Florida Newsletter, Fall/Winter 2005
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| Tomoka State Park manager Benny Woodham and park biologist Charlie DuToit chat with TPL staffers Susan Grandin, Lisa Welch and Bob Guido. Photo: Brian Perry |
Properties expand Tomoka State Park
By Vanessa Vaughan
In one of Florida's fastest-growing counties, preservation of the tranquil beauty of a canopy road has become a focal point for people wanting to determine how growth will come to their community.
Known locally as the "Loop", the 23-mile-long gently curving road through Tomoka State Park in Volusia County has impressed visitors since antebellum times. The park itself is a community treasure, with wildlife habitat, historic sites and unsurpassed natural beauty.
"Tomoka State Park and the Loop define this community," says Bob Guido, senior project manager for the Trust for Public Land. "The park is a real jewel in a highly urbanized area."
The Trust for Public Land has been working in Volusia County for more than a decade, and in October marked the addition of two sites totaling 406 acres and over a mile of Loop frontage to Tomoka with an event celebrating preservation of part of the "Loop."
The event, which was hosted by TPL, the local citizen "Save the Loop" group and Tomoka State Park, started with a 5K/10K run through the park and on part of the Loop. Afterwards, race participants and park visitors listened to local musicians and toured the park's historic grounds on a local trolley.
"The race had a great turnout for our first celebration event," says Lynn Smith of the "Save the Loop" group.
With development rapidly encroaching on Volusia County's open space, the acquisition of the Tall Pines and Mission Pines properties were really something to celebrate.
"This is a wonderful addition to the park," says Benny Woodham, manager of the Tomoka Basin State Parks. "Besides straightening out the park boundary, it will preserve several cultural resources, including part of the Dummit Plantation site, and protect the integrity of the natural resources in the area."
Guido recognized the willingness of the landowner to work with TPL to preserve the land, despite having permits in place for more than 700 homes.
"Without both patience and cooperation from the landowner, this property would have been another suburban development. We were very fortunate," Guido says.
For park biologist Charlie DuToit, the site's preservation means a home for wildlife.
"When you see the tracks of a bobcat, that's the value," says DuToit. "There is so much natural life in this area. Pulling together these last few pieces of surrounding property and making them whole will give the wildlife a chance to survive."
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| Supporters from TPL, the "Save the Loop" group, and Tomoka State Park gather to celebrate saving a mile of frontage on the park's canopy road, known as "the Loop." Photo: Brian Perry |
"There's a whole past out there hidden in the trees," says DuToit. The Tall Pines/Mission Pines property is the Trust for Public Land's third addition to Tomoka State Park. In 1998, TPL was instrumental in preserving a 187-acre addition known as "The Rivers" tract. The previous year, TPL helped preserve a 45-acre site on either side of Plantation Road, the only road leading into Bulow Creek State Park, which is one part of Tomoka State Park.
"The 'Save the Loop' event celebrated more than just an addition to the park and preservation of part of the Loop," says Guido. "It brought people together to show their support for the historic and natural beauty that Tomoka State Park brings to their community.
Letter from the Director
Photo: Beatrice Queral
by Greg Chelius, Florida State Director
Call them lucky or call them smart, more and more Florida communities are working to ensure that they are defined at least in part by the quality of their parks. That's true here in Tallahassee, the home of our state and regional office, which last year received a national award for its park system. And it's true in many other towns and cities around the state, several of which are featured in this newsletter.
But while people in places like Volusia County, the City of Kissimmee, the Town of Davie, and the brand-new Town of Ponce Inlet are ready and willing to raise and spend funds on acquiring and maintaining parks, many other Florida communities are struggling to meet tremendous needs for parks and recreation facilities.
In January, TPL and two other organizations will release Florida Parks in the 21st Century: A Sound Investment for the a Growing State. Researched and published by TPL, the Florida Recreation and Parks Association, and the Florida League of Cities, this publication will calculate - in dollars and cents - the unmet parks funding needs of Florida's communities. In 1998, the last time we undertook such a massive project, our report identified $4.7 billion in unmet funding needs. Today, with our population expected to nearly double - from 18 million to 30 million - in the next 25 years, we know the findings of Florida Parks in the 21st Century: A Sound Investment for a Growing State will be important for TPL's future work.
Here at the Trust for Public Land, we are committed to helping to meet that need. Whether it's persuading state leaders to preserve and strengthen funding for the Florida Forever state conservation land-buying program, or helping communities like Davie create their own acquisition programs, we want both our communities and our state to be defined by the excellence of our parks.
As you consider your year-end charitable giving, I hope you'll take the opportunity to support the Trust for Public Land. We promise visible results for all to enjoy in communities around our state.
Project Highlights
Pioneer Trail, Volusia County
A 1,640-acre property in southern Volusia County will provide critical connections in a 50,000-acre regional conservation corridor. Located between New Smyrna Beach and DeLand along Pioneer Trail, the site contains upland scrub communities interspersed with floodplain wetlands that provide habitat for the endangered gopher tortoise, Florida black bear and a variety of endangered birds.
"We were excited to have the opportunity to acquire this great piece of property," says Doug Weaver, land acquisition and management director for Volusia County. "It has a strategic location in the Volusia-Flagler Conservation Corridor."
The site's acquisition will preserve a continuous stretch of natural land extending from Tiger Bay State Forest, through the central wetlands and flatwoods of Volusia County, to the marshes of the St. Johns River. Public access will be available including birding, hiking, passive recreation activities and horseback riding for the many equestrians in central Volusia County.
TPL purchased the property from Pioneer Trail Reserve and Lunsford Brothers Ranch and held it until the county was ready to acquire it in November using funds from its land acquisition program.
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| Photo: City of Kissimee |
Despite its proximity to Disney World, the City of Kissimmee has managed to hold on to its rural character. But development pressure is squeezing the once-sleepy community, and it recently began an aggressive land acquisition program to preserve its natural places. The Trust for Public Land is playing an important role in the city's efforts, and recently completed its third preservation project along Shingle Creek. The 16-acre site purchased by TPL in November is a key piece in Kissimmee's efforts to create the Shingle Creek Greenway. Respecting that greenways often cross political boundaries, Kissimmee, Osceola County, the City of Orlando, Orange County and the South Florida Water Management District are cooperating together to create the open space corridor.
TPL purchased the site from Ruba Land Group, whose managing partner, Natvar Nana, is pleased to be a part of the regional effort. TPL will hold the property until public funds become available for the city and Osceola County to take ownership.
"The owner of the property had developers bidding to build a commercial strip on this highly marketable, commercially-zoned site with many permits already in place," says TPL project manager Doug Hattaway.
The site was a key piece of the greenway because of its 1,250 feet of frontage along the creek, combination of uplands and wetlands, proximity to other publicly owned sites, and easy accessibility from the main road, according to Mike Steigerwald, director of the city's development services department. "The acquisition of this property is another example of how the Trust for Public Land, in partnership with various governmental agencies, has helped move forward regional efforts to save Shingle Creek," Steigerwald says.
Plans for the property include trails, a scenic overlook, picnic facilities, a children's play area, pet walk areas, and bicycle racks. One of the key goals is to provide access to nearby recreation and conservation properties.
Timucuan Oaks Botanical Garden, Town of Ponce Inlet
The Town of Ponce Inlet encompasses just seven square miles between Daytona Beach Shores and New Smyrna Beach. With a population of just under 3,000, the town offers all the charm of a small seaside community - and all the growth challenges, as well.
In February 2004 the Town of Ponce Inlet approached the Trust for Public Land for help in acquiring an eight-acre site known as Timucuan Oaks Botanical Garden. TPL worked with the town to submit an application to Florida Communities Trust, a state grant program that awards matching and full grants for land acquisition projects. The town received 100 percent funding.
"The Timucuan Oaks site was the first acquisition in the town's Ponce Preserve Conservation Project, the aim of which is to protect our wetlands from future development," says Margi Richard, the town's associate planner. "This park, a true gem, is located at the center of the project and provides our residents with access to truly unique glimpses of unspoiled old Florida with its large oak trees and native plants, some of which are rare or threatened."
Timucuan Oaks includes both uplands and environmentally sensitive wetlands, and will provide access to the Halifax River via Daggett Creek. Plans for the site include picnic areas, a canoe launch, a bocce court, a playground and boardwalk across the salt marsh. The town has started an Adopt-a-Park program to fund improvements.
"We had great community involvement throughout this project," says Lindsay Stevens, project manager for TPL. "It really shows how supportive the citizens and elected officials of Ponce Inlet are about protecting their land and retaining their quality of life."
"Landowner Steve Xynidis has lived in Volusia County for many years and owns a thriving fitness business," Stevens says. " Mr. Xynidis was willing to work with TPL on this project because he understood the importance that parks play in ensuring a healthy community."
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| Photo: Michael Wray |
The Trust for Public Land and its partners - the South Florida Water Management District, the Catanese Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions and Citizens for a Better South Florida - invite you to discover Biscayne Bay on the web at www.discoverbiscaynebay.org, the definitive source for planning a day on Biscayne Bay.
A Growing Need
Population pushes need for park funding at local, state levels
By Andy McLeod, Government Affairs Director
In the aftermath of eight punishing hurricanes, Florida continues to grow, adding 400,000 more people in the past year - an average of more than 1,000 people every day. The realities of this growth - and of an ever-increasing demand for parks and recreational open space - are at the center of the Trust for Public Land's work with lawmakers in Tallahassee.
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| Photo: Brian Perry |
TPL has partnered with the Florida Recreation and Park Association (FRPA) and the Florida League of Cities on a major new assessment of local parks and recreation funding needs. We are conducting an exhaustive survey of all Florida cities to determine the funding necessary for localities to fulfill their local comprehensive plan requirements for parks and open space.
The predicament of the state's Florida Communities Trust grant program (FCT) reflects this dramatic need. In 2004, FCT received applications totaling more than $136 million, and this year that amount increased to more than $167 million - three times the $66 million currently available. The findings from this funding assessment will be made public in January.
A new web resource to promote Florida Forever funding TPL has created an Internet-based resource for lawmakers, advocates, journalists, and citizens who need the facts about our state's growth and its effect on the Florida Forever program, including FCT. Information contained in the site includes:
- What is the population of Florida today? How rapidly are we growing?
- How quickly are prices for developed and undeveloped land increasing?
- What is the rate of development and land loss in Florida?
- What does Florida Forever allow us to protect (or not) in today's market?
Paying for Babcock Ranch
TPL has been a leading voice in the debate over financing the state's $350 million purchase of Babcock Ranch in Charlotte and Lee counties. We have stressed that the opportunity to conserve 74,000 acres is extraordinary, and so must be the financing of it. TPL believes the state must buy the ranch in a way that will ensure the viability of Florida Forever for all of Florida's 67 counties. The impact of the purchase on future Florida Forever appropriations must be minimized - be it through state bonding authority, partial dedication of rapidly increasing documentary stamp tax revenue, or other innovative means.
Through these activities and others, TPL is working to help Florida accommodate our growing population and meet our expanding need for parks and other lands that benefit the public.
More Space for Davie
Conservation bond referendum passes by 60 percent
In September, voters in the Town of Davie approved by 60 percent a $25 million bond referendum, continuing funding for the town's successful open space and trails program.
"Without funds from the bond referendum, there was really no realistic way we were going to protect our unique quality of life." says Linda Greck, leader of the citizen group Davie Residents for Open Space.
"The responsibility is on our shoulders to preserve what we can for our children and grandchildren," says vice-mayor Judy Paul. "Passage of the bond will enable us to do that." Paul says the town already has its eye on a number of critical sites, including Ryan Farm."
Funds from the bond will be used to buy land to protect the water quality of canals and lakes, preserve and improve wildlife habitat and parks, complete the town's recreational trails system, and protect natural areas from development. Funds from the program also will enable the town to continue to compete for state land conservation funding. The town's Open Space Advisory Committee will continue to oversee project selection and open space expenditures.
"The Davie Open Space Bond was the result of months of careful consideration and an extensive feasibility study," says Will Abberger, associate director of the TPL's Conservation Finance Program.
Davie's was one of 134 open space spending measures on ballots around the country in 2005. Seventy-eight percent passed, generating a total of $1.7 billion to preserve land, including a $100 million measure approved by Pembroke Pines voters in March that earmarked $13 million for parks and a $350 million measure in Sarasota County in November. A complete list of results from local and state balloting on conservation and parks is available on-line at www.landvote.org.
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| Photo: Mark Grandin |
Addition will give giraffes more leg room With more than 615,000 visitors a year, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is Jacksonville's most popular park. Owned by the city and operated by a nonprofit zoological society, the zoo is located on the scenic St. Johns River just north of the city. In the past few years, the zoo has added several new exhibits and upgraded the facility. Attendance increased by 20 percent in the last year alone.
All good news, but the zoo desperately needed to expand its facility. Earlier this year, the City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Zoological Society asked the Trust for Public Land to help with the long-awaited purchase of a 30-acre parcel on the zoo's eastern boundary.
"I was very pleased that the city was able to get the Trust for Public Land's considerable expertise in play to help make this acquisition happen," says Dennis Pate, the zoo's executive director. "We had been unsuccessful in our attempts to acquire this property for the last 10 years until the Trust for Public Land got involved."
Pate says the addition of the property will allow the zoo to expand and fulfill the master plan created for the facility in 2002.
"This acquisition is the most significant property addition in the zoo's history," Pate says. "It will enable the zoo to expand its animal exhibits, botanical gardens and parking and become a major regional attraction, education, and conservation center in the southeastern US."
The property, owned by Dr. Lloyd Moriber and Mrs. Joan Webb, is located to the east of the existing zoo.
"Dr. Moriber's philanthropic commitment was one of the keys to making this project work," says Susan Garndin, director of TPL's northeast Florida office. "He was very patient as we worked through the details of the transaction."
"I was thrilled that our efforts paid off," Grandin says. "The zoo is such an important part of Jacksonville, it was a pleasure to work with the Zoological Society and the City of Jacksonville to provide the giraffes with a little more 'leg room'."
Members of TPL's Northeast Florida Advisory Council visit the giraffes at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. TPL helped the zoo acquire a 30-acre parcel that will allow the facility to expand.
Posted 12/2005
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