In 2022 NFLT partnered with Nassau County to help develop the Conservation Land Acquisition and Management (CLAM) program to identify, rank, and assess conservation lands for acquisition and management by the County. NFLT used a combination of community polling, subject-matter expert input, and workshops with the County Commission to develop the successful referendum which passed with 68% of the vote. The success of this effort created a blueprint for future opportunities between NFLT and other counties in North Florida to pursue similar solutions for conservation. In 2024 NFLT got to work with Clay County on a similar initiative and in November the Clay County Land Conservation Referendum was passed by 73% of its voters, ensuring vital funding for the protection of water quality, wildlife habitats, forests, and farms. This community-driven victory reflects the region’s shared dedication to safeguarding its natural heritage.

 

NFLT is a trusted resource for local governments seeking to design and implement locally financed land conservation programs. With more than 30 years of experience managing county land conservation initiatives in Miami-Dade, Alachua, and other Florida counties, our team brings deep expertise to this work. Using these decades of experience, NFLT has developed a comprehensive guide to support counties across Florida in advancing their conservation efforts. Common Ground ~ A Land Conservation Guide for Local Governments is a step-by-step road map for local governments seeking to create land conservation programs, or “Greenprints”, of their own. These community-specific frameworks provide recommendations, tools, and strategies to evaluate the environmental, social, economic, and political factors shaping a land conservation program.  Common Ground ~ A Land Conservation Guide for Local Governments is a resource that can help county leaders and elected officials to assess whether the timing and conditions—both political and economic—are favorable for launching the Greenprinting Exercise. This is just one more way NFLT is working to save land in Florida and ensure the sustainability of Florida’s ecosystems and natural spaces for generations to come. To see what Florida counties already have land conservation programs in place you can check out our map HERE!

 

Common Ground ~ A Land Conservation Guide for Local Governments was produced in partnership with the Live Wildly Foundation and is available to download below.