Be advised that the media and officials of the SFWMD have been and will be viewing this post. They will be all over this topic. For those of us that will be present at the meeting this coming Wed, please withhold any comments you plan to discuss at the public meeting.
The following is the proposal from the district (SFWMD) “IF” we agree and the Collier County Commissioners agree.
1. The District will immediately deed the title of the 628 acres Lake Trafford parcel to the County with the District retaining a construction easement to complete the dredging of the Lake and earthwork associated with the development of the ATV site. ( Our comments at the meeting : If the County accepts the deed immediately and there are arsenic levels higher than expected on site, the County will be responsible. Our opinion, the County can say “forget it” and the whole project is dead. And the District will just wipe their hands and say they did their part. What would we get ? Nothing. )
2. The District will retain a consultant to design an ATV park similar to the conceptual design developed by the county (IBIS). ( We saw the design, it’s nice but I think they need our help to make it great. They are willing to work with us in the design)
3. The District will obtain permits and the District will construct the earthwork consistent with the approved design and applicable required regulatory protection. (Good, no money from the County )
4. The County will provide management oversite of the design and construction of the site in conjunction with the District. ( Fair )
5. The County will handle the zoning and comprehensive plan process for the site.
(I hope that this will not become a problem; there are a few residential homes
south of the site. If the residents appose the OHV we will run into wall).
6. The County will be responsible for the operation of the site once construction is
completed. ( Good, revenue for the County).
7. The District will additionally provide a temporary lease 150 acre site more or less
to the County to operate as an ATV site until the site is constructed. (150 acres is nothing, it’s a joke but it’s something.
• The site will be open two weekends a month, daylight hours only.
• The District will provide funding to the County for onsite management and the lease of the land.
• The County will manage the site.
8. The County will agree to amend the Memorandum of Understanding between the
State, District and County to identify the Division of Forestry as the Agency responsible for the access and the maintenance of roads as outlined in the agreement, removing the District as a responsible party.
