HAHarvey Walden
1 week agoWorkshop on whether to allow passive recreation in Turnbull Creek conservation areas set for Oct. 21
Workshop on whether to allow passive recreation in Turnbull Creek conservation areas set for Oct. 21 • City of New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach City Hall has acquired 251.6 acres in the Turnbull Creek watershed since 2018 when over 75% of voters approved spending up to $15 million to buy land zoned for development to instead set aside for conservation.
Preserving water quality, wildlife habitat, and natural areas continue to be our primary objectives, and the only work done has involved removing invasive plant species, helping relocate unhoused people, and clearing firebreaks to better protect adjacent neighborhoods.
On Aug. 31, members of the Turnbull Creek Land Preservation Committee, appointed by the City Commission to study the watershed and recommend parcels for purchase, expressed interest in improving public access to these new conservation areas via hiking trails, canoe & kayak launches, and other forms of passive recreation.
All are invited to a workshop featuring a presentation by Natural Resources Manager Ralph “Tony” Miller that includes early concepts like the Bay Drive launch shown below followed by discussion at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 in the James W. Hathaway Commission Chambers at 214 Sams Ave. Input gathered will be presented to the City Commission for further consideration.
Would you like to know more? Visit our Natural Resources page and contact Mr. Miller at [email protected] or 386-410-2625.
