The Emerald Trail is one step closer to reality

Posted

MEDIA RELEASE

North Florida Land Trust

Jacksonville, Fla., June 23, 2021 – The first property negotiated by North Florida Land Trust for the Emerald Trail and McCoys Creek Restoration Project has been approved by the City Council. At last night’s meeting, City Council voted unanimously to approve the contract negotiated by the nonprofit land conservation organization that is serving as the city’s real estate consultant. NFLT reached out to the owner and handled the due diligence to negotiate a price of $117,000 for the purchase of the property at the corner of Kings St. and McCoys Creek Blvd.

“The Emerald Trail is now underway with the approval of the contract to purchase this property for Phase 1 of this project,” said Jim McCarthy, president of NFLT. “We thank the Council Members for agreeing with the contract we negotiated with the landowner. This first step is a great start towards creating the Emerald Trail and restoring the wildlife habitats along McCoys Creek.”

NFLT contracted with the City of Jacksonville last year to handle the technical and real estate services required for the McCoys Creek Restoration Project. The creek, which runs from the mouth of the St. Johns River through historic urban neighborhoods, regularly floods during normal rainfall. The properties that the City is identifying for acquisition will alleviate flooding, help restore habitats and will improve the area to provide a more resilient ecosystem.

NFLT is working in partnership with the City’s Public Works Department, Real Estate Division, and the Office of General Counsel to acquire the properties necessary for the restoration along McCoys Creek to add to the Emerald Trail. The Emerald Trail will include trails and recreational amenities that link 14 historic neighborhoods. NFLT is also working closely with its nonprofit partner, Groundwork Jacksonville, who is the leader of the Emerald Trail Project. Other partners include the National Park Service and USA EPA.

About North Florida Land Trust

North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to protect the natural resources, historic places and working lands (farms and ranches) throughout north Florida. Founded in 1999, NFLT has preserved tens of thousands of acres of land through donation or purchase of land as well as conservation easements. NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with willing landowners and public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations. For more information, visit nflt.org.