Brief Overview : The Pasco County Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP) is a land acquisition program to protect lands in Pasco County to benefit present and future residents.

Purpose: The purpose of the Program is to acquire lands and conservation easements in order to: protect natural communities including uplands and wetlands, connect natural linkages, conserve viable populations of native plants and animals, protect habitat for listed species, protect water resources and wetland systems, protect unique natural resources, enhance resource-based recreational opportunities, and expand environmental education opportunities with Pasco County.

Funding Source : The Program will use 25% of the County’s 45% of the Penny for Pasco proceeds and matching funds, if available, from federal, state, municipal, private non-profit, and Water Management District land acquisition funding sources. An estimated $36.3 million over 10 years is expected to be allocated for this program from Penny for Pasco funds

The Environmental Lands Acquisition Selection Committee (ELASC)

The Environmental Lands Acquisition Selection Committee was appointed by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners to help in the selection process. This eleven-member committee consists of the following individuals:

• Eva Bailey, vice president and senior ecologist with Biological Research Associates;
• Lisa Baltus, Senior  Environmental Scientist with Pinellas County Environmental Lands Division;
• Robert Blanchard, owner of Little Everglades Ranch;
• Mac Davis, registered professional archeologist and board member of the Gulf Coast Conservancy;
• Patty Fesmire, senior environmental analyst at Tampa Bay Water;
• Clark Hull Jr., environmental program director at Southwest Florida Water Management District;
• Ed Lawlor, professional nature photographer;
• Chris Miller, environmental science professor at Saint Leo University;
• Brian Panico, senior ecologist with Heidt & Associates, Inc.;
• Jennifer Seney, executive director of Pascowildlife, Inc.;
• There is one vacancy in the Governmental Affairs/Funding category.

ELASC Meeting Schedule

At this time, the ELASC is accepting nominations of lands to be considered for possible purchase of fee title or conservation easements by Pasco County. Anyone, other than members of the ELASC and the Board of County Commissioners, may nominate a parcel for consideration in the ELAMP. Nominated parcels will be reviewed in the order they are received. All information submitted will become the property of Pasco County and will be public record. The County is not responsible for any costs or expenses relating to the filing of an application.

Applicants are encouraged to submit applications for projects that meet the objectives of the ELAMP, which are outlined in the "Purpose" section above.

Owners or owners’ authorized representatives of properties that would meet some or all of the objectives outlined above are encouraged to complete the Parcel Nomination Application. Completed applications should be submitted to:

René Wiesner Brown Environmental Lands Program Manager 4444 Grand Boulevard New Port Richey, FL 34652 (727) 834-3670    Fax (727) 834-3676 mailto:rwbrown@pascocountyfl.net