In 1981, the Florida Legislature enacted a program known as "Save Our Rivers" (SOR), and created the Water Management Lands Trust Fund. The trust fund is underwritten by a documentary stamp tax administered by the Department of Environmental Protection. The SOR act enables the water management districts to acquire lands necessary for water management, water supply, and the conservation and protection of water resources. The legislature also passed similar, updated programs, including "Preservation 2000" (P2000) in 1990; and in 1998, the successor to P2000 called "Florida Forever" – which all help to fund land acquisition.
The Land Stewardship program is responsible for the planning and management of the South Florida Water Management District lands, including Project Lands, Save Our Rivers and other Conservation Lands, the implementation and administration of mitigation banks and regional offsite mitigation areas, and recreation on District lands.
The Project Lands component 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.
Major functions of the Conservation Lands component of the Land Stewardship Program include hydrologic/habitat restoration, exotic plant and animal control, prescribed burns, public use, environmental education, and mitigation. In accordance with the Florida Statutes Chapter 373.1395, lands acquired by the District shall be managed to "ensure a balance between public access, general public recreational purposes, and restoration and protection of their natural state and condition."
Land Acquisition
Land Stewardship
