§ 2-25-61. Conservation easements-agricultural lands.

(a)

[Listing and ranking of sites for potential eligibility.] The county's procedure for listing and ranking of sites for potential eligibility for the voluntary acquisition of conservation easements to preserve agricultural lands shall be consistent with the procedures set forth in section 2-25-57(a) with the addition of consideration of the following criteria:

(1)

The quality of land for agricultural use, such as classifications of prime, unique, locally-important or state-wide important or other designation; and

(2)

Economic viability of the parcel, including agricultural on-site farm infrastructure and proximity to off-site farm infrastructure such as markets and adequate size for a bona fide agricultural operation; and

(3)

Compatibility of surrounding uses or intended as a low-intensity/alternative agricultural operation; and

(4)

Degree of development pressure on the parcel, including indicators such as proximity to the urban service boundary, zoning, residential development; and

(5)

Proximity to other protected agricultural or environmental lands or wildlife corridors/greenways; and

(6)

Additional benefits including, but not limited to, enhancement of wildlife habitat, air and water quality, ground water recharge, preservation of historic and other cultural features and preservation of scenic qualities.

(b)

Duties of the director of conservation lands management. The director of conservation and lands management shall perform the following duties in regard to conservation easements for agricultural land:

(1)

Provide for the monitoring and maintenance of conservation easements for agricultural lands purchased by the county; and

(2)

Promote, educate and encourage land owners to participate in the program established by this section; and

(3)

Shall submit to the board of county commissioners an annual report based on all the activities carried out pursuant to the purchase of conservation easements for agricultural purposes. This report shall include, but is not limited to, a map indicating the location of agricultural lands in the county and location of the parcels from where development rights were purchased; total number of conservation easements and number of acres of each of the conservation easements in the agricultural lands throughout the county; number of land owner applications for the given year for the agricultural land purchase of development rights program.

(4)

Provide any necessary assistance in the enforcement of conservation easements for agricultural lands. Conservation easements including those applicable to agricultural lands are enforceable by injunction or proceeding in equity or at law by Manatee County in accordance with applicable law including Section 704.06, Florida Statutes.

(Ord. No. 06-26, § 3, 3-14-06)