Agenda 09/23/2025 Item #16B 6 (Access License Agreement between Collier County and the South Florida Water Management District)9/23/2025
Item # 16.B.6
ID# 2025-2740
Executive Summary
Recommendation to approve an Access License Agreement between Collier County and the South Florida Water
Management District (SFWMD), granting non-exclusive access rights through County-owned property located at the
Carnestown Solid Waste Property to support the Heartland Headwaters Conservation and Everglades Restoration Project.
OBJECTIVE: To authorize execution of an agreement granting the South Florida Water Management District access
across County property for vehicular and pedestrian use, in support of ongoing conservation efforts and public access to
natural areas.
CONSIDERATIONS: The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has requested access through a
portion of the County’s Carnestown Solid Waste Property to facilitate safe vehicular and pedestrian passage to adjoining
environmental lands under SFWMD management as part of its broader Heartland Headwaters Conservation and
Everglades Restoration initiatives. These efforts aim to protect and connect critical environmental lands and water
resources while promoting controlled public access and appreciation of natural areas. The access will also allow limited
public entry under SFWMD-issued Special Use Licenses.
Key terms of the agreement:
• Grants SFWMD a non-exclusive, revocable license for access over a portion of County property (the "Licensed
Area") for a term of 25 years.
• Either party may terminate for convenience with 180 days prior written notice to the other party.
• Allows for installation and maintenance of access-related improvements by SFWMD, at its sole cost.
• Requires SFWMD to maintain the Licensed Area and any improvements in good condition, coordinate with the
County on access control and safety, and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
• Specifies that the property is accepted “as-is” and that the County assumes no maintenance or liability
responsibilities.
• Permits limited public vehicular access (up to 10 vehicles at one time) and restricted parking in designated
areas, as shown in the agreement's exhibits.
• License is automatically suspended upon declaration of a local, state, or federal emergency, including but not
limited to natural disasters.
• Does not convey any ownership rights or easements.
This agreement ensures protection of the County’s operational interests at the Carnestown facility while enabling
compatible public and governmental use.
There is an existing non-exclusive easement, recorded in the Official Records of Collier County, Florida in OR Book
1671, Pages 1692-1694 that facilitates access to the Licensed Area.
This item is consistent with the Collier County strategic plan objective to provide quality public amenities and
recreational opportunities.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact to the County. All costs associated with access, infrastructure, and
maintenance are the sole responsibility of the South Florida Water Management District.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no Growth Management Impact associated with this executive
summary.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved as to form and legality, and requires a majority vote for approval
- SAA
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9/23/2025
Item # 16.B.6
ID# 2025-2740
RECOMMENDATIONS: To approve the License Agreement and authorize the Chair to execute the Access License
Agreement with the South Florida Water Management District.
PREPARED BY: Vivian Rodriguez, Property Acquisition Specialist, Operations & Performance Management
ATTACHMENTS:
1. License Agreement
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