Residents pressing county to pursue conservation easement for Eastern Lake outfall

Joe Mustachio, speaking during public comment, told the Coastal Dune Lakes Advisory Board that Eastern Lake neighbors want the outfall preserved and not altered by new beach infrastructure such as walkovers or restrooms. "Our position was... the outfall should be protected and left in their natural state," he said, explaining that Eastern Lake was purchased in 2022 with Tourist Development Council funds and that the community has been pursuing the conservation-easement concept with the Georgia-Alabama Land Trust.

Mustachio said the trust drafted a conceptual proposal that was presented verbally to county commissioners at a July board meeting; commissioners asked questions, did not make a formal recommendation and requested individual follow-up meetings with the trust. Board members present emphasized that the easement would be intended to preserve the lake’s natural dynamics and would not change public access or transfer underlying county title — instead, it would place a legal protective layer on the property.

Speakers said the Georgia-Alabama Land Trust already holds easements on other coastal dune lakes (Draper and Little Redfish) and that residents believe a similar approach could serve as a template for Walton County. The board asked that staff and interested residents continue conversations with commissioners and the trust and said any future proposal would return to the Board of County Commissioners for a decision.