CLAY COUNTY – The county is inviting residents to consider applying for a committee that will play a major role in land conservation.

Do you want to make a difference in protecting lands in Clay County? Use your voice to shape the future conservation of lands across the county, and consider applying to join the Land Conservation Committee (LCC).

What will the committee do?

The LCC will evaluate lands nominated for the county to acquire under the newly adopted Clay Forests and Farms Conservation Land Program (FFCLP). This program aims to protect lands within Clay County that house vital resources like wildlife habitats, drinking water sources, and working forests and farms.

The county will acquire the land by purchasing ownership or a conservation easement, which permanently limits the development of the property in exchange for compensation to the owner. Any nominated property must have a willing seller. (No property is ever condemned or “taken” through FFCLP.)

The LCC will rank properties according to the program’s conservation goals and recommend each property to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).

The LCC will also suggest how to manage and maintain the land moving forward to ensure future success.

What experience is necessary to be considered for the Committee?

The BCC will appoint seven people to form the LCC.

• The BCC will appoint two members based on their knowledge of environmentally sensitive lands or natural resources expertise or experience. Examples include representatives from a local Wildlife Management Area, the Bayard Conservation Area, Florida State Parks, State Forests or other environmental agencies. The ideal candidates will have at least two years’ experience working in natural resource management and a Bachelor of Science degree in a related field.

• The BCC will appoint two members based on their knowledge of agriculture, silviculture, or animal husbandry expertise or experience. The ideal candidates will have experience in at least two of the above categories or ten years of experience in at least one.

• The BCC will appoint three members to represent the public. Possible candidates should be selected to represent a diverse geography within the county. Ideally, they should have demonstrated an interest in natural resources or environmental issues by active participation in local organizations related to the environment.

How do I apply or find out more information?

You can find out more about the committee and apply by filling out the online volunteer application at: Forests and Farms Conservation Lands Program.

You can submit your application from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28 and have the opportunity to be selected as a volunteer member of the LCC, which will officially form in the Spring.

When will the BCC announce its appointments?

The Board will likely appoint the seven-member LCC in late March or April. We encourage anyone interested in following the committee creation process to check the BCC meeting agendas (which are available a week before the meeting) at Agendas and Minutes | Clay County, FL.

Who can I reach out to if I have more questions?

You can email county staff at LandConservation@claycountygov.com for more information.