Land Conservation

Land conservation is one of our most effective tools for enhancing sustainability and resiliency.

Conserving wetlands, wooded areas, riparian forests and dunes:

  • Reduces flooding by processing stormwater

  • Creating buffers against storm surge and sea level rise

  • Improves FEMA flood insurance rates

  • Maintains our water and air quality

  • Provides habitat for our plants and animals

  • Substantially contributes to carbon sequestration

  • Balances and limits over-development

  • Ensures quality of life

Much of our economy is based on tourism, outdoor sports and recreation, and the retirement community. Land conservation contributes to the stability of our economy.

Nassau County

Nassau County established the Conservation Land Acquisition and Management (CLAM) Program in January 2021.

o The CLAM Committee is a citizen committee made up of individuals with extensive experience related to land conservation.

o The first round of conservation nominations was submitted and prioritized 2022

o Over 750 parcels were submitted for consideration and ranked.

Atlantic to Okefenokee Conservation Corridor

Atlantic to Okefenokee Conservation Corridor

Fernandina Beach

  • Fernandina Beach established a Land Conservation Ordinance and Fund in June of 2018.

  • A Memorandum of Understanding with the City and North Florida Land Trust has conserved almost 13 acres between 2019 and 2022.

  • Roughly 138 acres have been conserved through zoning land use changes.

  • Fernandina Beach participated in nominating parcels in the city for the County CLAM Program.

  • Staff are always looking for land conservation donations, grants and discussions with property owners regarding conservation easements. (Contact Planning & Conservation Director at (904) 310-3481.)

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The Conservation Land Acquisition Management (CLAM) bond referendum passed in November 2022 with 68% voting yes, which shows just how important land conservation is to the citizens of Nassau County!

The proposed Atlantic to Okefenokee Conservation Corridor (A2O) corridor connecting our shoreline and riverine habitats to core interior natural areas is critically important to protecting water quality, wetlands, native habitat and ecological viability along the St Mary’s River. The corridor provides ecological sustainability and resilience to our treasured river and adjacent habitats.

Read Conserve Nassau’s letter of support

News and Views

Engaging with the Nassau County Conservation Land Acquisition

Margaret Kirkland submitted nominations for CLAM consideration (deadline January 31) on behalf of Conserve Nassau. Last year she submitted 158 nominations on behalf of Amelia Tree Conservancy

Conservation Partnerships

Marsh Forward is one of the initiatives within the larger Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS) to support the military mission while conserving key habitats and species, sustaining rural economies and industries, and fostering better coordination among local, state, and federal stakeholders in the region. The initiative successfully demonstrates strategic planning in an unconventional collaboration among landowners.

Discover southeastern U.S. salt marshes. The South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative (SASMI) is a diverse partnership working to preserve a million-acre corridor that still thrives along the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

Land Conservation Resources

  • What can we do to support land conservation?

    More Info

Immediate Concerns

NA for now

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