Score another win for conservation efforts in Volusia County!

Posted On: October 13, 2022

Volusia Forever, the St. Johns River Water Management District and City of Ormond Beach joined forces to purchase 18.5 acres of conservation lands along the Tomoka River. This parcel will expand the city’s Riverbend Nature Park and will be used for passive recreation in the future. It will be owned jointly by the city and county, with the city managing the site.

The land was purchased for $770,000 from a couple who wanted the land to be conserved. The city and county each paid 20% of the cost, with the water management district paying 60%. Closing is expected to take place in December.

The acquired land contains a mix of forest and wetlands that are important for preservation, habitat protection and recreational use. The county and city will grant the water management district a conservation easement over the land that will ensure the property is preserved in perpetuity.

“Our residents value conservation as a strategy to protect their way of life,” said Resource Stewardship Director Brad Burbaugh, “Thanks to our partners, we will be able to acquire this property to protect one of our valued waterways, preserve wildlife habitat, and provide a space for our residents to relax and enjoy the natural areas that make our county unique.”

The Volusia Forever program was approved by Volusia County voters in 2000 and 2020. The popular land conservation program has funded the purchases of more than 40,000 acres across the county.