A wildly popular conservation program is purchasing and preserving lands that will benefit humans and wildlife for years to come.
Approved by taxpayers in 2000 and 2020, Volusia Forever finances the acquisition and improvement of environmentally sensitive, water resource protection and outdoor recreation lands, as well as working forests and farmlands.
Sellers who want their property to be considered for purchase may complete an online application at www.volusia.org/forever through May 15.
County staff and the nine-member Volusia Forever Advisory Committee will review applications to ensure they meet the program’s criteria. The committee will then make recommendations to the Volusia County Council, which will make the final decision on which properties to pursue for acquisition.
Priority will be given to properties in the St. Johns River Water Management District’s five-year acquisition plan, as well as properties that enhance corridors and connectivity, are of significant size to achieve meaningful conservation objectives, are facing imminent loss to development, allow for completion of projects begun under previous programs, or serve as additions to existing conservation lands.
During the first 20 years, Volusia Forever funded the purchases of more than 38,000 acres throughout the county. Volusia Forever has won several national awards, and has been used as a model for other government acquisition programs.
For more information about land purchases, visit www.volusia.org/forever or contact Tim Telfer at ttelfer@volusia.org or 386-822-5013, ext. 13460.
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— Compiled by Business Editor Joe Crews
