Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 40B-9.011 - Policy and Purpose

(1) Under Section 373.139(2), F.S., the Governing Board is authorized to acquire fee or less than fee title to real property, easements and other interests or rights therein, by purchase, gift, devise, lease, eminent domain, or otherwise for flood control, water storage, water management, conservation and protection of water resources, aquifer recharge, water resource and water supply development, and preservation of wetlands, streams and lakes. Part I of this chapter governs the acquisition of these interests in lands by the Suwannee River Water Management District.

(2) Under Section 373.1391(1)(a), F.S., the Governing Board is charged with the responsibility to manage and maintain lands titled to the Suwannee River Water Management to ensure a balance between public access, general public recreational purposes, and restoration and protection of the lands' natural state and condition. Part II of this chapter further governs the use of lands titled to the Suwannee River Water Management District.

(3) Lands titled to the District may be conveyed, sold, exchanged, leased, or released by the Governing Board as provided in Sections 373.056, 373.089 and 373.096, F.S.

(4) Consistent with the Legislature's directives, the District's policy is to manage and maintain District lands, to the extent practicable, to ensure a balance between restoration and protection of natural resources and public access and recreation.

(5) To further this policy, the land management and use provisions of Part II of this chapter are based upon the following priorities:

(a) Water resource conservation and protection;

(b) Environmental protection, with an emphasis on restoration and preservation of ecosystems; and

(c) Compatible public recreation.

(6) It is further the policy of the District to make its lands accessible to persons with disabilities to the extent economically feasible and consistent with resource protection.

(7) This chapter is divided into two parts, Part I and Part II. Part I included Rules 40B-9.011 through 40B-9.121, F.A.C., and pertains to land acquisition. Part II includes Rules 40B-9.123 through 40B-9.320, F.A.C., and pertains to land management.

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 40B-9.011

Rulemaking Authority 373.044, 373.083, 373.139, 373.171 FS. Law Implemented 373.103, 373.139, 373.59 FS.

New 3-1-83, Amended 5-31-09.

New 3-1-83, Amended 5-31-09.