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How the Program Got Started...
In 1998, the Broward County Environmental Protection Department (BCEPD) began a database of all protected natural lands and an inventory of all unprotected undeveloped lands remaining in Broward County. The results of the endeavor revealed that very few unprotected undeveloped lands remained available in Broward County; and, all of them faced development pressures. Estimates showed that at that year’s development rate all remaining ecologically valuable land could be lost in four or five years. Likewise exotic species were compromising the stability of the remaining natural habitats.
In 1999, EPD, scientists, environmentalists, regional environmental agencies, as well as representatives of the business and economic industries in Broward County gathered and discussed the development of a comprehensive Natural Land Acquisition Program for the remaining unprotected undeveloped land.
In 2000, EPD presented a bond program similar to the Broward County 1989 Environmentally Sensitive Lands Bond Program, to acquire the remaining unprotected undeveloped lands. At the same time, the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division prepared a need assessment to renovate the County's aging park system, to enhance it and to develop new regional and neighborhood parks. In May 2000, the Board of County Commissioners decided to merge the land acquisition proposal and the park enhancement proposal under the umbrella of conservation and recreation and placed the $400 million Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond Referendum on the November 7, 2000 ballot. 73% of the county residents approved The Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond Referendum in support of the plan to improve and expand the conservation and recreation assets of the County and its municipalities.
Broward County Land Preservation Bond Program - Inventory of Conservation lands and Green Spaces, complete version.
BCEPD used 3 established criteria categories to designate all unprotected undeveloped lands.
Conservation Lands
Conservation Lands are South Florida natural lands with vegetative and wildlife communities restorable to a reasonable healthy state. Though often fragmented, these remaining natural lands are refuges that provide shelter, food, and corridors to wildlife and facilitate movement amidst surrounding urban development. Conservation Lands provide passive recreational areas for residents and visitors alike.
Green Spaces
Although still valuable ecologically, human impact on Green Spaces is greater than on Conservation Lands, resulting in loss of some important aspects of the native vegetative and wildlife community. As a result, Green Space restoration efforts are challenging. Green Spaces are important because they provide buffer zones or connectors between Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Conservation Lands.
Open Spaces and Purchase of Development Rights
Open Spaces include vacant lands, agricultural lands, developed sites, or even contaminated lands that can be cost-effectively reclaimed as recreational parks. Open spaces may include recreated wetlands, equestrian trails, and trails for walking, jogging or hiking.
Within the Open Space category, funds have been allocated for the purchase of development rights (PDR) on agricultural lands. Property owners look after the agricultural property, continue the farm-related activities and prevent development of the site for something other than agricultural use.
Contact Information
Environmental Protection Department - Biological Resources Division - Land Preservation Section - 1N University Drive, Suite 301 - Plantation, Florida 33324
Phone: 954 - 519 - 0305
Fax: 954 - 519 - 1412
Last Update May 2008
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