Item Coversheet



BOCC AGENDA ITEM

Item Title:Conservation Land Acquisition and Management (CLAM) Program Update
Date:2/11/2019
Department:Planning and Economic Opportunity
Background:

In July 2018, the Board of County Commissioners directed staff to explore land conservation programs. Since then, PEO staff has assembled a technical advisory group to offer input and recommendations regarding such a program. One of the organizational members of the technical advisory group is the Trust for Public Land, who has expertise in large-scale land conservation work and in particular, voter referendums related to such programs. 

Staff requests that the Board of County Commissioners approve moving forward with receiving further technical advice and assistance from The Trust for Public Land and The Nature Conservancy in connection with our efforts to develop and sustain reliable, ongoing sources of funding for floodplain management, water quality protection, land conservation, parks, and any other related priorities.  As part of TPL's advice and assistance, they may undertake feasibility research, including studying local laws and recent elections; conducting a public opinion survey; providing recommendations regarding program design; and assisting with the development of strategies for supporting dedicated, ongoing sources of public funds for identified purposes.

These work products will relate to multiple long-range planning initiatives in the Planning and Economic Opportunity Department including: Western Nassau Heritage Preservation Project, recreation planning, SR200/AIA Corridor Design, and William Burgess Corridor plans.

 

Request:
Approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a letter to the Trust for Public Land requesting technical advice and assistance in connection with the County's land conservation efforts.
Financial/Economic Impact to Future Years Budgeting Process or Effect on Citizens:
The Trust for Public Land has generously subsidized a portion of the project cost for this effort, and the remaining $12,000 cost to the County will be expended from already allocated budget funds for the Western Nassau Heritage Preservation Project.
Action Requested and Recommendation:
Approve and sign engagement letter with the Trust for Public Land.
Is this action consistent with the Nassau County Comprehensive Land Use Plan?
Yes
Funding Source:
04247515-531025
Additional Information Needed for Contracts/Agreements (If Applicable)
Contract Number assigned by Contracts Management:
For non-governmental agencies, has the document been sent to the vendor for signature?
Does the document need to be recorded? If so, who will pay the recordation fee?
No.
Are there any special mailing instructions? (Include contact name, address, deadline for submittal, how to mail such as express mail, FedEx, etc):
No.
How many originals are needed?
One.
ATTACHMENTS:
DescriptionUpload DateType
TPL Conservation Finance Proposal1/18/2019Backup Material
Chairman Letter1/25/2019Backup Material