Natural Resources Advisory Commission

Purpose:

The Natural Resources Advisory Commission's mission shall be to provide advice and guidance to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regarding the conservation of natural resources in Highlands County. Natural resources include but are not limited to soil and minerals, air, surface and groundwater and species and natural communities.

AUTHORITY:

Section 12.03.400 of the Highlands County Code of Ordinances.

Ord. No. 03-04-1

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Make recommendations to the BOCC including viewpoints of members regarding:

Conservation planning in Highlands County, including, but not limited to priorities for land acquisition and conservation easements, design of conservation corridors, sustainability programs, watershed planning, and natural resource planning via improved GIS databases.

County policies and programs related to natural resources, including but not limited to: Land Development Regulations, the Comprehensive Plan, and Environmental Clearance Reports.

Use of the Conservation Trust Fund.

Participation in:

Identification and monitoring of potential impacts to the natural resources of Highlands County. 

Educational programs focused on natural resources and their protection in Highlands County.

Partnerships among Highlands County and other local, state, federal and non-governmental organizations.

MEMBERSHIP:

Appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. 

The Natural Resources Advisory Committee shall be comprised of not less than nine voting members from categories A, B, and C, and not more than 11 voting members, including those nine, not more than three may reside outside Highlands County and who are appointed by the Board. Appointment to and voting status on NRAC shall be according to the following categories of representation:

• Category A.  - Environmental Representatives - Three voting members representing occupations or sufficient educational credentials related to environmental professions which may include but are not limited to environmental sciences, environmental consultancy, natural area land management, environmental research or education, and environmental conservation / protection organizations or agencies. 
• Category B.  - Agricultural Representatives - Three voting members representing agricultural occupations, or sufficient educational credentials related thereto, which may include but are not limited to commercial farm, forestry, or fishery activities, agri-business, agri-sciences, or agricultural research or education. 
• Category C.  - Professional Representatives - Three voting members representing occupations or sufficient educational credentials, particularly specializations within professions that have a bearing on regional environmental issues, which may include but are not limited to banking and finance, land planning and surveying, law, engineering, education, surveying, development and real estate, as well as those with professional experience of relevant subjects such as geology, hydrology, or geography.
• Category D.  - At-Large Representatives - Two voting members who are knowledgeable about natural resources in Highlands County. 

TERMS:

Members serve four-year terms, with the exception of At-Large Representatives, who hold one-year terms, to provide expertise on specific natural resource issues. 

MEETINGS:

By statute, meetings are to be held quarterly at a chosen date and time.

The next meeting is at 4 p.m., July 29, 2026.

Next meeting agenda >> click here

Previous meeting minutes >> click here