida already has a number of projects waiting in line for this money. The County may qualify for funding that is not utilized in other states, but the project would have to be on the "A" List ready to move forward when the funding becomes available. USDA does have a ranking process, which is nothing like FCT's process. If the Committee moves this property to the "A" List, then this summer a conceptual agreement would need to be executed. If a conceptual agreement between the County and USDA is already executed this would allow the County two (2) years to acquire the property. This would be a 50/50 acquisition between USDA and the County.

Member Dennis Bayer expressed a concern not having funds available for all the properties on the "A" List and how to prioritize the remaining properties as the funds decrease.

Doug Weaver reassured Member Bayer that there would be funds available to acquire the different properties.

Rob Walsh added that the Chief Financial Officer provided a report showing that the estimated funds raised for the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program increased from $88 million to $99 million over 20 years.

Member Dennis Bayer explained that his concern was with the potential of jeopardizing the acquisition of other properties to acquire a property that has some marginal significance.

Doug Weaver responded that the property is 423 acres in size and did not believe that the acquisition would be costly. He added that the appraisals would be based on the development value, as this is a potential conservation easement acquisition.

Chairman Reid Hughes stated that this property could be the pioneering effort in the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program. He added that there is a high risk of development in this area.

Doug Weaver added that a lot of the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program funds are utilized in the northeast and the midwest. This property could provide the opportunity to filter some of the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program funds to the southeast.

Member Carrie Stewart made a motion to move the Kirton Farm/Akins Properties from the Group "B" List to the Group "A" List of Eligible Properties contingent upon funding from the USDA through the Farm Trust. Member Dennis Bayer seconded the motion that failed by a voice vote of 4 to 2, as Resolution 2001-198 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass, with Members Gordon Kipp and Phil Maroney opposing.

Member Phil Maroney asked the question, "where do you want to go, do you want development contained closer to other development, or do you want to cause a leap frog effect?" He suggested allowing development to happen in and around areas that are close to interstates, and stop further westward development. He added that there is going to be development to some point, but development should be concentrated in certain areas as opposed to allowing it spread out.

Doug Weaver stated that the property owners are willing to conserve this property (ranch land) in perpetuity, not for 30 or 40 years. He added that the agreement would stipulate that the County has the first right of refusal.

Member Gordon Kipp agreed with Member Maroney that the Committee should put an emphasis on acquiring lands that are conservation lands by nature. In the process of creating interchanges, we have established an area that is ripe for commercial development. It is better to have the development concentrated at the interstates then it is to have it somewhere else that needs to be protected and saved for conservation purposes. The Committee should focus their efforts on conserving lands not located in the middle of a commercial area.

Member Dennis Bayer also agreed with concerns expressed by Member Maroney, but he also deemed it important to protect the possible impacts to the Tomoka River. He suggested incorporating some kind of stipulation that would allow the Committee additional input regarding the acquisition of the property through the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program and any impact this may have on the Tomoka River.

Doug Weaver suggested moving the Kirton Farm/Akins property to the "A" List, which would allow staff the opportunity to pursue the possibilities for funding from the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program, which would be a 50/50 funding partnership. However, the decision to move the property to the "A" List would be a decision made by the Committee, not staff.

Chairman Reid Hughes reviewed the process with the Committee and reminded them that the process is not the final determinations, but moving properties from the "B" List to the "A" List to further propound any issues associated with the acquisition.

Member Anne Hallum expressed a concern with moving this property from the "B" List to the "A" List when other properties have been turned down that had more environmental sensitivity without providing an explanation. She suggested stipulating that the property be moved from the "B" List to the "A" List contingent on USDA funding through the Farmer Trust.

Member Gordon Kipp suggested re-examining the properties on the "A" List to determine if there are properties that need to be moved to the "B" List.

Member Carrie Stewart added that the Committee has an opportunity to get on the leading edge of a new funding program with the possibility of achieving a positive outcome.

Doug Weaver agreed that Farm and Ranch Land Protection is a fairly new program with USDA. However, it is obtaining more and more support from agencies such as The Nature Conservancy, the Audubon and not withstanding, the American Farmland Trust. He stated that the Committee has already set precedence for acquiring farmland with the acquisition of the Fore, Fore and WT Ranch properties located along SR 415.

After much discussion of various properties, the Committee approved the Ranking List of all eligible properties, as follows:

2002 2nd Cycle Eligible Application Ranking
Approved by Volusia Forever Advisory Committee on March 19, 2003

Doug Weaver introduced Bonnie Cary, who is a former Science teacher and has experience in horticulture. She will be working for the County's Land Acquisition and Management, and Environmental Management Divisions to assist with outreach and educational programs to make the public aware of the different County lands that are available for passive outdoor recreation. She has also been involved with guided tours at Lyonia Preserve. He added that staff would be working with Leisure Services to move forward with outreach, educational type programs.

Bonnie Cary added that trails would also be a task she would be assisting in developing and completing.

Meeting adjourned at 5:25p.m.