Board authorizes steps to renew and expand Conservation Charlotte; staff to seek Trust for Public Lands technical help

Charlotte County’s board on Nov. 12 approved staff direction to pursue renewal and potential expansion of the Conservation Charlotte environmentally sensitive lands acquisition program and to request technical assistance from the Trust for Public Lands (TPL).

Parks and Natural Resources Manager Tina Powell reviewed the original 2006 referendum, which authorized a 0.2 mill levy and produced approximately 2,500 acres in five acquisitions; she said the program’s funds were largely used to repay bonds and acquisitions have been limited since 2009. Staff told the board there is an anticipated surplus of roughly $14 million available under current rules and recommended a refreshed approach that breaks eligible nominations into three buckets: (1) standard conservation lands, (2) degraded natural lands that require restoration, and (3) floodplain conservation aligned with county resilience goals.

Powell said staff will ask TPL to perform feasibility research and a public‑opinion survey at no cost for technical assistance, help draft ballot language and advise on campaign communications. The board discussed including funding for long‑term property stewardship and operations in the renewal language so that acquired lands can be managed, not just purchased. Several commissioners favored moving ahead, and the board authorized sending a technical assistance request to TPL and directed staff to prepare referendum language and a communications plan; staff will also ensure official county letterhead and branding are used for outreach materials.

Why it matters: Renewal could direct a dedicated revenue stream to buy and protect environmentally sensitive parcels, restore degraded wetlands and acquire floodplain lands that provide resilience benefits; the board requested staff to return with language and public‑opinion results before placing any referendum on the ballot.