Clay County, FL
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Land Conservation Committee
LCC Committee Members |
JOSH FARLEY
Work Experience
As a lifelong resident of Clay County, I derive my livelihood as a cattle rancher and managing the land they graze on. I understand first hand how important it is to care for the land & wildlife as well as how grazing cattle & conservation of land can easily go hand-in-hand. I implement practices such as control burning as well as refrain from over grazing which promotes growth as well as prevents stress on the environment that both wildlife & cattle depend on to flourish.
Education
Clay High School - 1995-1999 Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College - 1999-2000
Volunteer Work, Civic, Professional, and other Activities
Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Committee, Clay County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, National Cattlemen's Beef Association member, Florida Cattlemen's Association member, Clay County Agricultural Fair Superintendent & Volunteer, and Florida Farm Credit Nominating Committee, Farm-City Celebration Sponsor, 4-H/FFA Sponsor
Additional knowledge, skill, education or experience
As a landowner in Clay County, I know & understand the importance of conserving and protecting lands as well as the wildlife habitat and water quality. As a rancher, all of these components are first & foremost in my mind when making decisions on the ranch-land I make my living. My farming and ranching operation was recognized by Florida Farm Bureau with the "This Farm Cares" award for demonstrate exemplary efforts to protect Florida’s natural resources by implementing Best Management Practices.
PATRICK COOPER MURPHY
Work Experience
Over the past 24 years, I have managed more than 120,000 acres of timberland in northeast Florida for multiple landowners. My expertise spans forest and wildlife management, including reforestation, harvesting, prescribed burning, and the management of both game and non-game species. In addition, my current role provides me with a rare combination of experience in zoning, land use, and development. I am passionate about contributing to the to the preservation of what makes Clay County special.
Education
Auburn University - B.S. Forest Engineering
Volunteer Work, Civic, Professional, and other Activities
Clay County 4H - Board of Directors (~12 years)
Additional knowledge, skill, education or experience
Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated myself to working closely with landowners to help them achieve their individual goals. I have extensive experience collaborating with organizations such as the ACOE, SJRWMD, FDEP, Clay Electric, FP&L, and the Florida Forest Service, as well as numerous private landowners. My expertise includes utility easements, conservation easements, mineral rights, development rights, buffers, and mitigation banking.
RANDOLPH PADGETT
Work Experience
I was born into a logging family & worked in the forestry/timber industry my entire life. I started with my father & brother's logging business when I was 12 years old. For over 50 years, I have worked as a forester including Callahan Timber Co (7 years) & variations of Jefferson Smurfit/Smurfit-Stone/Container Corp where I reached the level of district manager/procurement forester over 59,000 acres of timberland. I was responsible for the cutting, site-prep, & replanting of 1,800 acres a year.
Education
Orange Park High School - graduated 1969 - High School Diploma
Volunteer Work, Civic, Professional, and other Activities
FL Farm Bureau - State Director, Oversight Committee, Forestry Advisory Committee, Clay County Farm Bureau & Clay County Cattlemen - Past Presidents & current Board of Directors, Clay County Ag Fair - Past Executive Committee Member & Honorary Board Member, FL Forestry Association Member and Logger of the Year Award Committee, Florida Cattlemen's Association Member, Southeastern Wood Producers Assoc. member, FL Forest Service Jennings State Forest past Advisory Board Member, 4-H/FFA Sponsor
Additional knowledge, skill, education or experience
I have over 50 years of experience in the forest industry & serving in local & state forestry & agricultural organizations & government advisory committees. My family's farm produces timber & we have a small cattle herd. Our farm is one of the tour stops on the FL Forestry Association/FL Forest Service Teacher's Tour each summer. Our family has been recognized by FL Farm Bureau with the "This Farm CARES" Award for demonstrating exemplary efforts to protect FL's natural resources through BMPs.
DR. CRAIG PRICE, DVM
Work Experience
Mixed animal Veterinarian - 39 years - Clay county , Land owner -Silviculture , Familiar with animal husbandry wildlife and domestic animals Current property is a conservation easement
Education
Forrest HS - 1976 / Univ of Florida 1980 Bachelor of Science- Animal Sciences- College of Agriculture/ UF - College of Veterinary Medicine - DVM
Volunteer Work, Civic, Professional, and other Activities
Jacksonville Veterinary Medical Society - since 1986 - Treasurer 10 years - multiple committees Florida Veterinary Medical Association - since 1982 American Veterinary Medical Association - Since 1982 Clay County Cattlemans Association- Board of Directors Admissions Committee- College Of Veterinary Medicine UF 2 terms
Additional knowledge, skill, education or experience
Active in community - Clay County Fair / 4H/ FFA students
MARK FEAGLE
Work Experience
With over 25 years of experience in residential and commercial contracting, I have developed a strong foundation in construction management, project oversight, and quality assurance. This includes six years as a DOT bridge and dirtwork inspector, where I managed multiple projects across Clay and Duval counties, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements. In addition, I have seven years of experience as a real estate professional, specializing in land acquisitions, investment properties, and residential home sales. My expertise in market analysis, negotiations, and property development allows me to provide strategic guidance to clients, maximizing their investments and achieving their real estate goals. Beyond my professional career, I am deeply committed to environmental conservation. Since 2020, I have led Clean Up Florida Waters, a statewide initiative in collaboration with Florida Realtors, organizing Florida’s largest waterway cleanup effort. Under my leadership, the initiative has removed over 150,000 pounds of debris from waterways across the state. I also serve as a volunteer with the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) at both the local and state levels, where I contribute to conservation and habitat restoration projects. My responsibilities as the local chapter president include fundraising, coordinating local habitat initiatives such as eelgrass restoration in the St. Johns River, oyster reef restoration in the Intracoastal Waterway, and the release of over 35,000 redfish into local waters. Additionally, I have played a key role in offshore artificial reef projects like Ripper Reef and have organized major cleanup events, including the Ghost Trap Rodeo and Cleanup NE Florida Waters. On the state level I service on the state management committee in charge of approving budgets and finances.
Education
Santa Fe College, Construction Management
Volunteer Work, Civic, Professional, and other Activities
Coastal Conservation Association, Florida Realtors Community Engagement, NEFAR Candidate Screening, NEFAR Community Affairs
Additional knowledge, skill, education or experience
I feel my experiences in conservation, construction and real estate combined are a perfect fit for what this committee is trying to accomplish.
TINA T. SACHS
Work Experience
While growing up in Illinois my family owned and operated an 800 acre cattle ranch and grew corn and soybeans. Recently I co-owned a 300 acre ranch in Putnam County raising goats and cattle in a silviculture environment. I am an educator and teach Earth Science and educate students on natural resources and agriculture. I am a past member of the White Oak Conservation Education Committee in Yulee, Fl. I am a 35 year resident and land owner in Clay County.
Education
Illinois Sate University BS 1974-1978 Northern Illinois University 1980 University of Chicago School of Law JD 1980 -1983
Volunteer Work, Civic, Professional, and other Activities
White Oak Conservation Education Committee past member 4-H Leader current
Additional knowledge, skill, education or experience
As a long time resident of Clay County I am familiar with the challenges that the county faces in growth, and conservation. I believe my past experiences would be valuable to the board. My ranch is Putnam county was featured on the Slow Farm Tour and an example of sustainable agriculture. I have taken the Jane Goodall Master class on conservation and the Kiss the Ground course on sustainable land maintenance.
Anne “Christie” C. Hingst
Work Experience
As a student at FSU, I interned for the City of Tallahassee-Leon County Comprehensive Planning. As a Senior Class President, I worked with the architectural design committee to found “Leave a Legacy with a Westcott Brick,” which is still thriving today. I earned a Master’s in Public Administration and worked as an Environmental Planner in Hampton Roads, VA. I am also a partner in a family-owned real estate company in Little Rock, AR.
Education
Alternative Certification for Teachers Program (grades 6-12) / Social Studies, Virginia Wesleyan Completed: 12/2004, Virginia Wesleyan College; Master of Public Administration, 1998, George Washington University; Bachelor of Arts in Communication, 1996, Florida State University
Volunteer Work, Civic, Professional, and other Activities
PFA Vice-President, 2012-2013, Fleming Island Elementary School; Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship Chair, Sophia Fleming Chapter, 9/2012 to 5/2022; Clay County Young Life Leader, Fleming Island, FL 9/2015 to 6/2021; Clay County Young Life Board Member 9/2024 to present; Young Life Africa (Tanzania) Regional Team 2017 to present; 100+ Women Who Care (Clay County), 09/2020 to present; Waste Not Want Not volunteer 9/2023 to present; Grace Anglian Church, 08/2005 to present
Additional knowledge, skill, education or experience
I have always had an interest and passion for city planning and land conservation. In 2005, my husband left the Navy and we relocated to Clay County. It has been a joy to raise our family in this beautiful area that has so much to offer. I would love to give back to my community and feel I would bring a unique perspective to this committee, given my background and interests.
MATTHEW K. CORBY
Work Experience
For 24 years I have been working in the field of Land Management. I am a certified Forester from the University of Florida and spent 8 years as such at the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center (CBJTC) focused on silviculture and timber operations. In 2007, I moved to the SJRWMD and spent 7 years as the Land Manager of their Northern District. In 2014 I returned to CBJTC as the Conservation Manager and currently act as the Installation Environmental Manager.
Education
1996-2000, University of Florida. Received a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resource and Conservation.
Volunteer Work, Civic, Professional, and other Activities
I am an NWCG Certified Wildland Firefighter and a Certified FL Prescribed Burn Manager for over 20 years. I also volunteer my time coaching youth recreation soccer for the Clay County Soccer Club located on Fleming Island for the last 5 years.
Additional knowledge, skill, education or experience
I have always focused on managing land to meet multiple objectives. Success, for me, is defined as balancing economic and ecological need. I believe good land management can do both simultaneously. I am also the lead for the Compatible Use Buffer Program at CBJTC with an understanding of real estate transactions focused to preserve and protect land, as fee simple or easement. Additionally, I respect the value of working lands on the landscape and would like to help protect them in Clay County.
HEATHER F. NAGY
Work Experience
I work within the acquisitions department at the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT). In my role, I determine the highest priority conservation lands throughout Northeast Florida using GIS analysis and our partnerships with other conservation organizations. I work daily with the GIS data that is used to assess the natural resource and agricultural values of a property. I am skilled in conducting GIS analyses and conducting site visits to assess a property for its conservation values.
Education
University of Florida, Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Environmental Science, 2005 and Duke University, Master of Environmental Management and Certificate in Geospatial Analysis, 2007
Volunteer Work, Civic, Professional, and other Activities
I am a member of the Duval Audubon Society, the University of Florida Alumni Association and the Gator Band Alumni Association. Professionally I am also a member of several conservation groups, including the Northeast Florida Estuarine Restoration Team, Resilient First Coast and the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. Finally, I am completing the Natural Resources Leadership Institute program in April 2025.
Additional knowledge, skill, education or experience
I have extensive skills and experience in analyzing properties for their conservation values using GIS. In prior roles at NFLT, I have worked directly with landowners interested in conserving their land, from conducting background research on a property to completing site visits where the property is assessed for its conservation values. I am knowledgeable in determining if a property is a high value conservation property, and whether it should be considered for conservation.
REBECCA PERRY
Work Experience
I have over 20 years of experience in natural resource protection as a conservation real estate practitioner where I have successfully collaborated with federal, state, and local governments, as well as private entities, to secure over 25,000 of land throughout Florida. My expertise includes negotiating real estate transactions for conservation purposes, securing funding from public and private sources, and managing relationships with landowners and key stakeholders.
Education
University of North Florida — Jacksonville, FL Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management 2019 - 2022 Rollins College — Winter Park, FL Bachelor of Arts, Environmental and Growth Management Studies 2002 - 2005 Valencia Community College — Orlando, FL 1998 - 2002 Associate of Science, Paralegal Studies
Volunteer Work, Civic, Professional, and other Activities
Secretary, Alliance of Florida Land Trust
Additional knowledge, skill, education or experience
Over the course of my career, I have worked under service agreement contracts with multiple counties and city governments, where I helped to implement land acquisition programs like the Forests and Farms Conservation Land Program. In that capacity, I have presented projects and reported to committees similar to the LLC. This experience will give me a unique insight into project evaluation, and program processes. In addition, I have experience obtaining multiple sources of match funding.
APRIL J. THOMAS
Work Experience
My experience is in evaluating natural resources and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations for species, habitats, wetlands, and more. Additionally, I have experience partnering with agencies on resiliency solutions such as wildlife crossings and in matrix creation for determining locations of best practicability. I am familiar with species management plans, invasive species control, ecosystem restoration, watershed management, and agriculture BMPs for species and water quality.
Education
Ridgeview High School; 2015-2019; International Baccalaureate Programme University of North Florida; 2019-2022; Bachelor of Science in Biology concentrated in Coastal Environmental Science, Minor in Community Leadership University of Florida; 2023-2025 (To Graduate: Spring 2025); Master of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Volunteer Work, Civic, Professional, and other Activities
Professional participant / member of (1+ years): FL Aquatic Connectivity Team Southeast Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative: Florida Implementation Team Northeast and Big Bend Estuarine Restoration Teams Volunteer (1+ years): FL Native Plant Society: Threatened/Endangered Plant Relocation FL Master Naturalist Program: Shoreline Restoration, Invasive Plants Duval Audubon Society: North Florida Lights Out Duval Soil & Water Conservation District: Project Assistant Jax Zoo: Conservation Specialist (2 y)
Additional knowledge, skill, education or experience
I previously worked in FDEP permitting for 2 years and was a Certified Wetland Evaluator. I have experience in habitat and species assessments and surveys, conservation easements, and water quality policy. I regularly use GIS apps and data for analysis, map-making, and in-field use. My education covers policy, economics, and management of resources. I’m familiar with the county’s geologic hydrology, waters, biodiversity, and local issues (lake water levels, flooding, loss of rural lands, etc.).
