The Conservation Charlotte Program was created to preserve environmentally sensitive lands and open space for public use while protecting the county’s natural resources from increasing development pressures.
On Nov. 7, 2006, Charlotte County voters approved a referendum authorizing up to $77 million in bonds to purchase environmentally sensitive lands. The program is funded through a .20 mil ad valorem tax, equal to approximately 20 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. The tax is collected annually through 2027, when the 20-year Conservation Charlotte Program is scheduled to conclude. Lands acquired through the program will remain protected and preserved for future generations.
As Charlotte County continues to grow, the need for infrastructure such as roads, emergency services, drainage systems and water utilities also increases. Protecting environmentally sensitive lands helps balance the impacts of future development and reduces pressure on natural systems.
Environmental Benefits
Protected lands provide important environmental services, including:
- Flood control
- Water filtration
- Aquifer recharge
- Air purification
- Wildlife habitat protection
- Recreational opportunities and open space
Preserving these lands can also help reduce future infrastructure and environmental mitigation costs.
The Conservation Charlotte Program is a willing seller program, meaning land can only be purchased from property owners who voluntarily choose to participate.
Anyone may nominate a property for consideration. Proposed sites are reviewed using science-based criteria adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.
Types of Lands Considered
Properties considered for acquisition may include:
- Wetlands
- Rare or high-quality uplands
- Wildlife corridors
- Habitat for endangered or threatened species
- Lands important to water quality and coastal protection
These areas help protect species such as the Florida panther, bald eagle, Florida black bear and manatee.
Environmentally Significant Areas
The program prioritizes lands identified through regional conservation efforts, including:
- Southwest Florida Coastal Conservation Corridor
- Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Restoration Plan
- Environmental Lands Acquisition Advisory Council recommendations
The focus is placed on protecting ecologically important areas throughout Charlotte County.
The Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee was established under Ordinance 2006-077. The committee is responsible for:
- Confirming that nominated lands meet scientific criteria
- Recommending properties for protection
- Providing recommendations regarding management and public use
Final purchasing authority remains with the Board of County Commissioners.
Committee Membership
The committee consists of seven Charlotte County residents representing a variety of backgrounds, including:
- Business, real estate or land development
- Environmental or natural sciences
- Civic, charitable, homeowners or recreational organizations
Nominated properties are evaluated using several environmental criteria, including:
- Rarity: Evaluation of rare natural communities, unique site features and endangered species habitat.
- Connectivity: Consideration of proximity to existing protected lands and the ability to create wildlife corridors.
- Ecological Quality: Assessment of habitat condition, biodiversity and ecological integrity.
- Water Resource Protection: Evaluation of benefits to water quality, groundwater recharge and estuarine systems.
- Manageability: Consideration of long-term management potential and opportunities for public use and enjoyment.
Land Protection Procedure
- Site Nomination: Properties are submitted through the nomination process.
- Site Evaluation: Natural Resources staff conducts assessments that may include flood zones, soils, habitat reviews, mapping and biological evaluations.
- Oversight Committee Review: The committee reviews the evaluation and determines whether the property meets the program criteria.
- Willing Seller Verification: The county confirms whether the property owner is interested in selling.
- Protection List Approval: Qualified sites are added to a proposed Protection List and reviewed by both the oversight committee and the Board of County Commissioners.
- Negotiation and Purchase: Following approval, negotiations begin and all purchase contracts must be approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
The Conservation Charlotte Program frequently partners with state and federal agencies to secure matching grants for land acquisition projects. Local funding helps the county qualify for outside conservation funding opportunities and allows additional lands to be preserved.
The Charlotte County Natural Resources Division manages acquired lands. Fifteen percent of program funding is reserved for land management activities, including:
- Controlled burns
- Habitat restoration
- Exotic species removal
- Trail development
- Interpretive signage
- General maintenance
Public Recreation Opportunities
Protected properties are open to the public and may provide recreational activities such as:
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Bird watching
Contact Information
For additional information about the Conservation Charlotte Program, contact the Charlotte County Natural Resources Division at 941-613-3220.