Principle 1
A combination of tools and strategies work effectively to retain a functional, connected network of rural lands (open space, agriculture, and natural areas). |
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a. Fund the retention of some rural lands (including open space and natural lands), in perpetuity, with resources provided by new development through the use of innovative tools. |
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b. Develop innovative partnerships between urban areas, local and regional governmental entities, and rural landowners that take advantage of the services and benefits that rural lands can provide to urban areas and the region as a whole. |
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c. Comprehensive plans and land development regulations should include incentives and requirements for preservation of rural lands. |
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d. Develop strategies, programs, and activities that foster new, stronger, and more direct relationships between urban and rural leaders and residents (through Community Stewardship Organizations (CSOs), for example). |
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e. Establish an on-going stakeholder group to advocate for and evaluate implementation of these recommendations and to refine them further. |
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f. Establish acreage targets for the preservation of rural lands. |
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Principle 2
Rural lands retention supports natural systems restoration. |
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a. Use rural lands for stormwater attenuation to enhance the outcome of CERP and enhance restoration of water bodies such as the St. Johns River, the Indian River Lagoon, and the Loxahatchee River. |
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b. Cooperate to identify and implement a connected system of greenways and corridors on rural lands that allow wildlife movement and enhance biodiversity. |
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c. Cooperate to identify and reestablish historic north-south movement of water. |
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d. Ensure that comprehensive plans and land development regulations result in arrangement of land uses and agricultural activities in rural areas in ways that enhance ecological function. |
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e. Use Best Management Practices to enhance environmental restoration. |
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Principle 3
A sustainable agriculture sector contributes to the retention of rural lands and is a public purpose that justifies local, state, and federal support. |
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a. Develop a comprehensive strategy in co-operation with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (IFAS) to promote the continuation of agriculture as a viable industry involving state agencies and universities and regional and local public and private sector interests. |
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b. Create a planning and regulatory climate that allows agriculture to evolve and change so it can be economically competitive or adapt to increasing urbanization. |
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c. Focus United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and IFAS agricultural research efforts on issues related to the value and continued viability of agriculture in proximity to urban areas, and to shifts in farm size and other changes needed in agricultural practices to maximize the services, benefits, and values agriculture can provide to urban areas. |
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d. Promote direct sale of agricultural products in ways, such as local markets, that connect local production with local consumption. These connections will also promote awareness among urban residents of rural lands and their benefits. |
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e. Develop an interim agricultural support strategy to assist the recovery of citrus and other affected agricultural sectors from the effects of the 2004 hurricanes and canker or similar natural disasters in the future. |
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f. Provide funding for implementation of state programs such as Rural Lands Stewardships areas and the Florida Rural and Family Lands Protection Act. |
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g. Increase funding for preservation of rural lands in the current Florida Forever program and its successor. |
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h. Develop partnerships between the public and private sectors and local and national non-profit organizations to implement rural lands protection programs. |
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