NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT [ NRC ]

The county’s natural environment serves many functions contributing to the quality-of-life for residents and visitors. The protection of natural resources, which comprise the County’s ecological system, serve to preserve critical plant and animal habitats. It contributes to the community’s air and water quality; helps minimize flooding; offers unique character to a highly urbanized area; and provides parks, preserves and aquatic resources. The natural resource characteristics of Pinellas County are part of its general branding and significantly contribute to tourism and the local economy. Responsible land planning decision are essential to protect the County’s natural resources and promote resiliency from natural disasters and human-made impacts. The Natural Resource Conservation and Management chapter establishes polices help to preserve and enhance these valuable resources.’

Everyday Actions

  • Reduce, reuse and recycle. Prevent pollution, save energy and help sustain natural resources for future generations.
  • Throw it in the tackle box! Discarded fishing line can be a serious threat to birds and aquatic life like sea turtles and manatees.
  • Skip the straw! Avoid single-use plastics when you can, reuse and properly dispose of or recycle them when you can’t.
  • Give nesting, feeding, and resting birds much needed space! Coastal waterbirds nest, rest, and feed on our beaches and need us to share the shore.
  • Help reduce the carbon footprint by biking to work.
  • Getting into the aluminum recycling habit is one of the best things you can do for the environment. There’s no limit to how many times they can be recycled. Used aluminum cans are recycled, filled and put back on the shelf in just six weeks.

Goals, Objectives, Policies & Strategies 

NRC GOAL 1 (Sustainable Practices):  

BE A LEADER IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP, SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION.

NRC OBJECTIVE 1.1:  

Exemplify, promote and apply environmentally sustainable principles, programs and practices that support a more resilient community.

NRC POLICY 1.1.1:  

Promote (re)development that demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and resiliency.

NRC STRATEGY 1.1.1.1:  

Utilize the Land Development Code to promote sustainability, including:

  • Advance the net reduction of impervious surfaces;
  • Maximize and restore natural floodplain functions;
  • Apply innovative stormwater management techniques through the implementation of the Pinellas County stormwater manual;
  • Restrict and mitigate any adverse impacts to wetlands;
  • Encourage and incentivize energy efficiency;
  • Encourage and incentivize adaptive reuse of existing structures;
  • Encourage and incentivize the use of renewable energy sources;
  • Encourage and incentivize the use of Florida Friendly Landscaping™ 1 principles;
  • Encourage and incentivize the retention of mature and native urban tree canopy and replanting of trees removed for development.
  • Encourage and incentivize electric vehicle charging station infrastructure development; and
  • Recognize and respond to potential long-term changes to floodplain conditions due to climate change and sea level rise.
NRC STRATEGY 1.1.1.2:  

Use development agreements to promote quality environmental site and building design.

NRC POLICY 1.1.2:  

County facilities and operations shall be a model for energy efficiency, sustainable design, waste reduction and recycling initiatives.

NRC STRATEGY 1.1.2.1:  

All new and remodeled County facilities shall be constructed to meet nationally recognized green building standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) or a similar County-endorsed program.

NRC STRATEGY 1.1.2.2:  

Develop a plan and schedule to ensure that all County-leased facilities are energy and water efficient.

NRC STRATEGY 1.1.2.3:  

All new or redeveloped County properties shall:

  • Incorporate Florida Friendly Landscaping™ materials and designs including low flow irrigation;
  • Use green infrastructure design principles to address stormwater management needs and to model innovative techniques;
  • Consider resiliency in siting, design and construction;
    Evaluate back up power sources;
  • Evaluate renewable energy options;
  • Provide adequate space and receptacles for recycling; and
  • Evaluate the inclusion of infrastructure for electric vehicle charging.
NRC STRATEGY 1.1.2.4:  

Implement enhancements to the County’s purchasing policy that promote energy efficiency and sustainable standards and practices.

NRC STRATEGY 1.1.2.5:  

Provide training and technical assistance to County employees regarding energy efficient operations and practices.

NRC STRATEGY 1.1.2.6:  

Develop and implement a phased plan to transition the County fleet to electric vehicles and other alternatives that increase fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and minimize dependency on fossil fuels.

NRC OBJECTIVE 1.2:  

Protect, restore, enhance and manage environmental lands and resource-based parks in perpetuity.

NRC POLICY 1.2.1:  

Exercise stewardship of environmental lands and resource-based parks to:

  • Maximize ecological, hydrological and open space value;
  • Protect, conserve and restore natural ecosystems and native wildlife; and
  • Contribute to a net environmental and ecosystem benefit.
NRC STRATEGY 1.2.1.1:  

Identify environmental lands and resource-based parks in need of land management plans.

NRC STRATEGY 1.2.1.2:  

Develop and implement land management plans for environmental lands and resource-based parks to conserve, restore, enhance and protect natural resources.

NRC STRATEGY 1.2.1.3:  

Strengthen municipal, not-for-profit, and volunteer partnerships to develop and implement land management plans.

NRC POLICY 1.2.2:  

Interdepartmental coordination on parks and environmental lands acquisition shall pursue the acquisition of environmental lands and resource-based parks with ecological, hydrological, and natural heritage value, as determined by criteria established by Pinellas County.

NRC STRATEGY 1.2.2.1:  

Prioritization of acquisitions should consider if lands:

  • Protect environmentally sensitive habitat;
  • Support protected or rare species and biological diversity;
  • Provide or protect an important habitat or species function;
  • Connect and close gaps in existing environmental lands and resource-based parks;
  • Link open space areas and ecological corridors;
  • Create a network of greenways and greenspaces;
  • Equitably distribute environmental lands and resource-based parks throughout the County;
  • Provide access to water;
  • Provide or protect ecosystem services such as carbon storage, flood storage, recharge of regional wellfields, or space for habitat migration;
  • Support or restore natural ecosystems, ecological functions, native vegetative communities, and native species habitat; and
  • Protect and restore floodplains.
NRC STRATEGY 1.2.2.2:  

Secure and acquire environmental and resource-based park lands through cooperation with local and regional partners and using the environmental lands trust.

NRC POLICY 1.2.3:  

Consider the impact of land use decisions on environmental lands and resource-based parks.

NRC STRATEGY 1.2.3.1:  

Utilize the Land Development Code to prevent incompatible uses and adverse (re)development impacts on environmental lands and resource-based parks.

NRC STRATEGY 1.2.3.2:  

Direct incompatible land uses away from wetlands, wellfields and other natural resources.

NRC OBJECTIVE 1.3:  

Protect and enhance the urban and natural tree canopy to reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, decrease urban heat island effects, and provide shade and habitat.

NRC POLICY 1.3.1:  

Maximize retention and enhancement of the County’s urban and natural area tree canopy.

NRC STRATEGY 1.3.1.1:  

Utilize the Land Development Code to preserve and enhance urban and natural area tree canopy.

NRC STRATEGY 1.3.1.2:  

Coordinate with municipalities to preserve and enhance the urban and natural area tree canopy.

NRC STRATEGY 1.3.1.3:  

Implement an urban forestry master plan that includes post-disaster tree canopy restoration plans.

NRC OBJECTIVE 1.4:  

Plan for climate change and sea-level rise to promote physical and economic resiliency, carbon-neutral practices, and contribute to meeting international climate stabilization targets.

NRC POLICY 1.4.1:  

Support local and regional initiatives to respond to climate change and sea level rise.

NRC STRATEGY 1.4.1.1:  

Establish and implement a sustainability and resiliency action plan that identifies appropriate adaptation strategies that inform policies, and (re)development decisions, and creates a framework for goal setting and action plans across County departments, including greenhouse gas reductions, renewable energy usage, and a roadmap to prepare for hazards and respond to future climate conditions and sea level rise.

NRC STRATEGY 1.4.1.2:  

Monitor current science and data regarding climate change and sea level rise.

NRC STRATEGY 1.4.1.3:  

Collaborate with other governments and agencies to identify best practices for responding to climate change and sea level rise.

NRC STRATEGY 1.4.1.4:  

Ensure County projects are designed to accommodate changes in sea level rise and habitat migration.

NRC OBJECTIVE 1.5:  

Foster environmental stewardship and sustainable environmental practices through public education and outreach.

NRC POLICY 1.5.1:  

Collaborate with neighboring governments, agencies, educators, developers, businesses and residents to educate the public on local issues and sustainable practices.

NRC STRATEGY 1.5.1.1:  

Collaborate with the Pinellas County School Board, area colleges, environmental organizations and non-profits to develop and disseminate educational materials and programs that encourage actions to reduce waste, prevent pollution, increase compliance with environmental regulations, conserve resources, and increase awareness of environmental issues.

NRC STRATEGY 1.5.1.2:  

Display and disseminate information at beaches, parks, preserves, and other County facilities and websites to promote individual actions and responsibilities related to environmental quality and sustainability, such as tips to reduce waste and how to comply with environmentally-driven County ordinances.

NRC STRATEGY 1.5.1.3:  

Develop a marketing initiative promoting the use of locally produced products.

NRC STRATEGY 1.5.1.4:  

Support and promote volunteer programs that increase awareness of environmental issues and solutions.

NRC STRATEGY 1.5.1.5:  

Develop an informational initiative that connects environmental quality with social and economic costs and benefits.

NRC GOAL 2 (Natural Functions):  

PROTECT GEOLOGIC FEATURES, NATURAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREAS, AND WELLFIELDS TO PRESERVE AND ENHANCE NATURAL FUNCTION AND CONSERVE GROUNDWATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY.

NRC OBJECTIVE 2.1:  

Administer the Comprehensive Groundwater Protection Program to protect groundwater recharge quality and quantity.

NRC POLICY 2.1.1:  

Identify and protect groundwater recharge areas.

NRC STRATEGY 2.1.1.1:  

Collaborate with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to identify and prioritize groundwater recharge areas.

NRC STRATEGY 2.1.1.2:  

Coordinate with Tampa Bay Water to assess groundwater quality and the impacts of groundwater withdrawals.

NRC STRATEGY 2.1.1.3:  

Collaborate with Tampa Bay Water, SWFWMD, municipalities and adjoining counties to protect regional wellfields and recharge areas.

NRC STRATEGY 2.1.1.4:  

Designate major wetland systems and associated uplands for preservation uses.

NRC STRATEGY 2.1.1.5:  

Utilize the Land Development Code to ensure that (re)development protects the function of natural systems that contribute to groundwater recharge.

NRC STRATEGY 2.1.1.6:  

Administer the Pinellas County Wellhead Protection Ordinance to restrict land uses; use and storage of hazardous substances; and the direct or indirect release of pollutants into groundwater recharge areas.

NRC STRATEGY 2.1.1.7:  

Restrict the density and intensity of (re)development within wellfield protection zones.

NRC STRATEGY 2.1.1.8:  

Designate wellfields on County-owned property for preservation uses.

NRC STRATEGY 2.1.1.9:  

Utilize the County’s emergency response program to respond to accidental pollution events.

NRC POLICY 2.1.2:  

Consider the suitability of underlying soil conditions when making land use and development decisions.

NRC STRATEGY 2.1.2.1:  

Utilize the Land Development Code to ensure that soil conditions and limitations be evaluated in the review of land use and site plans.

NRC POLICY 2.1.3:  

Enforce the water shortage program in accordance with SWFWMD and Tampa Bay Water plans.

NRC STRATEGY 2.1.3.1:  

Provide timely and accurate information to the public during declared water shortages.

NRC STRATEGY 2.1.3.2:  

Enforce water use restrictions consistent with SWFWMD guidelines and County ordinances.

NRC GOAL 3 (Environmental Quality):  

CONSERVE, PROTECT, RESTORE AND MANAGE NATURAL SYSTEMS AND LIVING RESOURCES TO ENSURE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY.

NRC OBJECTIVE 3.1:  

Protect and conserve natural ecosystems, vegetative communities and species of conservation concern.

NRC POLICY 3.1.1:  

Protect, conserve, restore and manage natural ecosystems, native vegetative communities and native wildlife species.

NRC STRATEGY 3.1.1.1:  

Identify and delineate natural ecosystems, native vegetative communities and native wildlife habitats.

NRC STRATEGY 3.1.1.2:  

Designate natural areas for preservation uses.

NRC STRATEGY 3.1.1.3:  

Implement recovery programs for natural ecosystems, native vegetative communities and native wildlife habitats.

NRC STRATEGY 3.1.1.4:  

Coordinate with municipalities and adjoining counties regarding the extension of ecological corridors and greenway systems and the extra-jurisdictional impact of land development on existing corridors.

NRC STRATEGY 3.1.1.5:  

Share information with other local governments and agencies regarding the protection, conservation, restoration and management of natural ecosystems and native wildlife.

NRC STRATEGY 3.1.1.6:  

Implement post-disaster recovery plans for natural ecosystems and native wildlife.

NRC STRATEGY 3.1.1.7:  

Pursue best management practices to protect native plants and pollinators through:

  • The incorporation of pest management policies and practices as they relate to vegetation management and pollinator conservation.
  • The identification of appropriate locations for pollinator-friendly plantings to address methods of improvement in pest management.
NRC POLICY 3.1.2:  

Ensure that County projects are sensitive to the protection, conservation, restoration and management of natural ecosystems, native plant communities and native wildlife habitats.

NRC STRATEGY 3.1.2.1:  

Require County projects to:

  • Protect and enhance native species and intact habitat;
  • Ensure that native species constitute no less than 80 percent of a site’s landscaping; and
  • Meet Florida Friendly Landscaping™ standards.
NRC POLICY 3.1.3:  

Reduce ecologically undesirable non-native vegetation.

NRC STRATEGY 3.1.3.1:  

Require the removal of ecologically undesirable non-native vegetation from (re)development sites, and in conjunction with County projects.

NRC POLICY 3.1.4:  

Ensure that (re)development is sensitive to the protection, conservation, restoration and management of natural ecosystems, native plant communities and native wildlife habitats.

NRC STRATEGY 3.1.4.1:  

Utilize the Land Development Code to ensure site development maintains or improves existing ecosystems, native wildlife species, and native vegetative communities.

NRC STRATEGY 3.1.4.2:  

When updating the Land Development Code:

  • Evaluate the feasibility and need for buffers to protect species of concern;
  • Evaluate the feasibility of regulatory techniques or incentives to help close the gap in the ecological greenway system; and
  • Identify opportunities for new innovations, techniques and incentives that contribute to environmental improvement.
NRC OBJECTIVE 3.2:  

Protect, conserve and restore the County’s surface waters and dependent habitats and resources.

NRC POLICY 3.2.1:  

Cooperate with the FDEP, SWFWMD, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and local governments to protect, restore and enhance surface waters and the dependent habitats and resources.

NRC POLICY 3.2.2:  

Protect and conserve surface water resources by preserving or restoring freshwater, marine and estuarine habitats.

NRC STRATEGY 3.2.2.1:  

Implement Pinellas County water and navigation regulations to:

  • Ensure that development is consistent with objectives and policies pertaining to the protection, enhancement and restoration of freshwater, marine and coastal resources;
  • Exercise locational restrictions and site-specific development controls that do not compromise the protection of coastal and marine habitats and dependent species; and
  • Solicit municipal input regarding the protection of multi-jurisdictional surface water resources affected by development applications.
NRC STRATEGY 3.2.2.2:  

Utilize the Land Development Code to:

  • Require erosion control to reduce sedimentation and turbidity in coastal, marine and freshwater habitats;
  • Enforce alternatives to the hardening and bulkheading of natural coastal shorelines, natural stream courses and tidal creeks;
  • Promote and incentivize the use of living shorelines;
  • Prioritize water-dependent and water-related land uses in the coastal planning area and prohibit non-water dependent (re)development within natural intertidal areas;
  • Require natural upland buffers adjacent to surface waters; and
  • Prohibit dredging, filling increases to impervious surface or other development activity having significant and long-term impacts on marine and estuarine habitats except where a clear, significant, and overarching public interest can be demonstrated.
NRC POLICY 3.2.3:  

Protect marine and freshwater dependent species.

NRC STRATEGY 3.2.3.1:  

Continue land acquisition and management efforts to protect the viability of coastal and marine resources.

NRC STRATEGY 3.2.3.2:  

Identify, implement and enforce measures to protect important sea grasses. Assess the effectiveness of existing seagrass protection zones at least every two years.

NRC STRATEGY 3.2.3.3:  

Support the protection of manatees by:

  • Implementing sea grass protection areas;
  • Providing manatee signage;
  • Coordinating with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Sheriff’s Marine Unit regarding the monitoring and enforcement of no-wake zones and speed restrictions;
  • Targeting boater education efforts toward areas of high interaction between boaters and manatees;
  • Collecting information required to identify critical use areas;
  • Reviewing County regulations to determine if manatee protection is adequately supported; and
  • Coordinating with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program’s Manatee Awareness Coalition and other agencies to determine appropriate measures for protecting manatees.
NRC STRATEGY 3.2.3.4:  

Support sea turtle protection and monitoring by:

  • Providing funding;
  • Partnering with volunteer groups, research organizations and enforcement agencies;
  • Support public education to improve survivability; and
  • Partnering with coastal municipalities to implement and enforce lighting ordinances.
NRC STRATEGY 3.2.3.5:  

Support and preserve shorebirds and their habitat through active partnership with, where applicable, federal, state, and local governments and non-profits to protect and preserve critical shorebird and seabird habitats.

NRC STRATEGY 3.2.3.6:  

Support, preserve and manage mangrove habitats through restoration and protections including partnerships with federal, state, and local governments and other stakeholder groups as applicable.

NRC OBJECTIVE 3.3:  

Preserve, protect, restore and manage the natural resources of floodplains to maintain and enhance water quality, plant and animal diversity and aquatic productivity.

NRC POLICY 3.3.1:  

Maintain the ecological value and function of natural systems and living resources within the floodplains of the County.

NRC STRATEGY 3.3.1.1:  

Restrict (re)development in floodplains to maintain ecological character and natural function.

NRC GOAL 4 (Air Quality):  
IMPROVE AIR QUALITY TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
NRC OBJECTIVE 4.1:  

Maintain compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and reduce emissions of criteria pollutants.

NRC POLICY 4.1.1:  
Implement an air pollution control program.
NRC STRATEGY 4.1.1.1:  
Implement measures to reduce ozone precursor and primary/ secondary fine particulate emissions.
NRC STRATEGY 4.1.1.2:  

Maintain detailed stationary and area source emission inventories for criteria pollutants to assess air quality impacts.

NRC STRATEGY 4.1.1.3:  

Annually assess the effectiveness of the air pollution control program and recommend amendments as needed.

NRC STRATEGY 4.1.1.4:  
Maintain an air monitoring network and upgrade air monitoring stations as needed.
NRC STRATEGY 4.1.1.5:  
Maintain an air compliance and inspection program to meet or exceed interagency agreements with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and FDEP.
NRC STRATEGY 4.1.1.6:  
Meet or exceed grant requirements and obligations for the continuing receipt of federal air pollution control grant funds.
NRC STRATEGY 4.1.1.7:  
Amend the comprehensive air quality ordinance as needed to ensure effectiveness.
NRC POLICY 4.1.2:  
Manage non-criteria air pollutants including hazardous and toxic substances.
NRC STRATEGY 4.1.2.1:  
Implement regulatory programs to minimize human exposure to carcinogens and toxic substances.
NRC STRATEGY 4.1.2.2:  
Administer and maintain delegated National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) responsibilities regarding asbestos and regulated air toxics.
NRC STRATEGY 4.1.2.3:  
Coordinate with municipal building departments and contractors to ensure awareness of asbestos compliance requirements.
NRC STRATEGY 4.1.2.4:  
Monitor and study the levels and sources of toxic air pollutants.
NRC STRATEGY 4.1.2.5:  
Maintain and administer the County Asbestos Program.
NRC STRATEGY 4.1.2.6:  
Support programs and best practices regarding the application and handling of pesticides and other toxic substances.
NRC POLICY 4.1.3:  
Improve public awareness of air quality issues.
NRC STRATEGY 4.1.3.1:  
Support an air quality forecasting program.
NRC STRATEGY 4.1.3.2:  
Support an air quality public information program.
NRC OBJECTIVE 4.2:  
Reduce transportation-related air quality impacts.
NRC POLICY 4.2.1:  

Provide feasible alternatives to single-occupancy combustion engine vehicle travel to reduce emissions.

NRC STRATEGY 4.2.1.1:  
Promote and incentivize public transit use, ride-sharing, walking, cycling, and other forms of transportation that reduce emissions.
NRC STRATEGY 4.2.1.2:  
Promote development patterns that reduce vehicle miles (VMT) traveled through location efficiency and mixed-use development.
NRC STRATEGY 4.2.1.3:  

Promote and incentivize electric vehicle infrastructure in public and private developments.

NRC STRATEGY 4.2.1.4:  

Implement countywide traffic control systems to improve traffic flow and reduce emissions.

NRC POLICY 4.2.2:  
Collaborate with federal, state and regional agencies and local governments to reduce transportation related air quality impacts.
NRC STRATEGY 4.2.2.1:  
The Pinellas County air quality division will:
  • Support Forward Pinellas in prioritizing transportation projects that reduce air pollution;
  • Participate with Forward Pinellas in the technical review process; and
  • Support diesel emission reduction programs.