During the development of the County's new wetland ordinance and State of the Wetlands study, the County identified two vulnerable areas that may warrant additional protections and regulations: the Shingle Creek and St. Johns River Basins. The County has initiated a new Special Protection Areas Project that is anticipated to be completed in June 2025. The project will include the development of extensive technical studies within each basin, identifying valuable wetland, water, wildlife, and other resources that may require extra protections beyond those in the County's existing regulations.
Additional factors will be considered, including economic value, climate change impacts, and future projected land use changes. Recommendations for additional development regulations will be incorporated into two new ordinance chapters, based on findings from the technical studies. The anticipated project timeline is as follows:
Learn more and be part of the discussion as the new policies for these sensitive resource areas are being formulated.
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Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are designated zones identified for their significant natural features such as wetlands, habitats, and wildlife corridors. These areas warrant additional protective measures to ensure their long-term viability and community benefits, such as clean water, flood protection, and biodiversity.
Orange County is proposing new SPAs to safeguard ecologically sensitive areas like Shingle Creek and the St. Johns River Basin both facing environmental pressures from ongoing and future development. These proposed SPAs aim to mitigate impacts such as habitat loss, climate change, and human activities. The designation of new SPAs reflects a balanced approach and broader effort to plan responsibly for future development while preserving natural systems.
Shingle Creek and the St. Johns River Basin are important because of their ecological value and role in managing water flow and flood risk. In Shingle Creek, ongoing development could impact up to 63% of remaining uplands, increasing runoff and impacting water quality. The St. Johns River Basin includes critical wetland habitats within a key wildlife corridor. Changes to these landscapes can influence natural water storage and flood conditions. Planning efforts in these areas aim to involve communities and stakeholders to support balanced, informed land use decisions.
SPAs help manage growth in a way that reduces the need for costly infrastructure in the future. For example, preserving wetlands can limit the need for expensive flood control projects by maintaining natural water storage. Ongoing input from residents, landowners, and local governments is key to provide both environmental and economic resilience over time.
Property owners and developers may see updates to planning guidelines or land use considerations. At the same time, communities benefit from improved water management, protected green spaces, and support for local jobs tied to recreation and conservation. The process includes opportunities for public input to help shape the final SPA recommendations involving collaboration with residents, businesses, and local partners to ensure planning reflects shared goals.
In the Shingle Creek watershed, increased impervious surfaces-rising from 19% in 1985 to 40% in 2020-have led to higher surface runoff entering downstream waterbodies. This has contributed to higher nutrient loading in the waterbodies, which can affect water quality. The proposed SPAs aim to support collaborative planning that manages runoff and protects natural resources and hydrologic functions within each area. Similar efforts are being considered in the St. Johns River area, which includes an expansive floodplain, and faces challenges including wetland loss and water quality impairments. The goal is to guide development in a way that maintains healthy waterways and ecosystems.
The proposed SPAs help to protect important wildlife habitats and keep natural areas connected so animals can move safely across the landscape. In the Shingle Creek watershed, approximately 94% of historic uplands, including scrub habitats, have been lost to development threatening species such as the Florida Bonneted Bat and Gopher Tortoise. In the St. Johns River basin, the SPAs would help protect key parts of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, supporting rare species such as the Florida Panther and Eastern Indigo Snake. The SPAs will enhance habitat connectivity, particularly in areas identified as Priority 1 wildlife corridors, to support these species' survival and resilience. These efforts help maintain healthy ecosystems for future generations.