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Reconnection/Water Farming August 2014 Page 10 It is important to note that not all lands are suitable for water farming. Location; soil types; land use history; and adjacent land affect all enter into consideration in site selection. Soils types are critical as the land must have the capability to retain water on site as to allow for the proper water farming dynamics. Soils of a less suitable composition may just act as percolation layers thus potentially re -locating the water through the soils back into same water body from which it was withdrawn. Essentially pumping water in circles. Key areas that must be addressed in any application of Water Farming/Dispersed Water Management are the matters governing wetlands and endangered species. An additional area that will need clarification is the appraisal value and associated tax base that will assigned to the property once the former abandoned property is now generating an annual revenue. In developing the idea of water farming it was recognized that the following issues would need absolute clarification and resolve; 1. Wetlands- Obviously the placement of 2-3-4-5 foot of water on a parcel of land will change the initial baseline of the property. One of the key concerns to a landowner is the allowance, should they elect to leave the water farming project at the conclusion of an agreed time, to revert back to their original land use foot print and retain their previously permitted land use without any penalty. 2. Species Preservation - With the creation of the type of environment associated with water farming, there is a very strong likelihood that species of many types, and perhaps endangered species, may elect to relocate and nest in these areas. Again, the landowner needs firm written assurances that should they elect to terminate the project at the agreed time, that they have the right to revert back to their original and permitted foot print without any penalties. or Should the landowner elect to maintain and sustain an environment which promotes a conducive environment for an endangered/protected species, that the landowner may be given the opportunity to also be compensated for providing such service. 3. Land Assessment/Appraisal for Taxation Purposes - From a County taxation position, the local County may look at this former abandoned citrus land in a different light now that it is producing an annual revenue as part of the payment for environmental services. In the pilot project underway in Martin County, the County officials may view this property as a potential source for tax dollars into the County. Key in any of the three mentioned concern areas is that there must be consistency across the board in the application of the rules. Given the wetlands and species acts are Federal programs, the State and the Federal government must work to ensure that the application of the interpretation of the federal rules governing these matters be applied equally throughout the State. 15