Conservation Land Stewardship Program

Conservation lands protect important wildlife areas. They also reduce housing density and preserve the character of the neighborhood. By being a responsible neighbor to these public lands you can help ensure their proper management and preservation for future generations.

The Monroe County Conservation Land Stewardship Program manages conservation properties owned by the Monroe County Land Authority as well as those conservation properties owned by the Board of County Commissioners (like lots dedicated to the County for conservation). Additionally, the program manages state-owned conservation properties where the County is the designated land manager. Currently, the Land Stewardship staff manages approximately 3,850 County parcels (MCLA & BOCC combined) and 500 state-owned parcels. 

• Conservation Lands Maps

Management activities on the conservation properties include invasive exotic plant removal, habitat restoration, native planting projects, cleanup of solid waste, and hazard tree trimming. 

If you are a neighbor of a County conservation property and have any concerns about County-owned land, please contact the Land Steward’s office for assistance.

How You Can Help

• Avoid planting “invasive exotics” in your yard and remove any invasives currently growing there. County permits for the removal of invasive exotics are free; check with a Monroe County biologist to see if a permit is required for your project.
• Use your local garbage service to dispose of yard waste. Dumping yard waste on conservation land is illegal, unsightly, and can spread invasive exotic plants. A pile of yard waste takes years to decompose and inhibits new plant growth.
• Use native plants in your home landscape. Many of these plants require less water, attract birds and butterflies, and are salt tolerant.
• Respect boundaries and do not encroach over property lines. It is illegal to park your vehicle, store your boat or place any structure on conservation lands. Contact the Land Steward if you are not sure of the exact location of the property line.
• Report dumping and any other illegal activity by calling the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Additional Information

• Native landscaping: https://regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/default.asp
• Invasive Exotic Plants: floridainvasivespecies.org
• Rare Florida Plants: fnai.org