Article about clear cutting trees

[SoWalSally]

From Walton Sun

Despite controversy surrounding a clear-cutting ordinance, some developers choose to preserve native vegetation along County Road 30A.
“We all have an ability to conserve and preserve,” said Barbara Stokes, managing member for Stokes Development.
Stokes’ company is planning Caspian Estates, a nine-lot, 1.27-acre development on CR 30A. After learning of a vegetative community on the property, the company revised the development plans.
Though it is cheaper to clear-cut a lot, Stokes’ aim is to construct developments that are aesthetically compatible with the buildings and landscape of 30A.
“(The native vegetation) is part of the reason people come here,” Stokes said.
The county’s comprehensive plan outlines vegetation preservation regulations for lots larger than two acres along CR 30A. In 2002, ordinance 2002-16 called for the protection of all sites, regardless of size, explained Billy McKee, Walton County environmental planner.
On Sept. 28, 2004, attorney George Ralph Miller, representing Harris Development, challenged the ordinance at a Board of County Commissioners meeting. He claimed the ordinance had not been properly advertised prior to adoption.
The commissioners voted to direct the planning department to abide by the comprehensive plan. Ordinance 2002-16 no longer applies to developers.
The planning department will ask developers to preserve vegetation if possible, but it is not mandatory.
“We review plans less than two acres and sometimes get cooperation,” McKee said.
Disregard for the previous ordinance worries some Walton County residents.
“We’re going to end up with nothing but turf and palm trees,” Anita Page, South Walton Community Council Executive Director, said.
Currently, the county is involved in two lawsuits regarding the matter.
“This particular ordinance was not properly adopted. It could not be applied. We need to ask the board to adopt a similar ordinance (to 2002-16),” County Attorney David Hallman said.

[John R]

Ordinance 2002-16 no longer applies to developers. :confused: :confused:

the exact people who are guilty of clearcutting the most. what's the deal?


jr

[Smiling JOe]

Ordinance 2002-16 no longer applies to developers. :confused: :confused:

the exact people who are guilty of clearcutting the most. what's the deal?


jr
"It no longer applies to parcels on 30-A which are less than two acres because one person was allowed to do it, thus setting the precedent of rule breaking. To my knowledge, people smoke pot and get away with it, but the law is still on the books against smoking pot, and the gov't still tries to enforce the law regarding pot smoking. These Commissioners and Code Enforcement peoplereally blow my mind.

[FoX]

"It no longer applies to parcels on 30-A which are less than two acres because one person was allowed to do it, thus setting the precedent of rule breaking. To my knowledge, people smoke pot and get away with it, but the law is still on the books against smoking pot, and the gov't still tries to enforce the law regarding pot smoking. These Commissioners and Code Enforcement peoplereally blow my mind.

Seems the only commish with any balls is a blonde lady.

[Smiling JOe]

Seems the only commish with any balls is a blonde lady.You are correct. Commissioner Cindy Meadows was not completely familiar with the "< 2 acre is okay" rule, but in the last BCC meeting, she quickly questioned why we were not using the existing rule which does not make any reference to parcel size.

[florida girl]

As a native South Walton Countian, a former tree farmer, yes, in South Walton, I don't see where those protesting have any idea of what they are talking about. Our climate and vegetation is most likely unlike where ever it is you are from, but here, trees grow every where without difficulty. I used to periodically remove them from my roof! I clear cut about 35 acres in South Walton about 20 years ago, and the next year or so there were more seedlings growing on it than you could believe! The neet thing about Pine seeds is that they have a wing on them that enables them to fly! As long as the state, etc., ownes so many thousands of acres of forest land, there's plenty of seeds to go around! Sure I like trees, have a lot of them, but I know that if they are not controled, they will grow anywhere! Funny thing about man, we're supposed to manage the earth.

[tailwagger]

As a native South Walton Countian, a former tree farmer, yes, in South Walton, I don't see where those protesting have any idea of what they are talking about. Our climate and vegetation is most likely unlike where ever it is you are from, but here, trees grow every where without difficulty. I used to periodically remove them from my roof! I clear cut about 35 acres in South Walton about 20 years ago, and the next year or so there were more seedlings growing on it than you could believe! The neet thing about Pine seeds is that they have a wing on them that enables them to fly! As long as the state, etc., ownes so many thousands of acres of forest land, there's plenty of seeds to go around! Sure I like trees, have a lot of them, but I know that if they are not controled, they will grow anywhere! Funny thing about man, we're supposed to manage the earth.

:welcome:

It's not about removing trees and then allowing the land to reforest.

The issue in SoWal is about clear cutting native vegetation, which is usually followed by unattractive development that is too dense and palms, asphalt and concrete appear where there used to be trees.

Some developers have not learned that it doesn't pay to do that. You can get more money for your property if you leave native vegetation, which also saves landscaping expense, energy, water, and future maintenance costs.

SoWal has beauty and character, stripping the land and replacing oaks, magnolias, and pines with non-native species is not the best plan for development.

[Paula]

:welcome:

Some developers have not learned that it doesn't pay to do that. You can get more money for your property if you leave native vegetation, which also saves landscaping expense, energy, water, and future maintenance costs.



Our community is built among the native vegetation and our landscaping costs -- and thus association fees -- are quite low. No sprinkler system needed, minimal landscaping, etc. And the native vegetation is beautiful and it fun to see the new things that pop up (except for the thorny vines) and take care of the native plants. We feel kind of nested in the native vegetation growing around our porch and can't wait until the plants/bushes/trees grow in more and provide us with even more privacy. We thought about the cost of association fees over time when we bought our place, and native landscaping that needed minimal maintenance seemed to be a way to keep association fees low.

[Mermaid]

Sorry, I can't resist sharing this old gardener's joke with everyone. It fits the post, so please indulge me!


GOD: Frank, you know all about gardens and nature. What in the world is going on down there on the planet? What happened to the dandelions, violets, thistle and stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect, no-maintenance garden plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long lasting blossoms attracts butterflies, honey bees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of colors by now. But all I see are these green rectangles.

ST. FRANCIS: It's the tribes that settled there, Lord. The Suburbanites. They started calling your flowers "weeds" and went to great lengths to kill them and replace them with grass.

GOD: Grass? But it's so boring. It's not colorful. It doesn't attract butterflies, birds and bees, only grubs and sodworms. It's sensitive to temperatures. Do these Suburbanites really want all that grass growing there?

ST. FRANCIS: Apparently so, Lord. They go to great pains to grow it and keep it green. They begin each spring by fertilizing grass and poisoning any other plant that crops up in the lawn.

GOD: The spring rains and warm weather probably make grass grow really fast. That must make the Suburbanites happy.

ST. FRANCIS: Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it grows a little, they cut it -- sometimes twice a week.

GOD: They cut it? Do they then bail it like hay?

ST. FRANCIS: Not exactly, Lord. Most of them rake it up and put it in bags.

GOD: They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it?

ST. FRANCIS: No, Sir. Just the opposite. They pay to throw it away.

GOD: Now let me get this straight. They fertilize grass so it will grow. And when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it away?

ST. FRANCIS: Yes, Sir.

GOD: These Suburbanites must be relieved in the summer when we cut back on the rain and turn up the heat. That surely slows the growth and saves them a lot of work.

ST. FRANCIS: You aren't going to believe this Lord. When the grass stops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay more money to water it so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it.

GOD: What nonsense. At least they kept some of the trees. That was a sheer stroke of genius, if I do say so myself. The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty and shade in the summer. In the autumn leaves fall to the ground and form a natural blanket to keep moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. Plus, as they rot, the leaves form compost to enhance the soil. It's a natural circle of life.

ST. FRANCIS: You better sit down, Lord. The Suburbanites have drawn a new circle. As soon as the leaves fall, they rake them into great piles and pay to have them hauled away.

GOD: No fooling? What do they do to protect the shrub and tree roots in the winter and to keep the soil moist and loose?

ST. FRANCIS: After throwing away the leaves, they go out and buy something which they call mulch. They haul it home and spread it around in place of the leaves.

GOD: And where do they get this mulch?

ST. FRANCIS: They cut down trees and grind them up to make the mulch.

GOD: Enough. I don't want to think about this anymore. St. Catherine, you're in charge of the arts. What movie have you scheduled for us tonight?

ST. CATHERINE: "Dumb and Dumber," Lord. It's a really stupid movie about....

GOD: Never mind. I think I just heard the whole story from St. Francis.

[jdarg]

Oh Mermaid - that's a keeper! I am pasting it now to a safe place!


Bdarg will love that. He has refused to cut our back field so the wildlife will have a place to hang out (and they do:eek: )

[Mermaid]

From Walton Sun


“We all have an ability to conserve and preserve,” said Barbara Stokes, managing member for Stokes Development.
Stokes’ company is planning Caspian Estates, a nine-lot, 1.27-acre development on CR 30-A. After learning of a vegetative community on the property, the company revised the development plans.
Though it is cheaper to clear-cut a lot, Stokes’ aim is to construct developments that are aesthetically compatible with the buildings and landscape of 30A.
“(The native vegetation) is part of the reason people come here,” Stokes said.



I googled "Caspian Estates" and "Stokes Development" and came up with nothing. Does anyone know if this is the obscenely small wedge-shaped piece of land in front of the Cassine Gardens townhomes? If it is (and only if it is), I am less than impressed with the developer's self-congratulary pat on the back about their environmental awareness and compassion. You could hardly put a Seaside post office on that wedge, let alone cram in nine residences as they're planning. :(

[Smiling JOe]

As a native South Walton Countian, a former tree farmer, yes, in South Walton, I don't see where those protesting have any idea of what they are talking about. Our climate and vegetation is most likely unlike where ever it is you are from, but here, trees grow every where without difficulty. I used to periodically remove them from my roof! I clear cut about 35 acres in South Walton about 20 years ago, and the next year or so there were more seedlings growing on it than you could believe! The neet thing about Pine seeds is that they have a wing on them that enables them to fly! As long as the state, etc., ownes so many thousands of acres of forest land, there's plenty of seeds to go around! Sure I like trees, have a lot of them, but I know that if they are not controled, they will grow anywhere! Funny thing about man, we're supposed to manage the earth.Are you for real?:idontno:

[SHELLY]

Are you for real?:idontno:

Joe,

I yield the floor to you. :biggrin:

[Smiling JOe]

I googled "Caspian Estates" and "Stokes Development" and came up with nothing. Does anyone know if this is the obscenely small wedge-shaped piece of land in front of the Cassine Gardens townhomes? If it is (and only if it is), I am less than impressed with the developer's self-congratulary pat on the back about their environmental awareness and compassion. You could hardly put a Seaside post office on that wedge, let alone cram in nine residences as they're planning. :(
It is not that parcel Mermaid. That piece is owned by Cassine's developer, Howard.

I will mention that Ms Stokes was ready to clear cut the entire property until Anita Page (sp?) stood up and objected at a recent County Commissioner's meeting. Ms Stokes says, oh, I was unaware that the vegetation on my property is listed as endangered but Ms Page has made me aware and we are environmentally concerned so we will not clear cut, even though we have the right to do so. :bang: :bang::bang::bang:This is why I say people should have to go to some sort of school for developing land rather than allowing any yahoo to go crazy.

[John R]

crazy, the timing of some things. from today's treehugger (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/02/florrida_friend.php)


jr

[florida girl]

What I find incredibly difficult to understand is that you are talking about a tiny lot of 1.27 acres! Just a drip in the whole scheme of things! Did it ever occur to anyone what their place looked like before they bought it? I well remember miles and miles of woods! Nothing! Then one happy patron went home and told their friends and family, and next thing you know, the place is over run! If you don't like what's going on here then why did you decide to buy and have a house built? The first thing they did was clear the lot to build your house! Very few were actually built amidst the vegetation. And if you are one of those in areas with close neighbors with lots of vegetion between you, did it occur to you what kind of fire hazzard that is? Our local fire departments shudder at the thought of a fire ever getting started at some of our esteemed developments!!! I think people are bored and need to get out more.

[Smiling JOe]

florida girl, there is a big difference between clear cutting and clearing footprints for homes. If every lot was clearcut in SoWal, we would have no vegetation, except maybe for some planted Palm Trees. I would never buy a property which had be clear cut. There are more important things in this world that often get thrown aside in the way of laziness and money. Plants, animals, and ecosystems are not less important than a developers' bottom line.

[Amp22]

What I find incredibly difficult to understand is that you are talking about a tiny lot of 1.27 acres!

Try broadening your outlook a bit. It's the entire issue that we are concerned with, not just one lot.

[Franny]

As a native South Walton Countian, a former tree farmer, yes, in South Walton, I don't see where those protesting have any idea of what they are talking about. Our climate and vegetation is most likely unlike where ever it is you are from, but here, trees grow every where without difficulty. I used to periodically remove them from my roof! I clear cut about 35 acres in South Walton about 20 years ago, and the next year or so there were more seedlings growing on it than you could believe! The neet thing about Pine seeds is that they have a wing on them that enables them to fly! As long as the state, etc., ownes so many thousands of acres of forest land, there's plenty of seeds to go around! Sure I like trees, have a lot of them, but I know that if they are not controled, they will grow anywhere! Funny thing about man, we're supposed to manage the earth.
What the heck???? :idontno: :idontno: :idontno: :bang: :bang:

[montana]

Has anyone seen the huge area clear cut back on Chat Holley??? :shock:

[Smiling JOe]

Has anyone seen the huge area clear cut back on Chat Holley??? :shock:It has been mostly cleared for a while, but more recently had more of it cleared and a road built. It is listed as being held by the Charles Forman Trustee account, and whoever that is owns a crap load of property in Walton County.

[montana]

I think Baywood reality has something to do with that?

[florida girl]

When I moved from Grayton Beach to Santa Rosa Beach in the 60's, there were about 300 people here. What I fail to understand is if you don't like the vegetation removed, how do you think they put your house in? If you feel that strongly, then why don't you sell, and free up your house to allow someone else to live there, so they won't have to cut anything else to build for all the people who want to live here! The state owns about 22,000 acres in Walton County. This does not include Eglin AFB or the Northwest Florida Water management District holdings. Go to FNAI.org and click on the conservation lands map.

[Beach Runner]

It's not about removing trees and then allowing the land to reforest.

The issue in SoWal is about clear cutting native vegetation, which is usually followed by unattractive development that is too dense and palms, asphalt and concrete appear where there used to be trees.

Some developers have not learned that it doesn't pay to do that. You can get more money for your property if you leave native vegetation, which also saves landscaping expense, energy, water, and future maintenance costs.

SoWal has beauty and character, stripping the land and replacing oaks, magnolias, and pines with non-native species is not the best plan for development.
Amen, brother.

[TooFarTampa]

When I moved from Grayton Beach to Santa Rosa Beach in the 60's, there were about 300 people here. What I fail to understand is if you don't like the vegetation removed, how do you think they put your house in? If you feel that strongly, then why don't you sell, and free up your house to allow someone else to live there, so they won't have to cut anything else to build for all the people who want to live here! The state owns about 22,000 acres in Walton County. This does not include Eglin AFB or the Northwest Florida Water management District holdings. Go to FNAI.org and click on the conservation lands map.

You do not have to clear cut to build roads. You do not have to clear cut to begin a development. In Seacrest Beach, where we have a home, quite a few of the lots that have not been built on yet -- and there are many -- still have the native vegetation. The development is nearly 10 years old.

There is a distinction here: We are not talking about individual lots. What upsets people are developers who clearcut a huge swath of land before doing anything else! An example that comes to mind, though I'm sure there has been others, is the new "town" of Prominence. Lots aren't even for sale yet and yet the developer decided to clear cut the whole property. It is an eyesore, and considering the way the market is languishing right now, it is going to take a LONG time for that place to become a "town." Right now it is just ugly. I don't think the developer helped himself (or herself) by taking the lazy way out instead of working around the vegetation.

[DuneDog]

Unless you really know your plant life what you think is native vegitation may actually be exotic plant life that is not indiginous at all.

In fact, I once had property reviewed by an environmental consultant only to find that what I thought was beautiful thick native vegitation was actually classified as nusience plants by the State DEP that should be eradicated.

[SoWalSally]

Walton Sun:

Walton County Code Enforcement is enhancing its code enforcement policies due to an increase in environmental violations.
“During the past 12 months, there has been an increase in violations of clearing preservation areas,” Code Enforcement Coordinator Kevin Hargett said.
Within the Walton County Land Development Code, there are designated preservation zones for native vegetation and wildlife habitat. Lately, there have been some problems with people illegally clearing some of those designated areas, Hargett explained.
“These areas are very important to the county and we do get a lot of complaints on them,” he said.
The Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution allowing Code Enforcement officials to issue civil citations when necessary. As it stands, when Code Enforcement issues a warning, the violator has 30 days to rectify the situation. Then, it goes before the Code Enforcement Board.
“We give people written warning and then they don’t take action. It can take 30 or 40 days for a five minute situation,” Hargett said.
Now, following a warning, code enforcement can issue an instant citation, which can run anywhere from $50 to $500 per day.
“It allows us to get code violations corrected faster,” he said.
The county will also have officers on call during the weekends. Code enforcement will specifically focus on wetlands and preservation zones and health safety issues.
“The county takes those issues very seriously,” Hargett said.
Code Enforcement is not intending to act as a police force, it’s necessary for people to understand county regulations, Hargett said.
“We’ll have a better looking county in the long run,” he said.

[Smiling JOe]

Walton Sun:

Walton County Code Enforcement is enhancing its code enforcement policies due to an increase in environmental violations.
“During the past 12 months, there has been an increase in violations of clearing preservation areas,” Code Enforcement Coordinator Kevin Hargett said.
Within the Walton County Land Development Code, there are designated preservation zones for native vegetation and wildlife habitat. Lately, there have been some problems with people illegally clearing some of those designated areas, Hargett explained.
“These areas are very important to the county and we do get a lot of complaints on them,” he said.
The Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution allowing Code Enforcement officials to issue civil citations when necessary. As it stands, when Code Enforcement issues a warning, the violator has 30 days to rectify the situation. Then, it goes before the Code Enforcement Board.
“We give people written warning and then they don’t take action. It can take 30 or 40 days for a five minute situation,” Hargett said.
Now, following a warning, code enforcement can issue an instant citation, which can run anywhere from $50 to $500 per day.
“It allows us to get code violations corrected faster,” he said.
The county will also have officers on call during the weekends. Code enforcement will specifically focus on wetlands and preservation zones and health safety issues.
“The county takes those issues very seriously,” Hargett said.
Code Enforcement is not intending to act as a police force, it’s necessary for people to understand county regulations, Hargett said.
“We’ll have a better looking county in the long run,” he said.

I fail to see how that helps prevent people from clear-cutting. So you get a fine until new trees are planted?

[John R]

using prominence as an example, what if the clearcutting they performed was in contradiction of the code? will code enforcement have them putting trees back intot he ground? what's done is done. they'll pay their daily fine, sell the property and be on their way. same story, different day. walton county govt. needs to catch up to present day.

[beachmouse]

Unless you really know your plant life what you think is native vegitation may actually be exotic plant life that is not indiginous at all.

In fact, I once had property reviewed by an environmental consultant only to find that what I thought was beautiful thick native vegitation was actually classified as nusience plants by the State DEP that should be eradicated.

And then there are the shortleaf pines that are the bane of my neighborhood. Old turpentine plantation area, so what got planted was what grew fast, not what grew well and sturdy. I'm in the camp that says every time you whack a mature live oak, God kills a kitten too, but I was still doing a happy dance when we had a dozen shortleaf pines removed from our yard after Ivan. (including the one that landed on our garage roof) Bleeping fifty foot tall weeds, they were.

[SoWalSally]

From Anita Page-Executive Director, South Walton Community Council

Hello everyone,
I want to update you on several issues we have been pursuing.
Clear-cutting
You will recall, the county has authorized clear-cutting of lots along
30A that are less than 2 acres because three county commissioners
voted to direct staff not to enforce certain preservation requirements
for CR 30A in our Land Development Code. The issue is being litigated.
(See my previous emails for details) In the meantime, property along
our “scenic corridor” which is less than 2 acres is being cleared with
impunity.
The county is still required, however, to enforce the applicable
vegetative preservation requirements for parcels over 2 acres.
These apply throughout the county. Additionally, 95% of gulf
front dune vegetation is protected regardless of lot size.
All development requires lot clearing. This email pertains to property
which is cleared in violation of the Comprehensive Plan and Land
Development Code i.e., clearing without a permit and/or clearing
protected vegetation.
Two Large Parcels Cleared on 30A
The parcel across from White Cliffs Condo on 30A. The county
has required restoration of the scrub community that was illegally
destroyed. We have questioned the “restoration”. The original site
contained over an acre of a mature scrub community. The
“restoration” thus far is a small area of spindly plants on the front of
the lot. (See photo)
The county environmental staff reviewed the site and agreed. First,
the density of the restoration is not acceptable. Secondly, the
developer planted slash pine and bald cypress, two species which are
not part of a scrub community. Some of the “trees” have already died.
The developer has agreed to double the density and utilize appropriate
plant species. The restoration will be done in stages as the developer
claims he is having difficulty obtaining the required vegetative species.
The developer also asked that their fine cease accumulating on Feb.
10th, the day they planted the inappropriate species. They have
asked for a 60 day grace period to comply with the county’s
requirements. The county has complied with this request.
We will continue to follow up on the restoration and the
implementation of the fines.
Prominence. We have been swamped with complaints and photos of
Prominence. This is the development that clear-cut a large parcel
south of 30A east of the Deer Lake area.
It is my understanding that the developer has voluntarily approached
the county and agreed to provide restoration.
Clear-cutting Dune Vegetation.
In the Blue Mountain Beach area, the dune vegetation on a county
beach access survived the storms but was completely destroyed by the
adjacent property owner.
In the Camp Creek area, a property owner completely cleared the
vegetation on his gulf front lot including the dune vegetation. (See
photo). The county has issued a stop work order. It has now been
months and no restoration has begun.
These are just a few examples of illegal destruction of dune
vegetation. The dune vegetation is protected by our Comprehensive
Plan for obvious reasons. It is instrumental in stabilizing the dune
system. It provides habitat for endangered species. Its destruction
should be taken very seriously.
The Core Problem-No Serious Enforcement. On individual lots, the
typical scenerio is that code enforcement contacts the property owner
who is often out of state. The property owner claims they didn’t know
they did anything wrong or they say its the the contractor’s fault-they
didn’t authorize the illegal clearing.
The lack of serious consequences also fails to discourage developers
from illegally clear-cutting parcels. The project simply pays a minimal
fine and keeps on building without interruption.
Thus far, there seem to be no serious consequences for breaking an
environmental law in Walton County.
Code enforcement is trying to enforce the laws and they are
responding quickly to citizen complaints. What is required, however, is
a commitment from the county commissioners that the environmental
laws are important and that they will be vigorously enforced against
any violator.
The issue of lack of enforcement of the environmental laws was
discussed at the Planning Commission recently. In reality, restoration
is often inadequate and cannot replace the mature vegetative
community that was illegally cleared. The answer is to stop the
illegal clearing before it happens. The county needs to send a
message.
When a parcel is illegally cleared the county should assess and collect
the maximum fine allowable. The developer or property owner should
be required to establish a restoration and maintenance plan for the
restored area utilizing a professional restoration firm. Funds should be
placed in an escrow account to ensure the plan is funded and
implemented.
One way to discourage illegal clearing is for the contractor who does
the clearing, as well as the owner to bear responsibility. The people
who actually do the clearing are locals. They know what they are
doing. They know they need a clearing permit. One serious fine to a
local contractor would reverberate throughout the county.
One member of the Planning Commission suggested enforcement
could include withholding the CO (certificate of occupancy) until any
required restoration is completed.
The well established lack of consequences for those who break the law
is a disservice to those who follow the law and to the public’s right to
have their laws enforced. County staff are trying to enforce the laws.
The commissioner’s must fully and publicly support that effort against
anyone who violates the law.
What You Can Do. Contact the commissioners and let them know
that you want the environmental laws enforced to the maximum. For
those who illegally clear property, fines should be assessed and
collected, both property owners and contractors should be held
accountable, restoration should be required utilizing a professional
consultant and a long term maintenance plan and the CO should be
withheld until the plan is in place and funded.
South Walton Community Council
Anita Page-Executive Director
Contacts
Commissioner Scott Brannon Commissioner Cindy Meadows
District 1 District 5
brascott@co.walton.fl.us meacindy@co.walton.fl.us
(850) 622-3081 (850) 622-3059
Commissioner Ken Pridgen Commissioner Larry Jones
District 2 District 3
prikenneth@co.walton.fl.us jonlarry@co.walton.fl.us
(850) 834-6328 (850) 892-8474
Commissioner Ro Cuchens Pat Blackshear
District 4 Planning Director
cucro@co.walton.fl.us blapat@co.walton.fl.us
(850) 835-4834

[SoWalSally]

From BMBCA

The issue of vegetation preservation is extremely important and we
desperately need your help in stemming its illegal destruction. There is a
well established lack of consequences for those who break environmental laws
in Walton County. This MUST change. And the county needs to be more
proactive in this change. Vegetation on lots all up and down the Blue
Mountain Beach area and all of 30-A are being mowed down.

The word MUST go out to contractors that this type of activity will not be
tolerated. This can be done though education and with the use of strong
meaningful fines and replanting requirements. Serious consequences must be
put in place. The contractor needs to know if they violate these
requirements the consequences will be more difficult to accept than the
rules.

Strong BOLD language needs to be added to the package that a developer gets when he comes in for a permit. These requirements need to be highlighted verbally by staff and the developer signature needs to verify that they are aware of the requirements.

In instances where the clearing is done before any permit has been applied
for large fines, the maximum allowed, should be mandated and replanting
should be required. These requirements should also apply to those who got a
permit and violated it. ALL fines MUST be collected. The process does not
work if fines are forgiven, as sometimes happens now.

Approved replanting plans MUST be required BEFORE replanting can begin. Stop Work orders should apply until the site has been restored.

Replanting standards should be instituted. The size of trees to be replanted
and the density at which they are replaced should be spelled out. It should
not be left to staff who may want ³to work with the contractor² in restoring
the site. Working with contractors is great but compliance is more
important. Trees should be no less than 6 feet in height and 8 inches in
circumference at the base. Sand live oaks are available in 30 gallon
containers for $285. I am told these trees are about 12-24 feet tall and are
about 2.5" to 3" in diameter. These are available in unlimited quantities
from local dealers.

We have seen developers submit a second environmental study when the first
one showed there were protected species on their land. Of course the second
study states there was nothing on the parcel worthy of protection. There are
issues with allowing developers to hire their own environmental engineers to
determine whether or not there are protected vegetative communities on their
properties. The county should oversee this part of the process and not allow
developers to hire people who will then tell them what they want to hear.
There is conflict of interest in how this is done.

[SHELLY]

Developers have come to expect that it is far easier (and less costly) to ask forgiveness than to ask permission. Until the politicos bring the hammer down HARD on one of these violators and hang out the carcass for all to see, this destruction will be the norm for years to come.