Habitat Conservation Plan

Goals and Objectives

Oyster Lake
Following the passage of Hurricane Dennis in 2005, Walton County issued over 250 permits to coastal property owners to allow the installation of temporary armoring structures to protect their homes from shoreline erosion.

Because of these permits, several miles of new seawalls were built along the County's Gulf coast beaches. This caused much debate and astonishment among State and Federal regulatory agencies, environmental groups, beachgoers, and the affected beachfront property owners and managers.

The public dialogue that ensued led to an Intergovernmental Agreement between Walton County, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The agreement was based on the premise that Walton County would apply for Federal funds to develop a Habitat Conservation Plan and apply for an Incidental Take Permit (ITP).

Guide to the Plan

This guide provides the requisite background information to help stakeholders and the public understand the rationale for applying for the ITP and to view the goals and objectives of the Habitat Conservation Plan.

Questions regarding issues discussed in the guide should be directed to Melinda Gates, Environmental Coordinator, at (850) 892-8108.

Plan Sections

Resources