FGTF Board Retreat – June 22-23, 2023 – Palm Coast, Florida

Board NewsGeneral News

Aug 1

Written By FGTF

Day #1 – June 22, 2023 - Record of Meeting

Board members attending: Honorary Board members attending:

Dale Allen Tim Baylie

Ned Baier Tina Russo

Mike Stephens Robert Barto

Harry Barley Kelly Morphy

Charlie Johnson Mark Llewellyn, Sr.

Kim DeLaney Michelle Avola Brown Ken Bryan Jim Wood (joined the meeting late)

Special Guests:

Karen Klena

Mallory Dimmitt

Dr. Daniel J. Smith

Preliminary Business

Dale convened the meeting at 1:05 p.m. and thanked Ken for serving as our host.

Harry confirmed we had a quorum with all Board members (and six Honorary Board members) in attendance.

Dale reviewed the agenda and it was approved. Dale and Ken previewed plans for the evening reception with state and local elected officials. Dale thanked Kimley-Horn and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy for their help with sponsoring this Board retreat.

Dale had Board and Honorary Board members in attendance do self-introductions.

Presentation by Mallory Dimmitt

Dale introduced Mallory Dimmitt, CEO of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. Mallory gave an overview of the Foundation and the work they have underway. Here are some key points:

• Florida’s population is increasing by more than 350,000 people each year. We are in an urgent race against time to preserve lands that must be saved.

• The Foundation’s mission is to connect, protect and restore lands for The Florida Wildlife Corridor. Mallory reviewed maps showing conserved lands and opportunity areas. The Corridor takes about 18 million acres with 10 million protected already.

• About $1 billion is available this year for additional land acquisition programs and with this kind of help, progress is being made. The Wildlife Corridor is responsible for about 114,000 jobs and $30 billion in annual revenue.

• State agencies are now putting more emphasis on The Wildlife Corridor. Mallory emphasized the importance of acquiring lands within a complete corridor rather than parcels at risk of being wildlife islands surrounded by development. Dale asked Mallory what percentage of the total public land acquired in recent years has been in The Wildlife Corridor. Mallory said she would get this information and provide it to Dale. She said the trend was improving but this needed to be sustained. She emphasized the program includes both land acquisitions and conservation easements.

• Mallory had an excellent visual showing 10 counties that are their current hot spots where opportunities could be lost in the near future. This included some areas in South Florida, Central Florida and the Panhandle. She also called attention to some spots that were of high significance and the greatest urgency. She referred to these areas as bottlenecks within a corridor.

• Mallory mentioned that the Foundation is holding a large event September 26-28, 2023 in Orlando. She said she would send invitations to all FGTF Board members.

• Some good opportunities were discussed for collaboration between the two Foundations and there was a willingness on the part of Mallory and Dale to better define these after today’s meeting. This might include a pilot project where trail-related needs and those of The Wildlife Corridor might benefit.

• Tina called attention to the prioritization process currently used by MPOs and the importance of providing help to rural counties.

• Mike asked if most of the recent acquisitions had been purchased or were they conservation easements. Mallory said most have been easements but they are looking at all opportunities. Mike and Tim explained the problem with public access to conservation easements and even with public access to some state-owned lands such as state parks. This is an issue that needs to be addressed since this causes an impediment for trail users. Mallory said the Legislature seems open to taking up additional topics pertaining to trails, greenways and The Wildlife Corridor so she suggested tracking experiences, such as the one Mike mentioned in the Wekiva area.

• Mallory offered us space to use in their St. Petersburg office if we ever wanted to hold a future Board meeting at that location.

Presentation by Dr. Daniel J. Smith

Dale introduced Dr. Daniel Smith who is a Transportation Ecologist with the Biology Department at the University of Central Florida. One area of his research is addressing the impact of roads on wildlife in Florida. Here are some key points from his presentation:

• Dr. Smith has been working on a variety of tools to help integrate land conservation and transportation planning. He said FDOT has built about 80 wildlife crossings (bridges and underpasses) without any standard guidance on how these should be done to ensure effectiveness. He said FDOT has now come up with some design standards. Dr. Smith is working on a new Wildlife Corridor Planning/Design Guide for engineers and planners that should be completed by the end of the year.

• Dr. Smith reported that 25 Florida panthers are killed on roads each year out of a total population of about 200; and about 250 bears are killed on roads each year out of a population of about 4,000. This presents a huge safety issue for both wildlife and drivers. He said deer statistics are not tracked or reported.

• Dr. Smith is developing a habitat-based model rather than one based on road-kill numbers. His new Planning/Design Guide for wildlife crossing will also include things that need to be considered in terms of property management and maintenance such as landscaping. He felt this could be a useful tool for those responsible for building and operating trails and greenways as well.

• He reviewed photos of bridges and wildlife crossings and their key features. He noted that roads are not just impediments to wildlife but to trail users as well. Dr. Dan said Canada and Europe have some good examples of bridge projects that work well for both wildlife and pedestrians. He called attention to topography problems with bridges so underpasses are usually easier.

Open Discussion

Dale moderated an open discussion focusing on shared interests and collaborative opportunities, along with the provisions included in SB106.

There was general support for coming up with a pilot project that could be the focus of the two Foundations. This would need to include other partners as well.

Kim suggested a focus on FDOT’s top priority: safety. This should be emphasized in any project that is taken on. Jim suggested incorporating language directly from SB106 to generate additional support. Mallory suggested some GIS work get underway to identify one or more pilot projects. Dale encouraged everyone to include social justice considerations as well.

Charlie wanted Dr. Smith to know that FDOT had a Chief Landscape Architect who needs to get involved with identifying the proper plantings for wildlife crossings. Dr. Smith hasn’t met this person so this could be something that Charlie (as a Landscape Architect himself) might be able to facilitate.

Dale announced that he would be speaking to the state’s MPOs in July about SB106 and the idea of some collaborative opportunities with the FWCF.

The fact that FDOT and FDEP have no interest in operating or maintaining trails was discussed. And it was acknowledged that local governments are not always ready or able to take on these responsibilities, especially in rural areas. so this is left to local governments who are not always ready to take on these responsibilities. It was agreed that the private sector should be more involved. SB106 does mention this. Some examples elsewhere in the country were discussed. Dr. Smith felt that issues pertaining to

access and responsibilities are unclear and very disconnected. He mentioned some of his experiences with state and county agencies and even operators such as Duke Energy. A fresh approach is needed – one that works for both urban and rural areas.

Tim mentioned some great work he has done in Volusia County with quantifying costs and benefits of trails. He said it costs $4,500/mile/year to maintain a trail in urban areas and slightly less in rural areas. This can be justified by the increase in property tax values (and incremental ad valorem property taxes) in adjacent areas.

Adjournment

Dale thanked everyone for attending and adjourned the meeting at 4:55 p.m. He reviewed plans for the reception that would take place at the Golden Lion Café in Flagler Beach from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Day #2 – June 23, 2023 – Record of Meeting

Board members attending: Honorary Board members attending:

Dale Allen Tim Baylie

Ned Baier Kelly Morphy

Mike Stephens Robert Barto

Harry Barley

Charlie Johnson Special Guest:

Kim DeLaney

Ken Bryan Karen Klena

Preliminary Business

Dale convened the meeting at 8:50 a.m. after a change in venue.

Then there was an open discussion for Board members to offer brief comments on yesterday’s session. Some key points from these remarks were as follows:

• Mike mentioned concerns about public access and restrictions with conservation easements.

• Ken was excited about the possibility of another big push in next year’s legislative session. He suggested this include buying existing easements.

• Kelly said local connections to the SunTrails network is a priority for FBA and she shared her thoughts on messaging and communications.

• Charlie sensed a shift to greenway-centric interests which do not involve FDOT.

• Harry mentioned that many of the opportunities mentioned in yesterday’s discussion were a perfect fit with the grant application we put together and submitted for funding to FWCF. There might be another chance for our proposal in a future round of grant-making – especially since Dr. Smith called attention to the problems posed by both SR 520 and SR 528.

• Ned was impressed by Mallory’s reporting of huge investments that have been made in public lands and the information Dan had collected on our road system being responsible for killing so much Florida wildlife.

• Kim suggested we focus on what unites us with partner organizations rather than what divides us. She suggested we make of point of calling more attention to the distinctions between greenways and trails.

• Dale brought up the concept of “Complete Trails” (patterned after “Complete Streets”) that might be helpful in working on trail-related issues with FDOT.

• Robert was optimistic about integration opportunities with FGTF and The Wildlife Corridor but he felt so much of this was contingent on the positions of FDOT.

• Tim said there were some opportunities in Volusia County for acquiring fee-simple land. He explained articulated concrete and asked if it might be suitable for use on paved trails and qualify for SunTrail projects. Tim also spoke to the challenges of engaging the private sector and his experiences with big brands being very frugal.

Preliminaries (continued)

Harry confirmed that a quorum was present with all Board members in attendance and three Honorary Board members.

Regarding approval of the agenda, Mike asked to include an item pertaining to regulations governing the operation of not-for-profit organizations. Charlie reported that time needed to be allotted for a call from Erika Young at 11:30 a.m. to discuss progress on the Foundation’s new website. The agenda was approved with these changes.

The Record of Meeting from June 1, 2023 Board meeting (distributed previously for review) was approved with a unanimous vote.

The Treasurer’s Report through May 31, 2023 (distributed previously for review) was approved with a unanimous vote. Mike mentioned that the $20,000 donation from Halff and the personal donation from Dale would appear on the next report.

Dale gave an update on his fundraising activities. He expressed his gratitude for the gift that had been presented by Mark Llewellyn, Sr. on behalf of Halff at last night’s reception. Halff (and its predecessor organization) has a long history with the Foundation. He also reported that Kimley-Horn may be making an unrestricted gift; this was confirmed by Charlie who said it would probably be $5,000 for the first year. Dale is also hopeful that Tavistock may make another contribution this year.

The Five-Year Strategic Plan 2021-2025

Dale had asked everyone to read the plan again prior to the meeting and come with mark-ups reflecting recent developments, especially with respect to SB 106. A great deal of discussion ensued. Kim incorporated suggested changes in the text. Dale felt the revised plan should still be for the five-year period 2021-2025. Kim agreed to do some polishing of the changes and bring back a draft for review at our next meeting.

Discussion of FGTF’s Future

Mike reviewed IRS language pertaining to 501(c)(3) organizations for the benefit of all Board members. Given the structure of the regulation, FGTF is considered a “Charitable” organization. Mike called our attention to activities that are allowed and restrictions. He urged us to be mindful of language that is used in documents and with our new website. For example, we are free to educate elected officials but we should not be lobbying on specific pieces of legislation. However, we are permitted to lobby on the development of agency regulations. Educating people and raising awareness are good terms for us to use.

Structure of the Board: Dale said that the Bylaws allow between 3 and 15 Board members but he suggested we move ahead with having 10-12 members.

Reach: There was a discussion about the Foundation needing representatives from West Florida, South Florida (Miami/Dade and Broward) and the Jacksonville area. Board members suggested some names for consideration as Honorary Board members, perhaps some advancing at a later date to the full Board. Dale agreed to contact Kay Haas at GreenWork Jax, Dale and Ned were going to speak with Debra Orton from Southwest Florida, Dale mentioned Laura Kelley as a strong prospect and Dale was going to speak with Patrice Gillespie Smith in Miami. Tim suggested Rick Durr (a trail manager from Seminole County) and Dale agreed to contact him as well. Kelley said she might have some suggestions from bike clubs and she said she would get those names to Dale.

Board Leadership: Dale he will be leaving the Board in December due to term limits (three, 2-year terms) so he will not be eligible to serve in 2024. He will still be very engaged but announced he will use this time to focus North Florida – specifically Leon County and what could become a Jacksonville Pensacola trail where all the right-of-way is already in public ownership. Dale also said that he doesn’t want to lead our next in-person Board meeting in October but he will help with it. In addition, he also wanted everyone to know that he and Karen will be in India for most of January 2024 for his son’s wedding.

Preview of FGTF’s New Website

Charlie and Ned provided background on this project. Then they introduced Erika Young who called in to join the meeting and walk everyone through the progress she’s made in recent weeks.

Erika previewed new logos and the new website. She discussed outstanding information items that were needed from Dale (impact statistics and sponsors). Dale agreed to provide this within the next several days. Ken offered to provide a photo of a bear on a greenway or trail. Everyone was asked to be on the lookout for content information that would fit with the new website’s structure. Items should be

submitted to Charlie and Ned who will get these to Erika on a regular basis. Ned explained that some content can be shared from social media accounts.

The new website is expected to launch on July 4. Erika will be available, per our contract, for updating content and making further changes through the end of this year. She said she was agreeable to help in 2024 but that requires either a contract extension or a separate contract. The existing agreement calls for her to train one or two Board members on how to update content and make simple changes to the website.

Calendar Items

The next Board meeting (conference call) will be on Thursday, July 13 at 1:00 p.m. Ken said he would not be able to participate.

There will be no Board meeting in the month of August.

There was a brief discussion about the October 26-27, 2023 meeting that had been planned for Tallahassee. Dale said things have changed so Tallahassee may not be the best location for this meeting so perhaps it will be back on in Ocala. Kim reported that because of a change involving her monthly RPC meeting, October 26-27 no longer works for her. It was agreed to change the meeting to October 19-20, 2023. It was suggested that perhaps this meeting should be held in St. Petersburg since we had been invited by Mallory Dimmitt.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

Individual Follow-up Items

Dale: Follow-up with Mallory Dimmitt to find the percent of public land purchases (acquisitions and conservation easements) in recent years that have been within the Florida Wildlife Corridor

Work with Mallory Dimmitt to identify a prospective pilot project where FGTF and FWCF could collaborate in meeting mutual goals to demonstrate the value of the new legislation

Invite Kay Haas (Jacksonville), Debra Orton (Southwest Florida), Laura Kelley (Central Florida), Patrice Gillespie Smith (South Florida) and Rick Durr (Seminole County) to our next in-person Board meeting

Get impact statistics and sponsors (rolling two years) to Erika for the new website Be thinking of content to submit for new website

Harry: Post June 1, 2023 Board meeting material on the Google docs drive Post all June 22-23, 2023 Board retreat material on Google docs drive

Prepare Record of Meeting from the June 22-23, 2023 Board retreat

Send thank you notes to Ken Bryan, Jim Wood, Charlie Johnson, Mallory Dimmitt, Daniel Smith and Mark Llewellyn

Send Board members’ names and contact information to Mallory Dimmitt so she can send invitations to the FWCF’s conference in September

Get Kim DeLaney’s photo/bio and SB 106 write-up to Erika for the new website