R2024-95 Supporting PBC Efforts to Permanently Protect Environmnetally Sensitive Natural AreasRESOLUTION 2024-95
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF
NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA SUPPORTING PALM BEACH COUNTY'S
EFFORTS TO PERMANENTLY PROTECT ENVIRONMENTALLY
SENSITIVE NATURAL AREAS THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
HELD BY THIRD -PARTY CONSERVATION LAND TRUSTS; PROVIDING
FOR TRANSMITTAL; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Palm Beach County ("County") has invested substantial resources in acquiring,
restoring, and managing over 31,800 acres of environmentally sensitive land, known as the
County's Natural Areas, which provide critical habitats for engendered species, improve air and
water quality, contribute to flood control, and offer important recreational opportunities; and
WHEREAS, while these Natural Areas are protected by mechanisms such as the County
Conservation Lands Protection Ordinance and grant restrictions, not all of these protections are
permanent or immune from future threats; and
WHEREAS, the County seeks to enhance the permanent protection of its Natural Areas through
the use of conservation easements held by accredited third -party conservation land trusts, which
provide independent oversight, legal clarity, and public accountability; and
WHEREAS, conservation easements are a proven tool to ensure the permanent protection of
environmentally sensitive lands by limiting development and safeguarding natural resources in
perpetuity; and
WHEREAS, Palm Beach County's proposed collaboration with accredited conservation land
trusts, such as Conservation Florida, to establish conservation easements will provide long-term
protections for these lands at no anticipated cost to the County; and
WHEREAS, the Village of North Palm Beach ("Village") recognizes the critical importance of
protecting natural resources for the benefit of current and future residents, and supports regional
efforts to safeguard Palm Beach County's environmental legacy; and
WHEREAS, the protection of these Natural Areas enhances the quality of life for all residents of
Palm Beach County, including those within the Village, by contributing to cleaner air, improved
water quality, reduced flood risk, and preservation of Florida's unique ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, the Village Council determines that the adoption of this Resolution benefits the public
health, safety, and welfare.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE
OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA as follows:
Section 1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are hereby ratified and incorporated herein.
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Section 2. Support for Palm Beach County's Efforts. The Village Council of the Village of
North Palm Beach hereby expresses its strong support for Palm Beach County's efforts to
permanently protect its environmentally sensitive Natural Areas through the use of conservation
easements held by accredited third -party conservation land trusts.
Section 3. Promotion of Environmental Stewardship. The Village Council affirms its
commitment to the protection and responsible stewardship of natural resources and encourages
regional collaboration to ensure the long-term conservation of Palm Beach County's Natural
Areas.
Section 4. Transmittal of Resolution. The Village Clerk is hereby directed to transmit a
certified copy of this Resolution to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners and
other relevant and appropriate parties.
Section 5. Effective Date. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 17TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2024.
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