Deltona leaders and conservation group press ECHO board to fund Dee Ranch Preserve, members flag feasibility concerns

Conservation Florida requested $2.5 million from Volusia County's ECHO program to build a two-story nature center, classrooms and ADA-accessible trails at Dee Ranch Preserve, a 476-acre site near Deltona.

"This project will introduce an interactive educational component to conservation and recreation in the region," said a Deltona commissioner reading a written statement in support of the project. Public speakers and tourism advocates told the board the preserve could serve as a visitor gateway along the SR-415 corridor and connect to regional trails and sports-tourism traffic.

Supporters said the site is well situated to draw families and school groups. Georgia Turner, executive director of the West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority, told the board the preserve is "free and open to the public" and could attract residents, eco-tourists, families, schools and community groups.

Several advisory members, however, raised substantive objections during the committee's review. One committee member said the application lacked a valid feasibility study and reliable governing minutes documenting the organization's approvals, and said those deficiencies undermine confidence in awarding a $2.5 million capital grant. "The application, I feel, is rife with problems and issues that never should have gotten past county staff review," the member said.

Conservation Florida's representative responded that the group's long-term plan is conservation-first and that they maintain a land-management program on site, including prescribed burns and a full-time land manager. The applicant said the grant request was limited to the nature center construction and invited technical feedback on land management from committee members with agricultural and habitat expertise.

Committee members split between strong support based on regional access and education benefits and serious concerns about grant readiness and documentation. The advisory committee scored the application, and staff recorded the project's average score at about 81.83; the board recommended it be presented to county council for final consideration in October.

Next steps: staff will include the application in the packet to county council for final approval and will add committee comments about feasibility and governance to the record.