Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Monica Cepero
Department: County Administration Division: Parks & Recreation
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution directing the County Administrator to publish Notice of Public Hearing to be held on March 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 422 of Governmental Center East to consider adoption of a proposed Resolution, the title of which is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PLACING CERTAIN CONSERVATION LAND AND GREEN SPACE SITES ON THE BROWARD COUNTY URBAN WILDERNESS INVENTORY PURSUANT TO SECTION 25½-27, BROWARD COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Why Action is Necessary
Formal approval by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners (“Commission”) is necessary for the adoption of a Resolution.
What Action Accomplishes
Enables the adoption of the Resolution.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE PARKS AND RECREATION DIVISION RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the County Commission goal of resilient community by ensuring accessible, seamlessly integrated investments in renewable energy, sustainable practices, manufacturing, resilient infrastructure, and environmental protection.
Pursuant to Section 25½-27 of the Broward County Code of Ordinances, the process of designating a site as an Urban Wilderness Area begins by placing the site on the Urban Wilderness Inventory by resolution. Once placed on the Inventory, a site may be designated as an Urban Wilderness Area by the Commission through adoption of an Ordinance. Sites designated as Urban Wilderness Areas are preserved and managed to protect them from incompatible human activity. These areas are managed to enhance their basic natural quality for public enjoyment and as reminders of the natural conditions that preceded modern civilization. Less than three percent of land in the urbanized areas of Broward County east of the Water Conservation Areas/Everglades Wildlife Management Area remains in a natural or undeveloped condition. To date, 23 sites, covering 869 acres, have been designated as Urban Wilderness Areas by County Ordinance.
Nine of the 17 proposed sites were purchased through the 2000 Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond Program and are managed by various cities in Broward County. Pursuant to Section 25½-29(d) of the Broward County Code of Ordinances, lands owned by other governmental agencies may be designated as Urban Wilderness Areas with the approval of the governmental entity owning an interest in the property and acceptance by the County Commission. Any future designation of such sites would be subject to applicable notice requirements and municipal approval.
The Broward County Urban Wilderness Advisory Board considered proposed urban wilderness sites at its October 15, 2025, meeting. At that meeting, the Advisory Board recommended the 17 sites described in Exhibit A to the Urban Wilderness Inventory Resolution for inclusion on the Urban Wilderness Inventory. The Advisory Board further determined that all 17 sites are high priority.
Source of Additional Information
Dan West, Director, Parks and Recreation Division, (954) 357-8106
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
None.