Environmental Resources Department

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The Environmental Resources Department’s Mission is to preserve, protect and enhance SLC’s environmental resources through sustainable land management practices, regulations, public education, and outreach.

Environmental Resources Department currently has a staff of 20 throughout its 3 divisions who work with citizens, businesses, homeowners, and other stakeholders to carry out our mission.

Quick Contact Guide

Main Department: 772-462-2526
Environmental Regulations: 772-462-2526
Environmental Lands: 772-462-2526
Oxbow Eco-Center & Programs: 772-785-5833
Email: EnvironmentalResources@stlucieco.org

Environmental Resources Divisions

Environmental Regulations

The Environmental Regulations Division reviews all proposed development to ensure compliance with the County’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code and compatibility with the County’s long-term vision. Regulations staff is responsible at a local level to identify the habitats of critical importance, work with landowners and developers to ensure avoidance and minimization of impacts to these important areas, and encourage the preservation and appropriate mitigation to compensate for any unavoidable impacts. Regulations staff also provides support for multi-departmental and multi-agency initiatives with staff expertise in wetland delineation, gopher tortoise monitoring and management, and habitat conservation planning for threatened or endangered species such as the Florida Scrub-jay.

Environmental Lands

The Environmental Lands Division acquires, manages, and monitors over 11,000 acres of preserves, parks, and trails distributed throughout more than forty sites, twenty-six of which are currently open to the public. Since citizens approved a $20 million bond referendum in 1994, the County has more than tripled the initial funding through local, state, and federal matches and partnerships to purchase, enhance and manage over 11,000 acres of preserves. Land is acquired to preserve and protect native habitat and create a system of linear corridors for wildlife and greenways, blueways, hiking, and paddling trails. These preserves provide passive recreational opportunities and are a critical part of the County’s ecotourism. While land is still actively being acquired, the focus has shifted to the next stage; internally called the “polishing stage,” involving branding, marketing, and planning from a visitor’s perspective. ERD hopes to create an inviting, welcoming first impression and enjoyable experience for preserve visitors.

Environmental Education & Community Outreach

The Environmental Education and Community Outreach Division operates out of the Oxbow Eco-Center and provides county-wide educational programs that foster awareness and appreciation for the natural world, an understanding of ecosystems and sustainability, and inspire stewardship for Florida and all its inhabitants. Staff in this division develop programs for adults and youth on County preserves, in schools, and various venues and work with community partners to provide numerous volunteer opportunities that have County-wide impact.

Please visit our webpages at OxbowEco.com or contact us at (772) 785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org for more information. We are happy to talk with you about any of our programs.

Explore St. Lucie County’s many beautiful preserves during our FREE Guided Nature Programs. Preregistration is required.

St. Lucie County, FL

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Environmental Resources Department

Quick Contact Guide

Environmental Resources Divisions