Critical Linkage Ordinance

The BCC has scheduled a workshop for August 19, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. in New Port Richey, to hear additional information regarding the scientific background behind the Critical Linkage concept. This workshop is open to the public. No action will be taken on the proposed ordinance at this meeting. The ordinance will be brought back to the BCC and go through the Citizens Ordinance Review Committee and the public hearing process, on a schedule to be determined later. A copy of the latest DRAFT ordinance is provided below. This ordinance is subject to further revisions.
Draft of Critical Linkage Ordinance 

The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) received a briefing from staff on the Critical Linkages at the July 8, 2008, meeting in Dade City. Staff asked the BCC for policy direction regarding two major issues: varying the width of the linkages and compensation and incentives for the linkages. The PowerPoint presentation is provided below.
Briefing to the BCC on Critical Linkage Policy Issues


The BCC has directed staff to schedule another workshop and invite representatives from Glatting Jackson to explain the science behind the Wildlife Study which is the basis for the linkages. See link below for the Assessment of Measures to Protect Wildlife Habitat in Pasco County.
Assessment of Measures to Protect Wildlife Habitat in Pasco County, March 2002

The draft ordinance is being developed to implement the policies adopted as part of the Pasco County Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 3, Conservation Element. See link below.

Pasco County Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 3, Conservation Element

The draft ordinance includes concepts recommended by the Environmental Land Acquisition Task Force in their Report below.

Environmental Lands Acquisition Task Force Summary Report, Oct. 2003

Because the BCC has requested another workshop, the ordinance is on hold. We will not be presenting the ordinance to the Citizens Ordinance Review Committee (CORC) on July 30 and all other dates for the ordinance will need to be re-scheduled following the BCC workshop. Please continue to check this website for an updated schedule of activities. Maps of the critical linkages are provided below for reference. The dashed yellow line on the maps shows the linkages boundaries as originally presented to and accepted by the BCC, and incorporated in the Comprehensive Plan. The solid yellow line shows the proposed refinements to the linkage.

Connerton_to_Crossbar_2007_July


Connerton_to_Cypress_Creek_2007_July


Cypress_Creek_to_Cypress_Bridge_2007_July


Hillsborough_to_Green_Swamp_2007_July


Starkey_to_Connerton_2007_July


Starkey_to_Crossbar_North_2007_July


Starkey_to_Crossbar_South_2007_July


Starkey_to_South_Pasco_2007_July