Commissioners schedule hearing on rezoning that would create Monroe County Nature Preserve

Monroe County commissioners agreed to hear Ordinance 2025-45 next week, a rezoning request that would convert 405.48 acres in Bloomington Township from conservation-residential to institutional and public use to establish the Monroe County Nature Preserve.

Speaker 6 (Mr. Brown) told the board the request covers 405.48 acres deeded to the county by Nancy Huntington, who he said passed away in 2023 and deeded the acreage to Monroe County for recreational purposes only. Brown read paragraph 8 of the hearing order, which the transcript records as defining recreational purposes broadly to include sports, nature-based activities (birding, hunting, camping, hiking, community gardening and similar uses), educational workshops, community events and facilities necessary to support those activities.

Brown said the property name was changed to Monroe County Nature Preserve under Resolution 20532, which the presenter said the board approved on 07/24/2025; he noted there are existing structures on the property, including leased buildings, which prior discussion found did not meet the judge’s order definition of recreational purposes. The county currently has limited development plans for the preserve (possible hiking trails, nature areas and a “tug park,” as described in the presentation) and staff recommended questions be referred to the parks and recreation department.

Commissioner Madera praised the proposal in general terms as a "spectacular addition to the community." The board agreed to schedule the ordinance for the regular session next week; Speaker 6 noted the 90-day limit for action on the ordinance would be Feb. 18 if measured from this meeting.