SUBJECT
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Approve Memorandum of Agreement for Land Acquisition and Management Services (No Fiscal Impact)
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DESCRIPTION
The Parks and Natural Resources Division currently manages 15 properties in Polk for the protection of water and natural resources and is evaluating 25 properties for acquisition. At times Polk County may need assistance to implement certain land management and acquisition tasks that may include but are not limited to conduct property inventories, develop management plans, monitoring for rare or invasive species, public outreach, execute prescribed fires and/or conduct Baseline Document Report for Easement, partner in acquisition projects or conduct due diligence.
To address the need for additional support with land management and acquisition, staff proposes that Polk County enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Conservation Florida. The agreement will begin October 1, 2024, and end on September 30, 2029. The agreement provides the foundation and enables the working relationship between Conservation Florida, a nonprofit environmental organization 501c3, and Polk County to function. The agreement establishes the process for the nonprofit, Conservation Florida, to work with Polk County to develop an annual scope of work that may be approved by the County Manager. Once the scope of work is approved a purchase order will be issued.
Approval of this MOA will assist staff with meeting the expectations and maintaining the standards of the Environmental Lands Program.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Memorandum of Agreement for Land Acquisition and Management Services that allows for Polk County to retain Conservation Florida to conduct land management activities on Polk County lands.
FISCAL IMPACT
No Fiscal Impact
CONTACT INFORMATION
Tabitha Biehl, Land and Water Natural Areas Manager
Parks and Natural Resources Division
(863) 534-7377
tabithabiehl@polk-county.net
Gaye Sharpe, Director
Parks and Natural Resources Division
(863) 53...
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