Policy Background for Babcock Ranch

December 2006 SCCF Member Update:
In conjunction with the State purchase of 73,000+ acres of Babcock Ranch, the State entered into a Management Agreement with Morgan Stanley Kitson & Partners (MSKP) for management of the State-owned land. Under this agreement MSKP retains management control for the next 10 years with oversight from an Advisory Board made up of nine appointed members. State agency and cabinet members will appoint seven of the members. Lee and Charlotte Counties each appoint one representative. The requirement is that the County appointee must be from a non-profit organization with land management experience. In November, Commissioner Bob Janes nominated and the County Commission approved our very own Erick Lindblad! The appointment awaits final action by the Governor.While the Board will only be advisory for the next ten years it is the entity that will take over management of the public lands in perpetuity.

November 2006 SCCF Member Update:
On July 31, 2006 the State of Florida closed on one of the largest land purchases for preservation in the State's history with the acquisition of over 73,000 acres of the Babcock Ranch in Northeastern Lee and Eastern Charlotte Counties.
The State purchased the Charlotte County lands and Lee County purchased 5,000+ of the acres lying in Lee County using Conservation 2020 funds.

The Foundation was an early supporter of the public acquisition project, but had hoped the entire 91,000 acres of the Ranch could be purchased. Lee County remains interested in acquiring the remaining 4,000 + acres in Lee county.
The southwestern 17,608 acres lying between SR 31 and west of Telegraph Creek are currently proposed to be developed by Morgan Stanley Kitson & Partners, MSKP As a result of this deal there are a number of other parcels along SR 31 that are being proposed for development as well.

Prior to any development there are permits that must be issued to approve the developement. First, MSKP must submit an application for a Development of Regional Impact (DRI ) to the SWFL Regional Planning Council. This application will identify infrastructure needs such as roads, utilities and schools, and who will be responsible for paying for them.
In addition, MSKP must request a change in Lee County's Comprehensive Land Use Plan for their development plans on Lee County lands.