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Local donor offers multiple parcels to expand Hope Sound Scrub Preserve; board accepts package
Summary
Martin County commissioners accepted multiple donations of conservation land offered by local donor Louise Yiser, including three parcels in North River Shores and additional parcels adjacent to East Fork Creek and Hope Sound Scrub Preserve, to be used for conservation, stormwater management and public access improvements.
Martin County commissioners on May 5 accepted a package of donated parcels from local philanthropist Louise Yiser to expand conservation holdings and improve stormwater capacity. Real property staff described three parcels in North River Shores totaling roughly one acre that will be used for drainage improvements and a small wetland pond and public open space; the board also received several additional parcels adjacent to East Fork Creek and the Hope Sound Scrub Preserve that staff said will add habitat, trailhead access and public open space.
John Mail, environmental resource administrator, said the North River Shores parcel will likely be used to build a small detention/wetland feature that improves drainage and provides public open space. Mail described other parcels as adding high-quality scrub habitat and opportunities for modest visitor amenities such as trailheads and limited parking. Real property manager Carla Sigura noted legal review of closing documents would follow standard county practice.
Louise Yiser addressed the board and described the donation as a deliberate effort to preserve irreplaceable land. "When land is protected, it becomes something powerful — a refuge, a classroom, a legacy," she said, urging others to consider similar gifts. Broker Deborah Parker, who helped assemble the parcels, and community members including naturalist Jeff Whitman and several commissioners praised the contribution and the county’s new streamlined process for accepting donated land.
Commissioners stressed that no improvements will be made without donor consultation. Commissioner Stacy Heatherington noted the county will now have a clearer internal process for future gifts. The board moved and seconded staff recommendations to accept departments 5 and 6 (the donations and related actions) and voted unanimously to approve the resolutions and authorize the chair to execute closing documents subject to final legal review.
Next steps include completion of legal closing documents, county review of management plans for newly conveyed parcels, and a follow-up presentation to the board when the county advances design, public access, or stormwater work on the parcels.
