The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners voted 4‑1 Oct. 21 to direct staff to work with the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) to adopt the scope of work for a county greenprint and to set up a county fund to accept stakeholder donations toward land‑conservation priorities.

Commissioner Holly Davis led the initiative and described the greenprint as a countywide conservation planning exercise, paid for by private stakeholders and philanthropic donors. NFLT will produce a “greenprint” that inventories conservation priorities, identifies wildlife corridors and agricultural protection opportunities, and suggests places for passive recreation and flood‑resilience work. The board accepted a staff motion that also authorizes county staff to accept stakeholder donations into a dedicated fund for local matching, if needed, to support conservation easements and purchases.

Commissioners discussed the purpose and scope. Supporters said the planning work would protect farmland, important wildlife corridors and scenic gateways while helping the county target limited conservation dollars. Some board members said they wanted the greenprint to prioritize agriculture-preservation options, purchase of development rights, and connectivity for wildlife and flood‑resilience.

Opponents and some speakers in public comment worried about protecting private property rights, perceived developer influence, and whether planning would limit future development opportunities. Commissioner Janet Barrick — who generally supported conserving farmland — said she was pleased the fund would be funded by private stakeholders and not the county general fund. The motion passed 4‑1; Commissioner Barrick cast the lone opposed vote on final roll call.

Next steps: staff will work with NFLT to finalize the greenprint scope and to set up an administrative mechanism to accept donations to a county conservation fund. Davis said she will return with details to implement a local matching program to help local farmers and ranchers compete for state funds to purchase development rights.

Action: Motion to direct staff to work with North Florida Land Trust on the greenprint scope and to establish a county fund for stakeholder donations — mover: Commissioner Holly Davis; second: Commissioner Jeff Kennard; vote: 4 yes, 1 no.