County approves purchase agreements for two conservation parcels; due diligence to start

Indian River County commissioners on Oct. 7 authorized staff to enter due‑diligence periods and proceed toward closing on two conservation parcels—Hale Grove (21.89 acres) and Durrance Place (11.74 acres)—using monies from the county’s environmental lands acquisition bond.

Beth Parks, director of Recreation and Conservation, presented the staff recommendation to approve contracts for both parcels and begin the due‑diligence period and closing process. Both measures passed unanimously.

Wendy Swindell, conservation staff, said county staff have begun exploring funding partnerships and possible matches for conservation and water‑quality improvements; she told the board preliminary conversations had already occurred with St. Johns River Water Management District (for improvement funding, not acquisition) and with the Department of Transportation about opportunities to address roadside runoff and the adjacent DOT ditch.

Swindell said the properties offer ecological value, including habitat benefits for listed species, and that the county would pursue grants, federal partners and conservation‑planning opportunities during the due‑diligence window. Parks said staff can return to the board after due diligence with a conceptual plan showing potential restoration and public‑access options.

The board authorized staff to proceed with both agreements and begin due diligence; the Durrance Place agreement includes a 60‑day due‑diligence period after execution, per the staff presentation.

Why it matters: The purchases are part of the county’s environmental lands program and are intended to preserve habitat, support Indian River Lagoon water‑quality efforts and create opportunities for future conservation projects in partnership with state and federal agencies.