North Florida Land Trust And The City Of Jacksonville Will Partner On The Mccoys Creek Restoration Project

From The JAX Chamber:

June 26, 2020

North Florida Land Trust was awarded a contract to serve as the real estate consultant for the City of Jacksonville’s McCoys Creek Restoration Project. NFLT will provide technical and real estate work needed for the acquisition of parcels associated with the proposed improvements within the plan.

“Our experience is particularly relevant to the kind of properties being purchased specifically for parks and habitat restoration purposes, a cause that is precisely the focus of our organization,” said Jim McCarthy, president of NFLT. “McCoys Creek is a critical component of the Emerald Trail. It has environmental benefits, will reduce flooding and become a family-friendly recreational area for Jacksonville.”

NFLT will work directly with the City’s Public Works Department and Real Estate Division, as well as the Office of General Counsel, to acquire the necessary property for the restoration project. NFLT will handle the negotiations and due diligence necessary to purchase the properties in coordination with the City. They will also coordinate with Groundwork Jacksonville, its nonprofit partner and the leader of the Emerald Trail effort, to identify the landowners.

“McCoys Creek is a wonderful example of Groundwork Jacksonville’s ongoing partnership with NFLT,” said Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville. “We look forward to working with them on this important initiative for our city.”

McCoys Creek runs from the mouth of the St. Johns River through several historic urban neighborhoods and regularly floods during normal rainfall. As part of the restoration project, the City will make improvements to prevent flooding, restore fish and wildlife habitat and create a more resilient ecosystem. Groundwork Jacksonville has created the vision plan for the project which will include the creation of trails and recreational amenities.

About North Florida Land Trust

North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to protect the natural resources, historic places and working lands (farms and ranches) throughout north Florida. Founded in 1999, NFLT has preserved tens of thousands of acres of land through donation or purchase of land as well as conservation easements. NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with willing landowners and public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations. For more information, visit nflt.org.

This press release was produced by the JAX Chamber. The views expressed are the author's own.