Staff briefs committee: RCPP unfrozen, Florida Forever funding reduced, multiple county projects active

Staff updated the committee on multiple program and project developments at the June 9 meeting.

Lake to Lagoon RCPP: Staff said the federal Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) funding that supports agricultural easements and land management assistance had been paused for six months and is now unfrozen. The program's five‑year clock was not extended during the pause, so staff must complete the work in a shortened window; staff plans to open a one‑month land‑management application window in July or August.

Florida Forever funding and partner landscape: Staff said the draft state budget allocated only $18 million to the Florida Forever program this year, down sharply from typical allocations of $100 million to $300 million. That reduction constrains DEP partnership options; staff advised pursuing St. Johns River Water Management District and other partner pathways on larger projects.

Project updates: Staff reported several active files: the John Anderson project was added to a DEP strategic list but lacks current DEP budget commitment; the Laffise family agricultural easement negotiations have begun; appraisals were ordered on Carraway Lakes and other properties where time is pressing to hold state interest; Triple T Ranch and Double Eagle agricultural easement transactions are in various closing or negotiation stages; Tamoka Marsh work is being pursued with North Florida Land Trust as an alternate pathway; and title and appraisal work has begun on Lake Kearney.

Staff also said some appropriations proposed by legislators for specific conservation purchases sometimes bypass the Florida Forever ranking process; those line‑item requests have historically faced gubernatorial vetoes, but staff will monitor outcomes and engage with water management districts where appropriate.

Committee members asked about compensation formulas, funding pathways and the practicalities of partnering and reimbursement; staff said they will pursue reimbursements through Florida Communities Trust and other programs where eligible and will brief the committee on resource‑based recreation definitions as requested.