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Management Funding The Lost Tree Islands property contains approxim:..cI235 acres of uplands impacted by nuisance exotic vegetation (Brazilian pepper and Australian pine). In accordance with FCT grant award conditions, the impacted uplands will need to be restored (albeit over an extended period of time) to native plant community. The approved FCT grant project also calls for passive recreational improvements (docks, boardwalks, fishing piers, picnic pavilions and trails) on portions of the property. Although grants, volunteer work, and private development mitigation directed toward the project will be sought to defray costs, restoration and management of the Lost Tree Islands could cost in excess of Si million, largely attributed to habitat restoration. Prior to FCT funding reimbursement, it is required that a conceptual management plan for the project be approved by the County, City and Town. That management plan will be drafted (by the County's acquisition consultants, in coordination with county staff and with the City and Town) once LTVC accepts an offer and the acquisition is imminent. In the meantime, there needs to be a conceptual agreement between the County, City and Town concerning responsibility for restoration and management costs. Alternatives include: 1. Restoration and management costs split evenly among the three local governments. 2. Restoration and management costs split based on the current local funding ratio of 80/10/10. 3. Restoration and management costs paid entirely by the County. From an administrative standpoint, it is efficient for one entity (i.e., the County) to take the lead in overseeing construction of initial capital improvements and ongoing maintenance. In that the project is located in the City and Town and directly benefits residents in the municipalities, it is reasonable to expect the City and Town to contribute toward improvements and management costs. Of the three alternatives, staff thinks it is appropriate to request that the City and Town evenly split capital improvement and management costs with the County. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approved the proposed purchase contract. Staff also recommends that the Board approve the attached Interlocal Agreement, with the following three conditions: 1. Shortfall split evenly among the three local governments ($41,667 each). 2. Title interest (undivided) split based on current local funding ratio of 80/10/10 (County 80% interest, City 10% interest, Town 10% interest). 3. Restoration and management costs split evenly among the three local governments. Moreover, staff recommends that the Board authorize county staff to coordinate with the City and Town to obtain City and Town approval of the Interlocal Agreement. ATTACHMENTS 1. Map of the Lost Tree Islands acquisition proposal 2. Proposed Contract Offer 3. Draft Interlocal Agreement September 3, 2002