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Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC)

Background

ELOC Formation & Legal Authority

In February 2025, Martin County Commissioners formally created the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee per County Ordinance 1221, Section 6(1)j.

ELOC is a nine-member citizen advisory board appointed by the Martin County Commissioners to assess and recommend proposed conservation land acquisitions funded by the new sales tax.

ELOC Role and Responsibilities

Composed of nine appointed citizens, the ELOC's purpose is to provide citizen oversight and guide the county in making informed decisions about land acquisitions.

  • Review and evaluate land acquisition proposals from willing sellers, making sure the properties chosen offer the greatest environmental benefit based on a set of carefully considered criteria within the four focus areas: Blueways, Indian River Lagoon South, Loxahatchee/St. Lucie Headwaters, and Pal-Mar Wetlands.
  • Review County staff's scientific/environmental studies, that ensure acquisitions support water quality, wildlife habitat, drinking water protection, and recreation.
  • Serve as the primary advisory body to the County Commission and make recommendations on land purchases.

ELOC Transparency & Public Access

  • Provide citizen oversight and transparency to ensure that potential acquisitions meet the vote-approved intent of the program.
  • Open public meetings, agendas, minutes, visible via televised streams (e.g. on MCTV) with published agendas and minutes.
  • Required annual financial audits to maintain accountability and public trust.

ELOC Composition

The Ordinance and Resolution that created the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC) defined its specific membership composition as follows:

  • Four (4) members appointed from environmental organizations with a mission focused on education, research, preserving, restoring, acquiring and protecting the public's local water quality, the natural environment and to enhance and restore local ecosystems.
  • Two (2) members appointed from organizations with a mission focused on educating, promoting and protecting the interests of agricultural, farmers and ranchers.
  • One (1) member from an organization with a mission focused on fiscal oversight of government budgets and spending.
  • One (1) member from an organization with a mission focused on the real estate industry.
  • One (1) member from an organization with a mission focused on responsible business growth and economic development.
Martin County Forest

BCC role

The role of the Martin County Board of County Commissioners is to:

  • Approve land acquisition policies, procedures and priorities.
  • Approve standards and criteria for land acquisition.
  • Approve or deny land acquisition recommendations submitted by the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee.
  • Authorize expenditures of funds for carrying out this program.
  • Authorize all bond issues, both public and private, for carrying out the purchase of land.
  • Determine what Martin County organizations will be represented on the ELOC and approve individuals nominated by those organizations.

ELOC members

  • Dan Brady - Martin County Realtors of the Treasure Coast
  • Tom Campenni - Martin County Taxpayers Association
  • Vicki Davis - Martin County Farm Bureau
  • David Hafner - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, 4-H
  • Beth Kacvinsky - Audubon of Martin County
  • John Keller - Everglades Foundation
  • Merritt Matheson - Rivers Coalition
  • Jim Snedeker - Martin County Forever
  • Scott Turnbull - Economic Council of Martin County

ELOC Meetings

Meeting schedule
Agendas
Video
ELOC Meeting (Morning)
September 5, 2025
Play
ELOC Meeting (Afternoon)
September 5, 2025
Play
ELOC Meeting (Closing)
September 5, 2025
Play
Minutes

ELOC Manual

View ELOC Manual

Annual Audit

An independent review of our financial activities to ensure transparency, accuracy, and accountability each year.

County Resolution
View Resolution Here
County Ordinance
View Ordinance Here