Alachua County Forever (ACF), Alachua County’s Land Conservation Program, will host a public workshop to address future recreational opportunities at Lochloosa Slough Preserve on Thursday, Aug. 14.
The community event will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lochloosa Community Church (16503 SE 210th Terr., Hawthorne) and will provide an overview of the proposed 10-year management plan for the 6,267-acre preserve located in Southeast Alachua County.
The plan outlines strategies for promoting public recreation, managing cultural and natural resources, and the proposed establishment of a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The public will have the opportunity to learn about the plan, speak with county staff, and provide written feedback. Planned recreational opportunities at the preserve include horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, nature observation and hunting. In coordination with the FWC, the proposed WMA would permit managed hunting.
“Through the Land Conservation Program, we have acquired and protected more than 37,000 acres of land,” said Ryan Kennelly, a senior planner with Alachua County’s Environmental Protection Department, in a press release. “We’re excited to hear your input and find ways to match the community’s ideas for nature-based recreation with this preserve’s special features and work together to create a place where citizens can connect with the natural world in meaningful ways.”
The county will also host an optional site visit from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, in addition to the workshop. Space is limited and RSVPs are required by Friday, Aug. 1.
The tour will be on an open-air trailer with a canopy and bench seating and will include stops to view planned and completed projects. Participants should be prepared for dust, sun, and outdoor conditions. Water, sunscreen and bug spray are recommended. A release form must be signed to participate. Accommodations are available with advance notice.
A full copy of the draft management plan will be available by request at least one week prior to the workshop. Written comments may be submitted at the event or emailed to the Land Conservation Office.
For more information or to RSVP for the site visit, contact the Alachua County Land Conservation Office at 352-264-6868 or landconservation@alachuacounty.us.