Made with Xara Web Designer Copyright May, 2009 - Amelia Island Association Crane Island should be protected as a sensitive environmental resource Position Crane Island is a sensitive environmental resource that is protected by the Nassau County Comprehensive Plan which designates it as “Conservation,” a land use that permits one house per five acres. Under this designation 41 houses are permissible on the privately held portion of the island (the northern third being owned by the Florida Inland Navigation District). The Nassau Comprehensive Plan and its future land use map (FLUM) should not be altered to permit a higher residential density. Any new development in Nassau County should be viewed toward minimalization of human and environmental impact. We support the December 22, 2008 decision by Judge Brian Davis concerning the density of Crane Island and we ask that the Nassau County Board of Commissioners not file an appeal. Recommendations We recommend that: 1. “Conservation” land use designation that allows one house for each five acres be maintained. 2. Resources should be explored to acquire the privately-owned Crane Island land for low-impact passive public recreational use while protecting the natural beauty of the island and its key function as part of the coastal migratory bird corridor in perpetuity. 3. Any development that is allowed under the “Conservation” designation must: a. Adopt a tree cover policy consistent with Amelia Island Plantation tree regulations and Nassau County tree ordinances b. Protection the discovery of historic native artifacts on the development site so that Nassau County history can be preserved. January, 2009 Crane Island     Timucuan Extension     Impact Fees     Recycling Nassau County Traffic Crashes