The program aims to protect vital natural environments and resources in Clay County by acquiring lands and conservation easements, managing them with responsible stewardship.

1. Choosing Properties: We will take nominations for properties to be included in the program.

2. Buying Properties: We can either buy the property outright or purchase a conservation easement.

3. Managing Properties: We will ensure proper care of the properties over time.

The Land Conservation Committee (LCC), made up of volunteers with knowledge in natural sciences, will evaluate the nominations. They will rank properties using a scoring system to ensure they meet the program's conservation goals. The Board of County Commissioners will make the final decision on which properties to acquire and will authorize staff to begin negotiations. All nominated properties must have a willing seller. No property will be taken or condemned through this program. After we acquire a property or a conservation easement, the county will develop a long-term management plan, called a stewardship plan. This plan will help ensure that the property continues to support the program's conservation efforts.

The land conservation program offers several important benefits, including:

- The preservation of land for threatened and endangered species, providing them with safe habitats and allowing them to move between ranges in search of mates or new territories.

- The protection of our drinking water supply by conserving land in designated recharge areas.

- The preservation of working farms and forests, ensuring that this vital aspect of the County's economy and history continues to thrive.

The North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) held public workshops in spring 2023 to gather input on conservation priorities. The first workshop took place with the Board of County Commissioners on January 24, 2023. You can watch a recording of this workshop . You can also download the workshop handout here: Workshop Handout January 24, 2023.

In April 2023, NFLT held additional workshops for county residents in Keystone Heights, Middleburg, and Green Cove Springs. An online survey was open to the public in May and June 2023. NFLT used the feedback from residents and the Board in its final report to the Board of County Commissioners on October 10, 2023. You can view the Clay County Conservation Land Program presentation video here. The report is titled “Clay County Land Conservation Program: Blueprint for Success.” You can download it by clicking Clay County Land Conservation Program: Blueprint for Success.

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners approved an ordinance to establish a new program for Clay County called the Forests and Farms Conservation Lands Program (FFCLP). This ordinance created a new section of the Code of Ordinance, providing a framework for the program's operations.

The residents of Clay County approved the referendum with an overwhelming 72.9% voting in favor.

The referendum permits the County to issue bonds totaling up to $45 million. The funds raised will serve two primary purposes: (1) to purchase qualifying lands and conservation easements for the conservation program, and (2) to support an operating budget that addresses the annual land management needs of the acquired properties. We expect that 80% of the funds will be allocated for land and conservation easement purchases, while 20% will be used for land management operational expenses.

We anticipate that the following activities will take place over the course of the coming year:

Dec. 1, 2025 through Feb. 28, 2026:	1st property nomination period
Spring 2026:	Review of nominated properties
Summer 2026:	1st Priority List of properties submitted to the Board of County Commissioners
Fall 2026:	2nd property nomination period

The Land Conservation Committee (LCC) reviews lands nominated for acquisition under the conservation program. They rank these properties based on a scoring system to ensure they support the program's conservation goals. After this, the LCC recommends which properties the Board of County Commissioners should consider. The LCC also reviews and recommends land management plans for each property acquired through the program, ensuring that these properties continue to meet the program's purpose.

The committee has eleven members, all appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. Four members have expertise in natural sciences, four have experience in the timber or agriculture industries, and three are residents who actively support conservation efforts.  For more information, please visit the LCC Committee website.

To view or download the Land Conservation Committee agenda, visit the Agendas and Minutes page.

Yes, the public is welcome to attend.

Land Conservation Committee meetings are held at the:

Clay County Administration Building
477 Houston Street, 4th Floor
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

To see meeting dates and times, please visit our Calendar page.

Yes. Land Conservation Committee meetings are available to watch online or on Comcast channel 260.

To watch online, visit our Clay County TV and Video Archive page.