The Project Lands section of the Land Stewardship Program is responsible for managing those properties acquired by the District for future Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and other restoration projects until the land is needed for construction.
These lands will ultimately be used as stormwater treatment areas, surface water reservoirs, groundwater recharge areas, and/or buffer lands between the Everglades and other sensitive areas and urban development. These lands are not specifically acquired or designated for environmental enhancement, restoration or preservation purposes, and generally, they are not proposed for recreational or other public uses except on a limited basis that is consistent with their future use.
The Project Lands Section utilizes agricultural leases or commercial reservations on as many water resource project lands as possible. The leases are an important source of revenue for the District and keep the properies in productive use and on the tax rolls until the project is ready to break ground. The lessee takes on most of the management responsibilities for these lands. However, the Project Lands Section devotes significant time and resources towards compliance inspections and the administration and financial management of the leases.
Land Acquisition
Project Lands, Interim
