In 2001, Governor Jeb Bush and the Cabinet joined with the St. Johns River Water Management District to purchase the 12 Mile Swamp Conservation Area, over 20,000 acres of mixed wetlands and uplands under forestry management just west of St. Augustine. The conservation area is one of the most important segments of intact wildlife corridor lands in North Central Florida and the headwaters of six stream systems.
Three of these streams, Turnbull Creek, Mill Creek, and Sampson Creek, discharge into the St. Johns River. Two others, Moultrie Creek and Red House Branch, discharge into the Matanzas River. Stokes Creek discharges into the Tolomato River.
The habitat on this tract consists of Pine Flatwoods, Mesic Hammock, Basin Swamp, Depression Marsh, Floodplain Swamp, and Blackwater Streams. Much of the 12 Mile Swamp Conservation Area is important habitat for wading birds.
In April, the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) published a map with a new proposed 4 lane highway through the middle of the 12 Mile Swamp Conservation Area. The road alignment was apparently put there quietly at the behest of the St. Augustine Airport Authority and a group of landowners who envision it opening up their properties to development. The new 4 lane highway would link the St. Augustine Airport to Interstate 95. The TPO acted to place the road on its “2040 Plan” map without even consulting with the landowning agencies, St. Johns Water Management District, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Audubon Florida, led by former Board Chair John Hankinson and Director of Advocacy Charles Lee joined with other conservation groups including the Florida Wildlife Federation and St. Johns Riverkeeper to ask the St. Johns County Commission to vote to express opposition to the proposal. Although the item was not on the May 20 Commission agenda, a letter from Audubon and the appearance of numerous speakers convinced the Chairman of the Commission to add a special agenda item.
After an hour of discussion, the Commission voted unanimously to ask the TPO to “Take the road off its map”. The Commission also asked for more time to submit detailed comments, and for a more transparent process at the TPO.
By Jonathan Webber
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