SUBJECT
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Approve the Parcel Cost-Share Contract (Contract) between Agricultural Conservation Easement Program- Agricultural Land Easement (ACEP-ALE) of the U.S Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS), and Polk County to facilitate the acquisition of a perpetual conservation easement on EL-158-25 A, Black Properties LLLP.
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DESCRIPTION
In February 2023 the Board adopted Resolution No. 2023-009 which created the Polk County Conservation Land Acquisition Selection Advisory Committee (CLASAC). The creation of CLASAC was in response to a bond referendum approved by voters in November 2022 to finance capital projects related to the acquisition, preservation, protection, management, operation and restoration of environmental lands, water resources and important fish and wildlife habitat. CLASAC reviews and evaluates properties nominated by property owners and provides a recommendation to the Board as to whether staff should pursue the acquisition of the properties for the program.
One such nomination was made for EL-158-25 A, Black Properties LLLP(Property), approximately 17 acres of land located along Lake Buffum in Fort Meade. The property was evaluated by CLASAC which recommended approval and in November 2025 the Board approved staff to pursue the acquisition of the property.
USDA NRCS has also determined the Property is eligible as a perpetual agricultural lands protection (conservation) easement due to its significant agricultural attributes. As directed by CLASAC and the Board, the County looks for partnership funding opportunities whenever possible. This Contract recognizes the mutual conservation efforts and responsibilities of each agency. The Contract facilitates the acquisition of a perpetual conservation easement on the Property. Through this Contract, USDA NRCS agrees to contribute an amount not to exceed 50% of the acquisition cost and the County will contribute the remaining 50%. The Contract is good until March 31, 2029.
The County will take the lead in pursuing acquisition. Any future Agreement for Sale and Purchase will be brought back to the Board for approval.
The funds for this project are available in the Parks and Natural Resources CIP through the Environmental Lands CIP Crooked Lake West project.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Parcel Cost-Share Contract (Contract) between Agricultural Conservation Easement Program- Agricultural Land Easement (ACEP-ALE) of the U.S Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS), and Polk County to facilitate the acquisition of a perpetual conservation easement on EL-158-25 A, Black Properties LLLP.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted and available in the 5-year Parks and Natural Resources within the Environmental Land Acquisition Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Chad Allison, Land and Water Natural Areas Manager
Parks and Natural Resources Division
(863) 534-7377
ChadAllison@polkfl.gov
Tabitha Biehl, Director
Parks and Natural Resources Division
(863) 534-7377
TabithaBiehl@oolkfl.gov