On Nov. 3, St. Johns County voters will decide whether to authorize the county to issue up to $100 million in general obligation bonds to acquire and manage conservation land.
North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) is a nonpartisan organization that works with elected officials, public agencies, landowners and communities across the political spectrum to advance land conservation. NFLT does not endorse candidates or political parties and is not advocating for or against this referendum. Our purpose is to help residents understand what the measure would authorize, how it could affect property owners, and how land conservation benefits communities.
Under the proposal, the county could issue the bonds in one or more series, with each issuance maturing within 20 years. The bonds would be repaid through an ad valorem property-tax levy of no more than 0.15 mills. At the maximum rate, that equals $15 annually for every $100,000 of taxable property value. Taxable value is not necessarily the same as a property’s market value; exemptions and assessment limitations may reduce the amount on which the tax is calculated.
Voter approval would authorize the county to issue the bonds and levy the tax, but it would not require the entire $100 million to be borrowed at once — or even at all. Future decisions about borrowing, expenditures and individual land acquisitions would remain with the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners.
Funds would be administered through the county’s Land Acquisition and Management Program, commonly known as LAMP. Through LAMP, properties are evaluated and ranked according to established conservation criteria. The program works only with willing landowners, and the Board of County Commissioners retains final authority over acquisitions.
The referendum comes as St. Johns County continues to experience rapid growth and development. Bond proceeds could be used to acquire and manage lands that protect water quality and drinking-water resources; conserve wetlands, wildlife habitat, natural areas, farms, forests and coastal resources; reduce flooding; and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. Depending on the property and the terms of an acquisition, conservation could occur through a direct purchase or a conservation easement. Not every protected property would necessarily become a public park or provide public access.
Conserved land provides benefits that extend beyond property boundaries. Natural areas can absorb and store water, help reduce flooding, protect rivers and wetlands, provide habitat for wildlife and preserve working farms and forests. Some conservation properties may also offer opportunities for hiking, paddling, wildlife observation and other forms of outdoor recreation.
Land conservation is rarely accomplished by one organization or government agency alone. Successful projects often bring together local, state and federal funding; nonprofit organizations; private landowners; and community partners. Dedicated local funding may also help communities compete for matching funds, expanding the potential impact of locally invested dollars.
The choice before voters is whether St. Johns County should have the authority to use this financing mechanism for conservation. NFLT encourages residents to review the ballot language, understand the potential cost and permitted uses of the funding and make an informed decision on Nov. 3. The voters in St. Johns County are among the most educated and sophisticated in Florida, and we have nothing but confidence in their wise choice in the matter.
