Volusia Forever Advisory Committee Meeting - May 22, 2026

The Volusia Forever Advisory Committee held a meeting on May 22, 2026, focusing primarily on land conservation efforts within Volusia County. The committee reviewed and approved meeting minutes, then proceeded to evaluate multiple properties for eligibility and ranking under the Volusia Forever program, which supports agricultural and conservation easements. Several properties, including Lawson Road, Pitman Road, East Washington parcels, and Old Train Road, were discussed in detail with motions passed to place them on the A list for priority conservation. Updates were provided on ongoing acquisitions such as McMillan agricultural easement, Tomoka Farms Road, Bennett Road, Cypress Ranch, Lake George Road, Riverbend Ranch, Wiregrass and Holding, and John Anderson projects, including contract statuses and due diligence phases. The committee also discussed funding updates related to the Florida Forever program and the Rural and Family Lands Protection program, noting legislative developments affecting conservation easement funding. Additionally, a guest presentation introduced the Explore Volusia program, highlighting educational outreach and volunteer opportunities related to land management. No direct contract awards or procurement actions were taken, but the meeting involved significant discussion of property acquisitions and funding allocations relevant to future procurement and land management activities.