An Ounce of Conservation Is Priceless

Lake Dan Nature Preserve

Each year, more and more people move to the sunshine state, requiring more housing and infrastructure. Thankfully, in January 1987, Hillsborough County leaders had a plan to conserve land. Because of that plan, and the voter approved support of our residents, the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP), has grown to be the largest local preservation program in the State.

Since inception, the program, managed within the Conservation and Environmental Lands Management (CELM) department, has protected just over 65,000 acres of environmentally sensitive wildlife habitat and corridors. These lands provide critical space for threatened and endangered species to continue thriving and passive recreational opportunities for people to enjoy. But, they also provide free services that are important to our quality of life in the form of ecosystem services.

Ecosystem Services are any positive benefit that wildlife or ecosystems provide to humans. They can be direct (oxygen, clean drinking water), or indirect (floodwater retention, climate regulation (carbon reduction or shade from a tree)).  Humans are part of the ecosystem and rely on these processes for our overall health and wellbeing. In total, CELM managed lands produce $135,873,188 in ecosystem services (positive benefits that wildlife or ecosystems provide to people), with ELAPP purchased lands accounting for $99,871,695. See table below.

Another benefit to preserving land is it reduces flood insurance costs for Unincorporated Hillsborough County residents.  ELAPP and associated preserve lands help the County achieve its current Class 5 Community status with FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, which corresponds to a 25% discount for all residents on their flood insurance premiums!

Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve

Nature preserves, coupled with CELM's conservation parks, are coveted destinations for residents seeking light recreation and opportunities for solitude in nature with potential to observe native flora, fauna and wild animals. All visitors can join Hillsborough County in helping keep the 80,000 acres of conservation lands thriving.

• Do not litter or dump anything in our sites, but please do remove litter or debris you find along the way.
  
  
• Never release animals in a conservation land or nature preserve, even those that seem harmless.
  
  
• Exotic and invasive plants should be avoided. Seeds are often travelers which can spread, grow beyond staff's control, and choke out native vegetation.
  
  
• Learn how prescribed fires are a safe way to reduce wildfire and ensure an ecosystem's health. Visit HCFLGov.net/RxFire for more information.
  
  
• Refrain from feeding wild animals for the sake of the safety of the creatures and the individuals attempting to feed them.
  
  
• Participate in permissible activities that allow for the enjoyment and sustainment of natural environments.
  
  
• Protect your pets by keeping them under the handler's control on-leash.
  
  
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  Contact staff in person to report a violation at your local nature preserve or conservation park. Staffers routinely patrol CELM sites while performing regular management practices such as mowing, exotic plant removal, problem tree felling, litter removal, planting native species, and managing prescribed fires. You may also submit a violation report here.

Learn more about how to be a partner in conservation and a good neighbor by participating in the Neighbor to Nature program.