Loading...
Agenda 11/14/2017 Item #11A11/14/2017 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation to provide direction to the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) regarding the use of program criteria associated with the Conservation Collier acquisition selection process in the current Ninth Acquisition Cycle, future potential cycles, and regarding the Conservation Collier Ordinance, Ord. 2002-63, as amended. OBJECTIVE: To provide the Board of County Commissioners (Board) with recommendations from the Collier County Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) regarding use of program criteria during the current Ninth Acquisition Cycle, to make recommendations regarding criteria in future potential cycles, and regarding the Conservation Collier Ordinance, Ord. 2002-63, as amended to align the acquisition process with other County environmental objectives and improve selection criteria. CONSIDERATIONS: The Conservation Collier program is a County-wide ad valorem tax-funded initiative approved on November 5, 2002 by voters. A dedicated County-wide ad valorem tax of .25 mills per $1,000 of taxable value was levied for a period of up to 10 years. Funds were to be spent on acquiring, protecting, restoring, and managing environmentally sensitive lands in Collier County for the benefit of present and future generations. The Conservation Collier Implementation Ordinance 2002-63 was adopted by the Board on December 3, 2002. Criteria for the evaluation of potential conservation acquisition were provided in Section 10. These criteria were to be used in the primary task of the CCLAAC, to recommend an Active Acquisition List to the Board with qualified purchase recommendations consistent with the goals of Conservation Collier. Section 13.5 of the Conservation Collier Ordinance provides that CCLAAC membe rs “shall evaluate all qualified proposals using the criteria as documented in the ICSR along with public comments, and their own experience and judgments to rank the parcels in A, B and C categories to form the Active Acquisition List.” During the 2003-2010 buying period, the CLAAC developed an evaluation tool to assist with the ranking of properties. This tool uses objective measures to determine how criteria were met by assigning a score to each criterion in an unweighted manner. The criteria were focused in 4 broad category areas with reference to all criteria and multiple opportunities to achieve points between 1 and 100, for a total high score of 400. This scoring was used throughout the previous acquisition cycles. Staff experience with the original scoring format was that most parcels evaluated received a similar median score hovering around 200. This is because the criteria are very broad and unweighted, and the practical result was that parcels tended to achieve similar scores for different reason s. On August 14, 2017, members of the Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee met and recommended revisions to this scoring format to add points for urban properties with parking potential. Staff met with a CCLAAC subcommittee on October 19th and with the full CCLAAC on October 26th to review the historical effectiveness of the evaluation criteria and to gather input. Staff provided a historical overview as to how effectively the criteria have served the program. As a result, a recommendation was created in the form of a Resolution (see attached Proposed Draft Resolution) that would allow a subset of the criteria to be given additional weight in the current cycle. This approach would be similar to how the program previously addressed each cycle’s letter outreach efforts to defined Target Protection Areas, by developing a subset of outreach areas focusing on current perceived needs and receiving Board approval to limit outreach to these areas. The proposed resolution was approved by the CCLAAC, which voted unanimously to advance the Resolution to the Board for review. Regarding future criteria, CCLAAC members advised that although there is always room for 11/14/2017 improvement, they are generally supportive of the existing criteria. The following table includes a summary of the recommendations from the CCLAAC and County staff for consideration in future cycles. The table also includes a brief identification of the “pros” and “cons” associated with each proposed change: Proposed changes Advantages Disadvantages Minor tweaks to priority habitat types Using either the FLUCCS or FNAI habitat classification system names for priority habitats would be beneficial when applying for grants as these classifications are used more widely None known Change allocation of acquisition/management funding split from 85%/15% to 75%/25%. In 2011, as part of the budget process, additional funds above 15% were transferred from the acquisition fund into the land management fund acknowledging that the existing 15% was insufficient to manage properties for the long term. 10% less of available program funding would be used for acquisitions. Weighting criteria by resolution for each cycle depending on County needs and BCC direction. This would not require an ordinance change and would allow for a better focus on current conservation priorities. It has been suggested that weighting the criteria could constitute a modification of the criteria, which is prohibited by the Ordinance without a countywide referendum. Staff agrees with CCLAAC’s proposed recommendations. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this item. GROWTH MANAGEMENT: There is no Growth Management impact. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved for form and legality and requires a majority vote for Board approval. If approved, County Attorney Office will work with staff to implement Board direction. - JAB RECOMMENDATION: To adopt the recommendations of the CCLAAC by approving the attached Resolution for the current Ninth Acquisition Cycle, provide direction regarding future potential acquisition cycles as well as direction regarding Ordinance 2002-63, as amended. Prepared by: Alexandra Sulecki, Principal Environmental Specialist, Parks and Recreation Division ATTACHMENT(S) 1. Attachment 1 - Ordinance 2007-65 (PDF) 2. Attachment 2 - REV DRAFT Resolution No 2017_cycle 9 (DOCX) 3. Conservation Collier Presentation (PPTX) 11/14/2017 COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 11.A Doc ID: 4164 Item Summary: ***This item to be heard at 10:40 a.m.*** Recommendation to provide direction to the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) regarding the use of program criteria associated with the Conservation Collier acquisition selection process in the current Ninth Acquisition Cycle, future potential cycles, and regarding the Conservation Collier Ordinance, Ord. 2002-63, as amended. (Alexandra Sulecki, Principal Environmental Specialist, Parks and Recreation Division) Meeting Date: 11/14/2017 Prepared by: Title: Operations Analyst – Parks & Recreation Name: Matthew Catoe 11/06/2017 5:03 PM Submitted by: Title: Division Director - Parks & Recreation – Parks & Recreation Name: Barry Williams 11/06/2017 5:03 PM Approved By: Review: Operations & Veteran Services Sean Callahan Additional Reviewer Completed 11/06/2017 6:08 PM Parks & Recreation Ilonka Washburn Additional Reviewer Completed 11/07/2017 7:51 AM Parks & Recreation Barry Williams Additional Reviewer Completed 11/07/2017 8:27 AM Public Services Department Joshua Hammond Level 1 Division Reviewer Completed 11/07/2017 9:14 AM Public Services Department Steve Carnell Level 2 Division Administrator Review Completed 11/07/2017 9:31 AM County Attorney's Office Jennifer Belpedio Level 2 Attorney of Record Review Completed 11/07/2017 9:32 AM Office of Management and Budget Valerie Fleming Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Completed 11/07/2017 9:38 AM Budget and Management Office Mark Isackson Additional Reviewer Completed 11/07/2017 12:27 PM County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Completed 11/07/2017 12:59 PM County Manager's Office Leo E. Ochs Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 11/08/2017 2:51 PM Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 11/14/2017 9:00 AM O T NOVRECEIVED j ORDINANCE NO AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO WHICH ESTABLISHED THE CONSERVATION COLLIER PROGRAM BYREVISINGSECTIONSIXCREATIONOFTHECONSERVATIONCOLLIERACQUISITIONFUNDSECTIONEIGHT LAND ACQUISITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE SECTION TEN CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING LANDS FOR ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT SECTION ELEVEN ACQUISITION LIST SECTION TWELVE NOMINATION OF ACQUISITION PROPOSALSANDCANDIDATESITESSECTIONTHIRTEEN PROCEDURE FOR SELECTION OF ACQUISITION PROPOSALS FOR PLACEMENT ON THE ACTIVE ACQUISITION LIST AND SUBSEQUENT PURCHASE PROCEDURES SECTION FOURTEEN MANAGEMENT PLANS AND USE OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LANDS SECTION FIFTEEN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COUNTY MANAGER PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND SEVERABILITY PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE OF LAWS AND ORDINANCES ANDPROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE c rc iJ uC I n c f I I t I J WHEREAS Collier County has studied vanous methods for the acquisition of environmentally sensitive land for conservation preservation and urban green space and WHEREAS Collier County has Home Rule Powers established by the Florida State Legislature pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter and has the power tocarry ongovernment to the extent not inconsistent with general law and WHEREAS Collier County desires to provide a mechanism to equitably deal with the implementation of the Community Character Plan the Comprehensive Growth Management Plan which recommend acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands and WHEREAS on Tuesday November the electorate of Collier County authorized the County to levy a mill ad valorem property tax for a period not to exceed ten years for acquisition protection restoration and management of environmentally sensitive lands in Collier County for the benefit of present and future generations and WHEREAS Collier County s significant natural resources productive estuaries and wetlands remarkable biodiversity and unique subtropical habitats harboring many species of rare and endangered flora and fauna merit the most protection any county s citizens could offer and WHEREAS it is the intent ofthe Board of County Commissioners of Collier County to establish Conservation Collier to implement this mandate and to support its purposes to the fullest limiting all uses of and all investment earnings on such levies to such purposes and WHEREAS the Collier County Board ofCounty Commissioners recognizes the need for the creation of an advisory board to advise the County and the public in the implementation of the program and the selection of project sites for acquisition and I Underline added Slrikolhreugll deleted WHEREAS the Collier County Board of County Commissioners in recognition of the fact lhat the proposed environmentally sensitive lands are to be purchased in whole or in part through a special ad valorem assessment hereby recognize the rights of our citizens to have reasonable public access and for all our citizens to partake and enjoy various outdoor activities in a reasonable and environmentally friendly manner on lands purchased with these funds and WHEREAS the Board of County Commissioners will ensure that Conservation Collier is a willing participant program and shall utilize only methods of voluntary acquisition NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY FLORIDA that SECTION Name This ordinance shall be known as Conservation Collier Implementation Ordinance SECTION Obiectives Conservation Collier istherefore hereby established to acquire preserve restore and maintain vital and significant threatened natural lands forest upland and wetland communities located in Collier County for the benefit of present and future generations SECTION Findinl s The foregoingrecitals are lrue and correcl and incorporated herein by reference All ad valorem funds generated hereby shall be collected by the Collier County Tax Collector The County Manager or his or her designee shall administer this program in accordance with the procedures and criteria provided for herein SECTION Purpose and Intent L To acquire protect and manage environmentally sensitive lands that contain natural upland orwetland communities native plant communities rare and endangered flora and fauna endemic species endangered species habitat a diversity of species significant water resources or outstanding aesthetic or other natural features maximizing protection of Collier County s rarest most unique and endangered habitats To acquire protect and manage environmentally sensitive lands that offer the best human social value including equitable geographic distribution natural resource based recreation and protection of water resources local ecological awareness and enhancement of the aesthetic setting of Collier County To acquire protect and manage environmentally sensitive lands that serve to recharge the County saquifers and protect its wetlands and surface water resources to ensure the delivery of clean and plentiful water supplies and provide flood control To acquire protect and manage environmentally sensitive lands containing the most biological value including biodiversity listed species habitat connectivity restoration potential and ecological quality To protect present conservation lands by acquiring protecting and managing adjacent properties which if not acquired would threaten the environmental integrity of the existing resource or which if acquired would enhance and buffer the environmental integrity of the resource and add to resource connectivity Underline added stril olllreugll deleled To restore the natural functions as necessary to any impacted and vulnerable habitats which would then contribute significantly to fulfilling this program s goals To help implement the objectives and policies ofthe Collier County Growth Management Plan which have been promulgated to preserve and protect environmental protection areas designated in the Plan and other natural forest resources wetlands endangered species habitat and vulnerable rare habitats To identify Collier County s best and most endangered environmental lands for acquisition protection and management by evaluating the biological and hydrological characteristics and viability of the resource the vulnerability of the resource to degradation or destruction and the feasibility of managing the resource to maintain its natural attributes To manage acquired environmentally sensitive lands with the primary objectives of maintaining and preserving their natural resource values and providing appropriate natural resource based recreational and educational opportunities by employing management techniques that are most appropriate for each native community so that our natural heritage may be preserved and appreciated by and for present and future generations To have the acquired sites available with minimal risk to the environmental integrity of the site toeducate Collier County s school age population and the general public about the uniqueness and importance of Collier County s subtropical ecosystems and natural communities II To protect natural resources which lie within the boundaries of other conservation land acquisition programs where Conservation Collier funds would leverage significant other matching sources of funding for other agency acquisition projects that would not be available without such a local match or which would result in considerably higher funding rank in another program however Collier County shall exclude Municipalities within the County from any requirement to provide matching funds and To cooperate actively with other acquisition conservation and resource management programs including but not limited to such programs as the State of Florida Conservation and Recreation Lands program the Land Acquisition Trust Fund Florida Forever and Save Our Rivers program where the purposes of such programs are consistent with the purposes of Conservation Collier as stated hereinabove SECTION Definitions The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section L Acquisition proposal shall mean a parcel s of land which haslhave been nominated or recommended for conservation in accordance with the procedures provided for herein Acquisition project shall mean a parcel s of land approved by the Board of County Commissioners for conservation by the county in accordance with procedures provided for herein Authorized Purpose means expenditures authorized herein Non profit organization shall mean anorganization as defined in section Iof the United States Internal Revenue Code operating in Collier County which includes among its primary goals the conservation of natural resources and the protection of the environmenL Underline added ntril olhrOllghs deleted Buffer land shall mean that land which is adjacent to publicly owned environmental land or privately held land permanently dedicated toconservation or that land which is an in holding within publicly owned environmental land and which if not acquired would threaten the environmental integrity of the existing resource or if acquired would enhance the environmental integrity and connectivity of the resource Environmentally sensitive land shall mean that land which contains natural upland or wetland communities native plant communities rare and endangered flora and fauna endemic species endangered species habitat a diversity of species significant water resources or outstanding aesthetic orother natural features Management shall mean the preservation enhancement restoration conservation monitoring or maintenance of the natural resource values of environmentally sensitive lands which have been acquired or approved for management under Conservation Collier including provision of appropriate public access Target Protection Areas shall mean larger areas of environmentally sensitive land within which are located specific sites which generally satisfy the initial screening criteria and meet the goals of Conservation Collier Natural resource based recreation shall mean all forms of uses which are consistent with the goals of this program and are compatible with the specific parceL Such uses shall include but not be limited to hiking nature photography bird watching kayaking canoeing swimming hunting and fishing SECTION Creation ofthe Conservation Collier Acquisition Trust Fund Collier County shall establish the Conservation Collier Acquisition Trust Fund for usein acquiring environmentally sensitive lands in Collier County This fund shall receive and disburse monies in accordance with the provisions herein I The Conservation Collier Acquisition Trust Fund shall receive monies from the following sources aAllmonies accepted by Collier County in the form of federal State or other governmental grants reimbursements allocations or appropriations foundation or private grants donations for acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands and payments provided formitigation activity associated with such acquisition activity bSuch additional allocations as may be made by the Board of County Commissioners from time to time for the purposes set forth herein c All interest generated from the sources identified herein except where monies received have been otherwise designated or restricted d Supplementation from the Conservation Collier Management Trust Fund but only with the approval of the Collier County Board of County Commissioners eUp to Eighty five percent of all ad valorem revenues collected for Conservation Collier f The proceeds of any property acquired with funds from the Conservation Collier Acquisition Trust Fund that is leased or sold by the County said proceeds as determined by the Board of County Commissioners to be committed either to the Conservation Collier Acquisition Underline added strikolhreugll deleled Trust Fund or to the Conservation Collier Management Trust Fund for the purposes provided for herein Any such sale or lease shall only be in accordance with the goals of this Program g Prior to acquiring land located within a Municipality s boundaries approval must first be obtained from the governing body of that Municipality The Conservation Collier Acquisition Trust Fund shall be maintained in a separate and segregated trust fund of the County to be used solely for the authorized purposes set forth herein Disbursements from the Conservation Collier Acquisition Trust Fund shall be made only for the following authorized purposes aAcquisition of properties which have been approved for purchase by resohHion of the Board of County Commissioners b Costs associated with each acquisition including but not limited to appraisals surveys environmental reports title commitments and insurance policies seareR work real property taxes documentary stamps and surtax fees and other transaction costs c Costs of administering Conservation Collier including any loans from the General Fund for funding start up costs until such time as the fund is closed Administration of the program may be conducted by County staff or by contract with aprivate or not for profit entity subject to meeting all County and Conservation Collier purchasing policies proeedare Administrative costs shall be limited to the greatest extent possible dTo undertake and carry out studies and analyses of county conservation land needs and ways of meeting those needs limited to no more than eTo acquire and dispose ofreal and personal property or any interest therein when SlieR aeqllisition isnecessary or appropriate to protect the natural environment provide public access or public recreational facilities preserve wildlife habitat areas or provide access to management of acquired lands to acquire interests in land by means of land exchanges and to enter into alternatives to the acquisition of fee interests in land including the acquisition of easements life estates leases and leaseback arrangements fAcquisitions consistent with the Collier County Land Development Code land eevelopment Fegalations and the Growth Management Plan g To cooperate with other local regional state or federal public land acquisition programs In such cases the County may enter into contractual or other agreements to acquire lands jointly or for eventual resale to other public land acquisition programs in Collier County h Alllands acquired and titled solely in the name of Collier County shall be managed by Collier County wherever located unless by mutual written agreement management arrangements and responsibilities are undertaken with other local regional state or federal agencies All lands jointly acquired with other local regional state or federal agencies including Municipalities shall include as part of the acquisition process some mutual written agreement regarding the responsibilities of the joint owners formaintenance L To borrow money through the issuance ofbonds for the purposes provided herein to provide for and secure the payment thereof and to provide for the rights of the holders thereof Underline added strikolhrOllglls deleled J To invest any funds held in reserves or sinking funds or any funds not required for immediate disbursement in such investments as may be authorized for trust funds under Florida Statutes Section asamended k To insure and procure insurance against any loss in connection with anyof the trust s operations including without limitation a The repayment of any loans to mortgage lenders or mortgage loans b Any project c Any bonds of the County Insurance may beprocured in such amounts and from such insurers including the Federal Government as may be deemed necessary or desirable by Collier County LTo engage the services of private consultants on acontract basis for rendering professional and technical assistance and advice m To identify parcels ofland that would be appropriate acquisitions nTo do any and all things necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of and exercise the powers given and granted herein to the full extent of the law SECTION Creation ofthe Conservation Collier Manal ement Trust FundThere ishereby created the Conservation Collier Management Trust Fund hereinafter referred to as the Conservation Collier Management Trust Fund for the preservation enhancement restoration conservation and maintenance ofenvironmentally sensitive lands that either have been purchased with monies from the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Acquisition Trust Fund or have otherwise been approved for management The Finance Director is hereby authorized to establish the Conservation Collier Management Trust Fund and to receive and disburse monies in accordance with the provisions of this section The Conservation Collier Management Trust Fund shall be maintained in a separate and segregated trust fund of the County to be used solely for the authorized purposes set forth herein The Conservation Collier Management Trust Fund shall receive monies from the following sources a Ad valorem taxes collected for Conservation Collier in anamount not to exceed of the total collected in anyone year b All monies accepted by Collier County in the form of federal State or other governmental grants allocations or appropriations as well as foundation or private grants and donations for management of lands acquired with the Conservation Collier Acquisition Trust Fund or otherwise approved for management c Additional allocations as may be made by the Board of County Commissioners as necessary from time to time for purposes strictly consistent with the goals and purposes of Conservation Collier d All interest generated from the sources identified herein except where monies received have been otherwise designated or restricted Disbursements from the Conservation Collier Management Trust Fund shall be made by the County Manager or his or her designee only in accordance for the authorized purposes set forth herein Underline added strikothrollglls deleled SECTION Land Acquisition Advisorv Committee I Creation and Purpose The Land Acquisition Advisory Committee ishereby established to assist the Board of County Commissioners in establishing an Active Properties Acquisition List with qualified purchase recommendations consistent with the goals of Conservation Collier Appointment and Composition The Land Acquisition Advisory Committee shall becomposed of nine members who are appointed by and will serve at the pleasure of the Board of County Commissioners in accordance with Ordinance No Membership ofthe Land Acquisition Advisory Committee shall comprise broad and balanced representation of the interests of Collier County citizens including a Environmental and conservation interests in Collier County bAgricultural and business interests in Collier County c Educational interests in Collier County and dGeneral civic and citizen interests from throughout the county Individual members of the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee shall have expertise knowledge or interest in ecology conservation of natural resources real estate or land acquisition land appraisal land management eco tourism or environmental education A nominee shall submit to the Board of Countv Commissioners written evidence of his or her expertise knowledge or interest in any of the above The members of this committee should include representatives from different areas of Collier County Terms of Office The initial terms of office of the members shall be staggered between the individual interests for balance purposes and beset as follows a Three members shall serve three years b Three members shall serve two years c Three members shall serve one Iyear Thereafter all appointments shall be for a term of three years The process for appointments and terms of office shall be governed by Collier County Ordinance No Officers Quorum and Rules of Procedure At its earliest opportunity the membership of the Committee shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson from among the members Officers terms shall be for a period of one I year with eligibility for reelection The presence of five or more members shall constitute a quorum of the Committee necessary to take action and transact business The Committee shall by majority vote of the entire membership adopt rules of procedure for the transaction of business The Land Acquisition Advisory Committee shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Florida Sunshine Law and shall keep a written record of meetings resolutions findings and determinations in accordance with Chapter Florida Statutes Copies of all Committee minutes resolutions reports and exhibits shall be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners Attendance and Vacancies Committee member attendance requirements including failure to attend meetings and member removal from office are governed by Collier County Ordinance No as amended Underline added strikothrellgAs deleled Functions Powers and Duties of the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee The Land Acquisition Advisory Committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities a The Land Acquisition Advisory Committee s primary responsibility isto recommend tothe Board of County Commissioners anActive Properties Acquisition List with qualified purchase recommendations consistent with the goals of Conservation Collier and pursuant to the policies outlined herein below b The Land Acquisition Advisory Committee may from time to time recommend to the Board of County Commissioners proposed expenditures from the Conservation Collier Trust Funds additional selection or acquisition policies procedures and programs and other such matters as may be necessary tofulfill the purposes ofConservation Collier However the goals and primary criteria of Conservation Collier may not be modified except by countywide referendum vote c The Land Acquisition Advisory Committee shall have no power or authority to commit Collier County to any policies to incur any financial obligations orto create any liability on the part of the County The actions and recommendations ofthe Land Acquisition Advisory Committee are advisory only and shall not be binding upon the County unless approved or adopted by the Board of County Commissioners d At such time as there are insufficient uncommitted funds in the Conservation Collier Acquisition Trust Fund to conclude another acquisition and all acquisition projects have been closed the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee shall report to the County Commission that its business is concluded All remaining Conservation Collier Acquisition Trust Fund monies shall then be transferred tothe Conservation Collier Management Trust Fund Review of the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee The Land Acquisition Advisory Committee shall be reviewed by the Board of County Commissioners every four years in accordance with the provisions of Section Nine of Collier County Ordinance No as amended SECTION Property EIil ible for Acquisition and Manalement Properties eligible to beconsidered for acquisition and management under Conservation Collier shall be only environmentally sensitive lands available from willing and voluntary participants Acquisition of property shall not be constrained based on the immediate availability of management money Any environmentally sensitive land not on the acquisition list which is offered for conveyance or donation to Collier County and is proposed for management by Conservation Collier shall be evaluated as provided for herein below and may only be accepted and approved for management by the Board of County Commissioners SECTION Criteria for Evaluatinl Lands for Acquisition and Manal ement The evaluation ofeachacquisition proposal shall bebased on satisfying at least two of the initial screening criteria below Qualified sites shall then be further prioritized by secondary evaluative criteria listed below under Section The initial screening criteria are Underline added stril Olhrougll deleted a Land with the most rare unique and endangered habitats found in Collier County order of preference tropical hardwood hammocks xeric oak scrub coastal strand native beach xeric pine riverine oak high marsh saline tidal freshwater marsh other native habitats b Lands offering the best human social values including equitable geographic distribution appropriate access for natural resource based recreation and enhancement of the aesthetic setting of Collier County c Land which protects the most water resource values including aquifer recharge water quality wetland dependant species habitat and flood controL d Land containing the most biological value including biodiversity listed species habitat connectivity restoration potential and ecological quality e Land which enhances and or protects the environmental value of current conservation lands through function as a buffer ecological link or habitat corridor f Any qualified land which meets at least two of the above criteria and has matching funds available and or which Conservation Collier funds availability would leverage a significantly higher funding rank in another acquisition program WitRollt SlieR fooeing eirellffistanees Conservation Collier Rmes shall not be available for Jlrejeets within the jllriseietion of anether ageney s aeElllisition bellRearies Those proposed acquisition proposals which are initially qualified under the screening criteria shall be evaluated and ranked by the staff and Land Acquisition Advisory Committee using Secondary Ranking Criteria based on site visit information which confirms or refutes the initial screening criteria evaluation and based on comparative size to prefer larger of similar parcels vulnerability to destruction to prefer most threatened of qualified parcels overall resource ecological quality to prefer highest quality of similar parcels and the estimated feasibility and costs of management to prefer most manageable parcels The Board of County Commissioners hereby shall approve and make a part hereof the attached initial list of Target Protection Areas within which are located specific sites which generally satisfy the initial screening criteria and meet the goals of Conservation Collier Inclusion on this list is not a guarantee of any specific purchase All specific proposals will be evaluated and ranked by staff and the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee for a recommendation of approval to the Board of County Commissioners In accordance with the goals policies and procedures of this Conservation Collier Implementation Ordinance the following list isthe first Target Protection Areas adopted for consideration by the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee County Staff and the Board of County Commissioners lAll designated Urban lands on the Future Land Use Map of the Collier County Growth Management Plan with predominantly native vegetative cover QAll Collier County Natural Resource Protection Areas and Sending Lands as shown on the Future Land Use Map of the Collier County Growth Management Plan fAll undeveloped lands with predominately native vegetative cover in the Northern Golden Gate Estates as shown on the Future Land Use Map of the Collier County Growth Management Plan Underline added strikolhrOllglls deleled d The Flow way and Habitat Stewardship Areas as depicted on the Future Land Use Map of the Collier County Growth Management Plan The County Manager shall prepare and periodically update for presentation to the Board of County Commissioners aConservation Collier Program Manual developed by staff and the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee which upon approval by the Board of County Commissioners shall be used as a guide for implementing the provisions of this ordinance and shall also include the initial and secondary criteria listed herein above for evaluating Conservation Collier Acquisition Proposals Commencement ofthe acquisition and management program shall be immediate upon approval by the Board of County Commissioners passage of the referendum and appointment of the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee even if the manual has not been completed SECTION Acquisition List The overall Conservation Collier Acquisition List shall consist of two specific lists the Target Protection Areas List and the Active Acquisition List The Land Acquisition Advisory Committee and Board of County Commissioners shall approve both in accordance with the procedures set forth below J The Target Protection Areas List shall consist of lands representing the highest natural resource values such as Natural Resource Protection Areas but generally not specific parcels and is initially approved by the Board of County Commissioners and updated periodically by the Board of County Commissioners and Land Acquisition Advisory Committee Itis established and updated in accordance with Conservation Collier goals procedures and criteria The Active Acquisition List shall consist of criteria qualified sites that have been selected from Target Protection Areas as well as qualified acquisition proposals submitted to the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee by the public all of which have Feeeivee positiye responses had applications submitted bv Hem property owners The Active Acquisition List shall separate proposals into three categories A pursue acquisition B hold for rerankingin the next cvcle and C no interest in acquiring The A categorv parcelsproiects shall be further categorized as high prioritv medium priority and low prioritv in order to give Countv staff direction as to prioritv for acquisition tasks The Active Acquisition List shall beupdated periodically according to Conservation Collier procedures and criteria Site acquisition proposals that receive the highest evaluations pursuant to the Conservation Collier criteria and for which acquisition isfeasible will be placed on this list pending recommendation appre al by the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee and approval bv the Board of County Commissioners Once approved by the Board of County Commissioners the County shall actively pursue acquisition of A categorv projects on the Active Acquisition LisL All sites shall be pursued on avoluntary willing participant basis only without the use of the County s eminent domain powers Projects will only be removed from the Active Acquisition List by successful purchase ofthe site approval of the next succeeding list withdrawal of positive interest by the property owner or by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners Projects removed may still be considered at a later time SECTION Nomination of acquisition proposals and candidate sites Underline added strikotllfellglls deleted Nominations for the Conservation Collier Program mav be made bv any person or organization including Collier Countv regional State or Federal agencies bv contacting program staff in writing and providing positive identification ofthe parcel proiect through a map or folio number s Staff will send an inquiry to the owner in the form of an interest letter advising of the nomination and asking if the owner wishes to submit an application for consideration tothe Conservation Collier Program An owner mav nominate his or her own propertv bv submitting an application Countv staff will send letters of interest to propertv owners within Target Protection Areas as directed bv the Land Acquisition Advisorv Committee asking if the owner wishes to submit an application for consideration tothe Conservation Collier Program Anapplication submitted bv the propertv owner to the Countv Manager or his designee shall be evidence of a willing seller While p ISpeeifie site eonsieeration viII Be given to all ineivieual propeFties whieRlie within the Target Proteetion rea List ane whieR have generatee a positive interest Fesponse to a letter ofaeqllisition inqlliry seRt BY the Coanty or eoanty eesignatee eontaet Public and landowner applications nominating properties for acquisition may be submitted at any time during or after the first annual public solicitation meeting described below applications shall begathered and evaluated within the framework of an acquisition cvcle which time frame shall be publiclv announced BY any pemon or organization inelllding Collier COllfity regional State or Feeeral ageneies nominations shall Be Baee BY filing an applieation vitll the COllHly Manager or his eesignee wRieR ill tRen Be fur l areee to eesignatee staff ane tile Lane eqaisitione isory Committee for Fovie There will be an annual public meeting for the purpose of updating the Board of County Commissioners and the public and for soliciting proposals and applications The first such meeting will take place at the end of the first year of implementation of Conservation Collier If the applieant Ras Ell ownersRip interest in any Feal propeFty eO eree by an applieation for prep osee acqai ition SlieR Owner interest shall be disclosed in applications in the same manner as required of zoning applicants by the Collier County Land Development Code TRis shall not apply to govemmeRtal apfllieants If tRe applieant eoes not haw an ownership interest in tile real property eoveFoe BY an applieation or if tile applieant is a governmental ageney tRe name ane aeeress of the owner as listed intae PropeRY ppraiser s Feeores sRall Be preyieee lith the applieation SECTION Procedure for selection ofacquisition proposals for placement on the Active Acquisition List and Subsequent Purchase Procedures Acquisition proposals for which applications have been received shall be prescreened usmg the initial screening criteria Those that satisfy two out of six of the Initial Screening Criteria shall be forwarded to the Land Acquisition Advisorv Committee for a vote for a complete evaluation II Underline added slrikolhrollglln deleted I Up en appFe lal of the refereRdHlR ane sliBsetjllently vith each fleate of the Target Proteetien Teas list eollBy staff Nill seRd letters of inqlliry te all prepelty owners withiH these Target Proteetien Teas Positive respeRses will Be forwarded to eesignated staff for preliminary reyiew lIsiHg the initial sereening eriteria After the first ar naalpHslie solieitation ef nominatiens laneewner ane pHbliely nominatee projeets will Be fOl vafeeefirst to eOllnty staff for the mailing of inqlliry letters DesigHatee staff lIsing the initial sereening eriteria will review all positive responses Acquisition proposals which donot satisfy the initial screening criteria or which satisfv initial screening criteria but for other reasons Nominatee properties that de mav not fulfill the purposes of Conservation Collier or eonot satisfy the initial eriteFia will be reported to the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee and shall not be evaluated further unless at least five members of the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee vote for acomplete evaluation oL Proposals which satisfythe initial screening will be further evaluated for presentation are fOI Nafeee to theLand Acquisition Advisory Committee ane staff for seeoneary riteria review and ranking Staff shall Evaluation shall include asite visit which staff shall coordinate with the propertv owner and which mav include one Advisorv Committee member review of information about the parcel s available inthe Countv s electronic databases and research into anv other records retained bv the Countv about the parcel s Using both observed and gathered data staff shall prepare an Initial Criteria Screening Report ICSR which will include send aloflg with easR proposal boundary and location maps for each site descriptions of the biological and hydrological characteristics including initial criteria satisfied a summary of its potential for appropriate use development potential of the site and adjacent land an assessment of the management needs and costs the assessed and estimated value and any potentially available matching funds This aeElaisition proposal information shall be tile Initial Criteria S ereeniHg Report Upon completion of the InitialCfitefiaSereeningRefl t ISCR theLand Acquisition Advisory Committee shall hold a public hearing to eonsieer tRe reeommeneations for presentation ofinformation contained in the ICSR regarding each site the applicants and or landowners comments and comments from the public A courtesy notice shall be provided to the owners of properties which are the subject of the hearing although failure to notify said owners shall not invalidate these proceedings After all properties within the current acquisition cvcle have been presented t he Land Acquisition Advisory Committee shall evaluate all qualified proposals using tRe seeofleary ranlciflg criteria as documented in the ICSR IHitial Criteria SeFeening Repert along with anti public comments and their own experience and iudgments and then rank the parcels according to the A B and C ranking categories to create a recommended propose top ranked proposals for the Active Acquisition List at this a public hearing Sabseqllent Additional meetings may be called to complete this task COllHty staff shall sooreinate iflitial site lisits with Lane f eqllisitiOfl evi of Committee ane inteFestee laneewners of top rankee proposals that are prop osee for the stive eqllisitien List Staff sRall write Site Visit Reperts regareing all initial site visits Underline added stril Olhrouglls deleled Upon esmpletisn sf the staffs initial site isit reports the LaRa f eliisitieR dvisery Committee shall esnvene a poolie Rearing to Feesmmene aeditions to ane appro e tRe f etive f eqliisitisR List for soomittal to the Boare of COllAty COllliBissioners Cooreination ill be maee with any potential mateaing times entities as neeessW The recommended Active Acquisition List shall be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners who in a public meeting shall vote on whether toapprove all or part of the proposed Active Acquisition List Properties mav be added but anv additional properties must be subjected to the entire evaluation process Countv Staff shall notifv propertv owners and the public of the final approved Active Acquisition List ane any aaeitions that may be aeeee to it feeitions may Be aeeee Blit aRY aeeitional preperties mHst Be sllsjeetee to the eAtire e alllation proeess After approval of the Active Acquisition List Real Estate Services staff will arrange for appraisals for A categorv parcels projects and when appraisals are received make an offer to the owner s pursuant to the approved Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Purchase Policv Resolution No or assuperseded Parcels located within the Rural Fringe Mixed Use District Sending lands are subiect to additional requirements regarding Transfer of Development Rights TDR credits as specified in the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Purchase Policv Resolution or as superseded tRe Boare of Coanty Commissionem will eireet Once an offer is accepted Real Estate Services staff will prepare a contract and request the owner sign This signed contract will be presented to the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee ata public meeting todecide bv majoritv vote whether to recommend approval of the contract to the Board of Countv Commissioners Along with the contract staff will provide willto pFepare a Project Design Report for each parcel project including cost appraisals title researeR history and purpose of project and program qualifications After obtaining a recommendation from the Land Acquisition Advisorv Committee the contract Proiect Design Report and Land Acquisition Advisorv Committee recommendation will bepresented to the Board ofCountv Commissioners at a public hearing for their review and approval Upon eompletioR sf tRe Projeet DesigR Reports the Lane f eijllisition f e issFY Committee sRallhole a seeolle Pllblie meetillg to eeeide BY majerity vote whieR projeets are reeoFBHlefleee to proeeee to negotiatisns The Board of County Commissioners shall have final approval authoritv for aftef approval of the etive f eq lisitioR List ana he LaRe f eqlli ition Committee sreeommelleatiofls for negotiations will inGtraet COWlty staff toflegotiate for pllfeaase f or eaehlistee projeet witR optional use of a hireparty neR prefit organizatien aegotiator as arnRerizee by tRe Boare of CollHt COFBHlissiollers II Upon slleeessful eompletioR sf negotiations COllflly staffwill present to tae Lane f eqllisition f evisory Committee the preposee eontraet terms for tRe eemmittee s reyiew ane FeeommenaatioRS COllHty staff will forward tRe reeolllilleReations of the Land eE lIisition eyisory COHllllittee ts the Boare of COllRtj Commissioners for esntraets reeommelleee for appro al ane for eeAtraets tRat sasllle Ret prseeee as Regstiated Underline added Slrikothro gllG deleted The Hoare of CollB y Comrnissisnem shall approve the contract terms for each proposed project and shall authorize any and all purchases II Once a contract has been approved and executed bv the Board of Countv Commissioners in accordance with Countv policies Real Estate Services staff shall proceed to close on the purchase of pro pert Vin accordance with Countv policies SECTION Manal ement plansand use of environmentallv sensitive lands INo later than Sil ty eo ninetv r days from the date of acquisition an interim management plan for any property acquired shall be submitted by County staff to the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee for approval Upon approval the plan shall be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval and shall be implemented by the County Manager pursuant to the Board s direction Any such interim management planes shall not be implemented for more than two years after acquisition of the property prior to the expiration of two years either a new management plan shall be implemented or by affirmative action of the Board the interim plan shall continue A final management plan with required review and updating every ten years shall be prepared with review and input of the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee for each property acquired by Conservation Collier which shall a Identify such management activities as are necessary to preserve enhance restore conserve maintain or monitor the resource as appropriate and b Identify such uses as are consistent with the preservation enhancement restoration conservation and maintenance of the resource and c Estimate the annual costs of managing the proj ect Annually the ten year management plans prepared during the preceding year shall be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for its approvaL Each ten year management plan shall be updated at least every five years from the last date of Board approval and may be amended as often as required Management plan updates and amendments shall be reviewed by the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee for their input and recommendations and then submitted to the Board ofCounty Commissioners for approval All management plans shall beconsistent with the purposes set forth herein All properties acquired or managed through Conservation Collier shall be managed in accordance with the approved management plan for that property No use infrastructure or improvement shall be permitted on any property acquired or managed under Conservation Collier that is inconsistent with the purposes of the program or that isnot provided by an approved management plan for the property The County will seek cooperative management arrangements with other agencies and entities in keeping with the approved management plans and goals of Conservation Collier Purchasing land using Conservation Collier program funds permanently extinguishes all development rights except those strictly compatible with the purposes and goals of Conservation Collier unless such lands are exchanged for similar lands within and between multi parcel proiects that have been previouslv recommended bv the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisorv Committee and approved bv the Board ofCountv Commissioners in accordance with Underline added trikelh eughs deleled the goals and purposes of the Program In case of these land exchanges development rights are restored to those properties exchanged out of Countv ownership Public access is an important element of management and this Program Examples of permitted uses subject to compatibility with specific parcels include hiking nature photography bird watching kayaking canoeing swimming hunting and fishing The program will also make the acquired sites available with minimal risk to the environmental integrity of the site to educate Collier County s school age population and the general public about the uniqueness and importance of Collier County s subtropical ecosystems and natural communities SECTION Responsibilities of the County Manal er TheCounty Manager shall facilitate such activities designate such staff and assign such responsibilities as are necessary to fulfill the purposes of this Ordinance eR lflteL TRemanager sRall at a minimlllB eo Re f ellowing LDesignate sMIto evaluate ae uisition propesalsin aeeoraanee witR tRe appfOvee eriteria ane prepare ane iffijllement prejeet management plans Make reeommeneations to the Lane fefjllisition Aevisory Committee en aeqllisitien proposak Designate a negotiation resellfee eommittee to eevelop negotiatioR strategies for appfOvee ae lIisitien prejeets to monitornegotiations ana to assist in eeeFeinating all aetivities relating te negotiations pllfehase agFeements ane elosings as neeeee The Negetiation Res llIfee Committee shall inellleeat least one I representative from the Real Preflerty Department tRe Enyironmental Serviees Deflar ment the Department IfFaeilities Management tRe Parks and ReeFeation Deflar ment ane tRe CellBtyttorney SECTION Sunset of the Conservation Collier Ad Valorem Tax The Conservation Collier special tax revenue will sunset after ten years unless reauthorized through similar voter referendum approvaL The Management Trust Fund continues in perpetuity as long as Conservation Collier lands remain in county hands SECTION Inclusion in the Code of Laws and Ordinances The provisions of this Ordinance shall become and be made a part of the Code of Laws and Ordinances of Collier County Florida The sections ofthe Ordinance may be renumbered or re lettered to accomplish such and the word ordinance may bechanged to section article or any other appropriate word SECTION Conflict and Severabilitv In the event this Ordinance conflicts with any other Ordinance of Collier County or other applicable law the more restrictive shall apply If any phrase or portion of the Ordinance is held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction such portion shall bedeemed a separate distinct andindependent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion SECTION Effective Date This Ordinance shall take effect only upon the passage ofthe November referendum levying up to mills of ad valorem taxes for a period of ten years to fund the Underline added strilcel lollglls deleled acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands and its being filed with the Florida Department of State PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County Florida this ldayof Uh Attest DWIGHT K BROCK Clerk BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COLLIER COUNTY FLORIDA By m JAMES COLETTA Chairman BY r t Approved as to Form and Legal Sufficiency ssistant County Attorney Underline added strikolhrellglls deleted This ordinance fil d with lhe Secretary of St te s Office the day of Wobev and acknowledgement of thatfiling received this day OfN J By j c STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF COLLIER I DWIGHT E BROCK Clerk of Courts in and for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Collier County Florida do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of ORDINANCE Which was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on the rd day of October during Regular Session WITNESS my hand and the official seal of the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County Florida this th day of October DWIGHT E BROCK Clerk of CourtE tla Gf Ex officio to Boa Q of County CommiS l iobers By MarthaDeputy 1 RESOLUTION NO. 2017-___ A RESOLUTION BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, PURSUANT TO SECION 8.6.b OF ORDINANCE 2002-63, AS AMENDED, APPROVING A CRITERIA WEIGHTING STRATEGY FOR THE CONSERVATION COLLIER LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM’S NINTH PROPERTY SELECTION CYCLE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, Collier County (County) has recognized the need to plan for future growth and has initiated a long-term program, known as the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program, (Conservation Collier Program) to acquire, protect, restore and manage environmentally sensitive lands in perpetuity and to provide public open space for the benefit of present and future generations; and WHEREAS, the Conservation Collier Program includes identification and protection of County’s natural resources, including upland and wetland communities, native plant communities, endemic species, endangered species habitat, water resources, and aesthetic or other natural features; and WHEREAS, protected lands include those that provide appropriate natural resource-based recreational and educational opportunities, protect local water resources, provide flood control; and WHEREAS, the Conservation Collier Implementation Ordinance (hereafter referred to as “Ordinance No. 2002-63, as amended”), Section 10, has described criteria for evaluation lands offered for conveyance and donation. WHEREAS, The Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee uses various tools to evaluate and rank properties, including a scoring format. WHEREAS, The criteria offered in Ordinance No. 2002-63, as amended, Section 10 are broad, inclusive, and unweighted, and past experience provides that unweighted criteria tend to result in ineffective scoring of properties, as the properties score equally for different reasons. WHEREAS, The Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) is authorized by Ordinance No. 2002-63, Section 8.6.b. to recommend additional selection or acquisition policies, procedures or programs as may be necessary to the Board of County Commissioners to fulfill the purposes of the Conservation Collier Program. However, the goals and primary criteria of Conservation Collier may not be modified except by countywide referendum vote. 2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, that: SECTION I. Findings It is found and declared that: (A) The criteria offered in Ordinance No. 2002-63, as amended, Section 10 are broad and inclusive, and while valuable, could be weighted annually within this and subsequent acquisition cycles to provide a more targeted focus within the Program scoring format for meeting Board-defined conservation goals within the broader ordinance criteria. (B) The Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee recommends adjusting the scoring format used in evaluation of the qualified proposals to give additional weight to certain existing criteria, and for an established target protection area, for the current 9th acquisition cycle. The scoring sheet is only one tool used in the evaluation of qualified proposal. These criteria include: a. Lands that provide potential for natural resource-based recreation with appropriate access, b. Lands that serve to protect the most water resource values, c. Lands that enhance or protect the environmental value of current conservation lands though function as a buffer, ecological link or habitat corridor, d. Lands whose acquisition have potential for community partners in acquisition and/or land management activities, and e. Lands within the Urban Target Protection Area. SECTION III. Effective Date. This Resolution adopted and made effective this _____ day of ________ 2017, after motion, second and majority vote favoring same. ATTEST: Dwight E. Brock, Clerk _________________________ , Deputy Clerk BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA By: ___________________________________ Penny Taylor, Chairwoman Approval as to form and legality: __________________________ Jennifer A. Belpedio Assistant County Attorney Conservation Collier Status, Evaluation Process, and Advisory Committee Recommendations Pr ogram Status u Pr eserves –19 u Acres –4,090 u Pr eserves open to the public-12 u Miles of trail -25 Cycle 9 -Status u Pr oposals –10 –other than Multi-parcel Projects u Pa rcels -90 u Acres –5,466 u Estimated Cost for all parcels under review -$32.7 million u Av erage Cost per acre -$22,000 A L ist Multi-Pa rcel projects: Ø Winchester Head –4 parcels –6.15 ac – Ø $76,900 Ø Av g Cost/ac -$12,500 Ø Red Maple Swamp –4 parcels –14.17 ac Ø $81,500 Ø Av g Cost/ac -$6,000 Ø To tal Cost $158,400; Ø Offsite Donations $120,000 now; expecting additional $179,400 Evaluation Process u 2 Step Review Process u Initial Criteria Screening –This is a desktop evaluation to see if the parcel is likely to meet at least 2 out of the 6 criteria. CCLAAC receives a presentation and at least 5 members must vote to accept the property as a qualified proposal u Initial Criteria Screening Report -This is an in depth evaluation of how the proposal meets the criteria based on data and site visit. u Development of Active Acquisition List u Once all Qualified Proposals have been presented, CCLAAC ranks them into a recommended AAL (A, B & C categories) u Recommended AAL is presented to Board for review/approval with prioritization of A L ist proposals (1,2,3 etc.) u Staff pursues A-List in priority order Criteria –ord. 2002-63, as amended, Section 10, 1.a.-f. u (1)Land with the most rare, unique and endangered habitats found in Collier County, order of preference tropical hardwood hammocks, xeric oak scrub, coastal grand, native beach, xeric pine, riverine oak, high marsh (saline, tidal freshwater marsh, other native habitats. u (2)Lands offering the best human social values, including equitable geographic distribution, appropriate access for natural resource-based recreation, and enhancement of the aesthetic setting of Collier County. u (3)Land which protects the most water resource values, including aquifer recharge, water quality, wetland dependent species habitat, and flood control. u (4)Land containing the most biological value, including biodiversity, listed species habitat, connectivity, restoration potential, and ecological quality. u (5)Land which enhances and/or protects the environmental value of current conservation lands through function as a buffer, ecological link, or habitat corridor. u (6)Any qualified land which meets at least two of the above criteria, and has matching funds available and/or which Conservation Collier funds availability would leverage a significantly higher funding rank in another acquisition program. Pr oposed Resolution 2017-_____ u The Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee recommends adjusting the scoring format used in evaluation of the qualified proposals to give additional weight to certain existing criteria, and for an established target protection area, for the current 9th acquisition cycle. Ø Lands that provide potential for natural resource-based recreation with appropriate access, Ø Lands that serve to protect the most water resource values, Ø Lands that enhance or protect the environmental value of current conservation lands though function as a buffer, ecological link or habitat corridor, Ø Lands whose acquisition have potential for community partners in acquisition and/or land management activities, and Ø Lands within the Urban Target Protection Area. (1)Land with the most rare, unique and endangered habitats found in Collier County, order of preference tropical hardwood hammocks, xeric oak scrub, coastal grand, native beach, xeric pine, riverine oak, high marsh (saline, tidal freshwater marsh, other native habitats. (2)Lands offering the best human social values, including equitable geographic distribution, appropriate access for natural resource-based recreation, and enhancement of the aesthetic setting of Collier County. (3)Land which protects the most water resource values, including aquifer recharge, water quality, wetland dependent species habitat, and flood control. (4)Land containing the most biological value, including biodiversity, listed species habitat, connectivity, restoration potential, and ecological quality. (5)Land which enhances and/or protects the environmental value of current conservation lands through function as a buffer, ecological link, or habitat corridor. (6)Any qualified land which meets at least two of the above criteria, and has matching funds available and/or which Conservation Collier funds availability would leverage a significantly higher funding rank in another acquisition program. Future Criteria u CCLAAC members advised that although there is always room for improvement, they are generally supportive of the exiting criteria. For future cycles, the only changes recommended prior to a future referendum are the following: Ø Minor tweaks to priority habitat types provided in criteria section to make them consistent with statewide classification formats (example, Florida Land Use Classification System (FLUCCS) or Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI), Ø Changing the split of acquisition/management funding from 85% acquisition and 15% management, to 75% acquisition and 25% management, Ø We ighting the criteria by resolution for each subsequent cycle depending on County needs and Board direction.