Conservation easement protects water quality in Mill Creek and Santa Fe River
Press release from Alachua County
ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – The Rembert family, a local family with six generations of history in Alachua and Gainesville, recently expanded their legacy of commitment to the area by partnering with Alachua County to better protect water quality in the Santa Fe River. Alachua County Forever, the County’s environmental land acquisition program, closed on purchasing a conservation easement on Jan. 18, 2024 from Davis Rembert and his family, protecting 614 acres of land.
The Rembert property is located in Alachua, within the Springs Priority Focus Area for Columbia, Hornsby, and Treehouse Springs. This special property protects almost 3 miles of Bad Dog Branch, part of the creek system that feeds into Mill Creek Sink. Dye trace studies have confirmed the hydrologic connection between Mill Creek Sink and Hornsby Spring, a designated Outstanding Florida Spring on the Santa Fe River. Protection of the Santa Fe River is one of the highest priorities for the Alachua County Forever Program.
The sale of this conservation easement is the latest in a long history of investments in the local community’s future on the part of Davis Rembert. Through this easement, the property has been protected from future development while providing for the continuation of agricultural activities, including hay, row crops, and timber production. In addition, over 200 acres of the property have been designated as “preservation zones,” providing even greater protection for the rare habitats, plants, and wildlife that utilize the land and waters.
When asked why he chose to protect his land this way, Davis shared this vision by saying, “Our family was fortunate to purchase this beautiful property, and we are excited to protect it in perpetuity with the Alachua County Forever program. This agreement protects this special place’s beauty, hydrology, and diversity. This brings great joy to our family, knowing future generations will enjoy the land and its many attributes.”
Protection of the property was made possible through the commitment of the Rembert family, support from county citizens and leadership, and partnership with the Suwannee River Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Funding for this conservation land purchase was provided by the voter-approved Wild Spaces and Public Places sales tax and a $1-million grant from the Suwannee River Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the Springs Protection Program.
The Rembert conservation easement is the first Alachua County Forever conservation land acquisition of 2024, following county voters’ re-authorization of the Wild Spaces and Public Places initiative in November 2022. Through ongoing citizen support and partnerships, the program has worked with willing landowners to protect 34,277 acres since its inception in 2000.
No doubt that some of the smiles are from protecting the natural landscape, but part of the smiles are undoubtedly also from the $$ transfered from the taxpayers of Alachua County to the Remberts bank accounts from the Wild Spaces and Public Places tax garnish. Enjoy all!
Davis could have done like some selfish fat cat developers and built “affordable housing “ on this acreage and polluted the creeks
We should be grateful that the Rembert family chose to keep it pristine. He deserves every penny!
Thank you Davis Rembert!
We are glad to clarify some common misperceptions about conservation easements. The Rembert property already had a bonafide agricultural exemption, assessed at $500 an acre instead of its value as land that would become a residential or commercial development. The conservation easement does not eliminate their property tax responsibilities; it just locks in the lower payment, as the land will never be developed that way. The conservation easement is a great way to preserve and ensure that Alachua County always has the agricultural land needed to provide healthy, plentiful, locally-grown foods. It also rewards farmers who commit to preserving their agricultural land forever.
Why didn’t they donate it to protect it?
Yep, $$$$$$$ feels much better. That’s a permanent fence against any encroachment and better yet, no more high property taxes.
No more high property taxes for them that is. Someone’s going to make up the loss of tax revenue and if you think there will be a tax break for the person who doesn’t have a couple hundred acres to wall themselves behind, I’ve got some oceanfront property in Iowa for you.
We are glad to clarify some common misperceptions about conservation easements. The Rembert property already had a bonafide agricultural exemption, assessed at $500 an acre instead of its value as land that would become a residential or commercial development. The conservation easement does not eliminate their property tax responsibilities; it just locks in the lower payment, as the land will never be developed that way. The conservation easement is a great way to preserve and ensure that Alachua County always has the agricultural land needed to provide healthy, plentiful, locally-grown foods. It also rewards farmers who commit to preserving their agricultural land forever.
They didn’t donate it because this allows them to continue the agricultural operations of their farm.
We are glad to clarify some common misperceptions about conservation easements. The Rembert property already had a bonafide agricultural exemption, meaning that it was assessed at $500 an acre instead of its value as land that would become a residential or commercial development. The conservation easement does not eliminate their property tax responsibilities; it just locks in the lower payment, as the land will never be developed that way. The conservation easement is a great way to preserve and ensure that Alachua County will always have the agricultural land needed to provide healthy, plentiful, locally-grown foods. It also rewards farmers who commit to preserving their agricultural land forever.
Put some pants on, Alan.
Some people will never be happy with anything. I equate it with Trump. He could develop a cure for cancer and half of our population (dems) would continue to hate him. Nice going Davis Rembert!
I agree with your sentiment – the TDS crowd is insufferable – but that probably isn’t the best example considering his role in Operation Warp Speed. His track record of being involved with developing cures isn’t too hot.
Anyway, thanks Rembert family.