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Commission discusses $50,000 anonymous conservation donation and exploring perpetual easements
Summary
Commissioners reported an anonymous $50,000 donation to the city's conservation fund and indicated intent to pursue a conditional matching pledge (city $25,000 + public $25,000) to unlock an additional $50,000; commissioners also discussed asking North Florida Land Trust to consider conservation easements to protect city parcels in perpetuity.
Commissioners told the meeting they received an anonymous $50,000 donation to the city's conservation fund and a conditional offer to provide an additional $50,000 if the city contributes $25,000 and the public raises $25,000 by Nov. 30. Commissioner Russell Ross said he would lead by example and contribute to the public match: "So I'll, I'll lead and I'll say I'll put $500," Ross said during the discussion.
Commissioners also discussed using conservation easements as an additional, permanent protection for city‑owned conservation parcels and asked staff and the city attorney to contact the North Florida Land Trust to explore options. Several commissioners supported moving the proposal to an upcoming workshop for further review and to determine legal mechanics and costs.
