Resolution 112a-2008
RESOLUTION NO. 112a -2008
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY,
FLORIDA, IN SUPPORT OF FUNDING FOR THE
RURAL AND FAMILY LANDS PROTECTION
ACT
WHEREAS, the conversion and subdivision of agricultural and natural areas on the
Florida mainland directly impacts Monroe County's water supply and safe evacuation routes
out ofthe County in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Legislature in the 2001 legislative session adopted the Rural
and Family Lands Protection Act for the purpose of bringing under public protection lands
that serve to limit subdivision and conversion of agricultural and natural areas that provide
economic, open space, water, and wildlife benefits by acquiring land or related interests in
land; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Legislature found that a thriving rural economy with a strong
agricultural base, healthy natural environment and viable rural communities is an essential part
of Florida. Rural lands include the largest remaining intact ecosystems and remaining wildlife
habitats; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature further recognized the need for enhancing the ability of
rural landowners to obtain economic value from their property, protecting rural character,
controlling urban sprawl, and providing necessary open space for agriculture and the natural
environment; and
WHEREAS, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act is implemented through
Chapter 570.71, F.S. Conservation easements and agreements. which authorizes the
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the
Internal Improvement Fund to allocate moneys to acquire perpetual, less-than-fee interest in
land, to enter into agricultural protection agreements, and to enter into resource conservation
agreements to promote and improve wildlife habitat; protect and enhance water bodies, protect
aquifer recharge areas, protect wet lands and watersheds; maintain open space on lands with
significant natural areas; or protect agricultural lands threatened by conversion to other uses;
and
WHEREAS, Rural-lands-protection easements are an appropriate mechanism to
maintain privately owned open land in its current state and to prevent the subdivision and
conversion of such land into other uses and prohibit activities that would affect the natural
hydrology of the land or detrimentally affect water conservation, erosion control, soil
conservation, or fish or wildlife habitat; and
WHEREAS, it is 2008 and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act has not been
funded to date; and
WHEREAS, Florida is experiencing rapid population growth, with approximately
1,000 new residents everyday and all Floridians deserve a high quality of life that includes
green space, access to water, pastoral settings, and recreational opportunities; and
WHEREAS, according to a USDA report the State of Florida lost over 1000 farms in
200S alone; and
WHEREAS, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners finds that the
preservation of rural and agricultural lands and an economically viable agricultural industry
within the State of Florida is important to the County's over-all safety, health, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners finds that the Rural
and Family Lands Protection Act provides a mechanism to keep rural lands under private
stewardship while helping farm families fiscally, preventing subdivision and conversion of
rural lands, and requiring maintenance and enhancement of environmental resources through
agricultural and resource conservation agreements;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, THAT:
1. The Board supports funding of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act
and any and all action by the State Legislature to provide funding.
2. The Clerk is authorized to send letters and copies of the executed resolution to
Rep. Ron Saunders, District 120 and Senator Larcenia J. BuDard, District 39
in order to advocate for funding to acquire perpetual, less than fee simple
interest in land, as authorized in the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,
Florida, at a meeting of said Board held on the 16th day of April, 2008.
Mayor Charles "Sonny" McCoy
Mayor Pro Tem Mario DiGennaro
Commissioner Sylvia Murphy
Commissioner George Neugent
Commissioner Dixie Spehar
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE NTY, FLORIDA.
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