Title
Request for Tree Mitigation Funds to Acquire Conservation Land Adjacent to Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park
Recommendation
Approve the use of Tree Mitigation Funds for the project.
Explanation
The subject property consists of Alachua County Tax Parcels 07901-000-000 and 07902-001-000, one with address 1902 Northwest 45th Avenue in Alachua County, Florida, adjacent to Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park. The total size of the two parcels is 11.69 acres. (See the attached location map - parcels are in red). Acquisition would protect and conserve 11.69 acres of native forested habitat. In addition, acquisition of these parcels would provide a significant buffer between the City nature park and residential development to the west, protect headwater wetlands which contribute to Hogtown Creek, and preserve nearly 700 feet of Hogtown Creek, a locally-significant disappearing stream which flows through Gainesville and discharges into the Floridan aquifer via Haile Sink. The City will manage the parcels as an addition to Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park. Potential recreational uses would include nature trails.
Alachua County and City of Gainesville have listed the subject property as a top priority on their acquisition lists since at least 2009. Several attempts have been made to acquire the property, however, there was always an impasse on price. City and County staff both evaluated the property in 2009 and City staff recently revisited the site to make sure that the property still upholds the exemplary characteristics that make it a suitable conservation land acquisition. City staff confirmed that the property has not degraded over time and that it is still worthy of acquisition. City and County property evaluations are attached.
Recently the property owner expressed a desire to sell the property to the City at appraised value. City Land Rights Coordinator is currently negotiating with the property owner and conducting due diligence.
The ...
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