History of the ESL Program

In 1988 the voters of Flagler County approved an ad valorem tax to acquire environmentally sensitive lands, recreation areas and water protection areas.  The Land Acquisition Selection Advisory Committee (LAC) was formed to advise the Board of County Commissioners on potential purchases.  Since its inception, the Flagler County Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) program has been a resounding success and has been responsible for acquiring parks such as Bings Landing (1989), Lake Disston Access (1990), Haw Creek Preserve (1990), Betty Steflik Preserve (1990), and Princess Place Preserve (1993, 1996).   Over 74% of voters reaffirmed support for the ESL program in 2002 by authorizing the issuance of bonds to continue the program. 

Almost 20 years after the original 1988 referendum, the County continues its proactive approach of public land acquisition, ensuring that areas of Flagler County will remain natural and open to all citizens for future generations to enjoy.  Flagler County has pursued grant opportunities and partnered with municipalities, the state and federal government as well as other preservation groups, to subsidize purchases and maximize the use of ESL funds.  Flagler County has more than doubled every dollar spent on ESL acquisitions by securing funding from outside sources.

Currently, Flagler County owns approximately 4,200 acres of environmentally sensitive lands featuring a diverse portfolio that includes recreational facilities, trails, preserves, critical species habitat, archeological sites, beachfront parks, boat launch facilities, coastal wetlands, bicycle and pedestrian paths, and greenways.