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Protecting Farms with the Transfer of Development Rights Program

Protecting Farms with the Transfer of Development Rights Program

by | Jul 31, 2023 | News

The purpose of the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program is to help protect farmland and natural resources in Marion County by providing financial incentives to landowners and program participants. Sending Areas are the areas where communities want less (or no) development and the areas appropriate for growth are called Receiving Areas.

One of the ways to help protect farms in the Farmland Preservation Area is with Marion County’s Transfer of Development Rights Program.

At the July 18 meeting, Marion County Commissioners helped to further protect the Farmland Preservation Area (FPA) by approving the use of 72 Transfer of Development Right (TDR) credits from a farm in the FPA that had been conserved with the TDR program over 15 years ago to a parcel of land inside the Urban Growth Boundary.

The 72 development credits were purchased by Sunbelt Land Fund I-Ocala South, LLC and will be used to increase the density on a 36-acre parcel of land by 72 units. The land already has the zoning to build a 288 multi-family apartment, but with the additional 72 TDR credits, the number of units will increase to 360. The property to be developed is located on the east side of SW 60th Avenue at the intersection of SW 52nd Street and it has a Future Land Use of High Density.

“These 72 TDR credits were created in 2008 by Walter and Wendy Boring when they placed a conservation easement on 119 acres of their property in the Farmland Preservation Area. Horse Farms Forever thanks the Boring family for protecting their land for future generations!” said Busy Shires, Director of Conservation Strategies, Horse Farms Forever at the July 18 Commission meeting.

Marion County’s TDR program was created in 2004 and it had some early success by preserving over 3,200 acres of land, but it has not been utilized to its full extent for over 15 years.

However, over the past year, Horse Farms Forever has been working with stakeholders to review the TDR program to see if there are ways to make it more relevant and sustainable for landowners and also for developers. In April, HFF held a Roundtable led by Rick Pruetz, a nationally known expert on TDRs about Marion County’s TDR program with 25 community stakeholders to provide feedback about the TDR program.

With the tremendous growth pressures and the need for additional housing, this is the right time to fully utilize the TDR program to not only help preserve the Farmland Preservation Area but to also direct growth to appropriate areas within the Urban Growth Boundary.

In Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) jargon, the areas where communities want less (or no) development are called sending areas. Sending areas can include environmentally sensitive places, farmland, historic landmarks, open space, or any other resources that a community wants to preserve. The areas appropriate for growth are called receiving areas. Receiving areas are suitable for development, typically because they are close to jobs, shopping, schools, infrastructure, public services, and other urban amenities.

Source: TDR Turns 40, Rick Pruetz, FAICP and Erica Pruetz

View the Summary of Marion County's TDR Program by Rick Pruetz, FAICP
Learn More About the Farmland Preservation Area & the TDR Program
View the Application for Sunbelt Land Fund I - Ocala South, LLC
Busy Shires

What About Zoning?

The Zoning regulations are found in the Land Development Code, which is a separate document with specific guidelines to implement the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan.

Zoning regulates development through land use classifications and specifies the areas in which residential, industrial, recreational or commercial activities may take place. The Land Development Code was adopted through a series of ordinances by the County Commission, which means that the regulations cannot be changed or waived, except by a further vote of the County Commission.

It is the vision and mission of Horse Farms Forever to inspire conservation of horse farms through education, awareness and idea exchange so as to preserve natural pasture land focusing on horses and their habitats, to protect soil and water on which they depend, and minimize land use conflicts
in Marion County, Florida.

We are watchful of government and others to preserve and protect horse farms and farmland for future generations - especially in the Farmland Preservation Area. We are neither anti-growth nor anti-development; we encourage urban growth to remain inside the Urban Growth Boundary.

Horse Farms Forever® is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a charitable organization and approved as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation by the Internal Revenue Service. Horse Farms Forever® does not have a political mission. Our status as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization does not allow us to participate or intervene in political activities. The organization will neither advocate on behalf of political candidates nor advocate for the passage of legislation.

 

Join or Donate Now
Founder Spotlight

Founder Spotlight

by | Jul 25, 2023 | News

A dedicated group of supporters continues to keep us alive and healthy as our mission gains momentum in the community. Thank you to all who have recognized the importance of open spaces and beautiful places in Ocala/Marion County and the importance of preserving what makes us unique – horses and horse farms.

 

Our Founders initial pledges of $10,000 or more in 2018 got us off the ground and helped us to defeat the toll road in the Farmland Preservation Area. Founders who renew each year are demonstrating their iron clad commitment to continuing the work of preservation. New threats are appearing all the time, and the Founders are behind us all the way. We are beyond grateful.

We would like to thank the Founders that have renewed their 2023 membership with a gift (as of July 2023):



horse-farms-forever-farmland-preservation-area-ocala-marion-county


“horsefeathers!” is situated on 120 acres of land formerly owned by the Plumley family. The Plumleys used this land in their cattle operation. It was purchased in 2014, so these are the first horses on the land. A barn was built and paddocks were fenced. Surrounding the horse property is 430 acres used for raising Wagyu cattle.

Previously, “horsefeathers!” was located on a different farm in Northwest Marion County. At that location, Mary Jane Hunt operated a boutique style nursery for Thoroughbred mares and foals for more than 35 years.

Mary Jane and her husband Bernie Little are committed to the well-being of all the animals in their care. The focus of “horsefeathers!” is to provide a comfortable retirement for the Thoroughbred mares and teaser ponies that were a part of the former nursery operation. The horse population has a few riding horses and a young off-track Thoroughbred that is being retrained for a second career.

 

New to the Herd


We welcome you!

Stone Petroleum

Andy Burns

Kingwood Foxden LLC

Renewing


Thanks for your continued support!

Greater Ocala Dog Club

Peter & Diane Halpin

Gary Bybee

Dressage Naturally

Timothy & Cheryl Holekamp

A dedicated group of supporters continues to keep us alive and healthy as our mission gains momentum in the community. Thank you to all who have recognized the importance of open spaces and beautiful places in Ocala/Marion County and the importance of preserving what makes us unique – horses and horse farms.

 

Our Founders initial pledges of $10,000 or more in 2018 got us off the ground and helped us to defeat the toll road in the Farmland Preservation Area. Founders who renew each year are demonstrating their iron clad commitment to continuing the work of preservation. New threats are appearing all the time, and the Founders are behind us all the way. We are beyond grateful.

 

horse-farms-forever-farmland-preservation-area-ocala-marion-county


“horsefeathers!” is situated on 120 acres of land formerly owned by the Plumley family. The Plumleys used this land in their cattle operation. It was purchased in 2014, so these are the first horses on the land. A barn was built and paddocks were fenced. Surrounding the horse property is 430 acres used for raising Wagyu cattle.

Previously, “horsefeathers!” was located on a different farm in Northwest Marion County. At that location, Mary Jane Hunt operated a boutique style nursery for Thoroughbred mares and foals for more than 35 years.

Mary Jane and her husband Bernie Little are committed to the well-being of all the animals in their care. The focus of “horsefeathers!” is to provide a comfortable retirement for the Thoroughbred mares and teaser ponies that were a part of the former nursery operation. The horse population has a few riding horses and a young off-track Thoroughbred that is being retrained for a second career.

 

horse-farms-forever-farmland-preservation-area-ocala-marion-county

Individual Renewing Founder

Matt Varney is an accomplished real estate professional who started his career in residential site construction and estimating before working for a privately held Florida-based real estate developer; where at just 26, he quickly became the leading salesman in the company.  In 2010 (along with Chris & Rob Desino), Matt started Ocala Horse Properties’ sister company, Wellington Equestrian Realty. Even though Wellington is widely known as one of the most competitive places in the country to sell horse farms, Matt excelled quickly selling more farms than any other realtor in Palm Beach County.

Matt lives his equestrian competitiveness vicariously through his wife, Dr. Courtney Varney, DVM. Matt enjoys accompanying Courtney, an accomplished FEI Dressage rider, USDF gold medalist, and equine veterinarian, to as many competitions as his schedule will allow. Matt and Dr. Varney remain active in helping preserve Marion County’s horse farms with Horse Farms Forever.

horse-farms-forever-farmland-preservation-area-ocala-marion-county

Individual Renewing Founder

As president of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and Reilly Arts Center, Bill Nassal is an Ocala legend. Internationally, the Nassal Company is the most prestigious fabricator for theme parks and other attractions.

Their showplace Stonecliff Farm in Ocala is highly regarded breeder of Thoroughbred horses.  Cindy’s annual Kentucky Derby party at their showplace Stonecliff Farm are renowned.

the-yard-stop

Corporate Renewing Founder

Success is no accident was chosen as Niall Brennan’s motto because it embodies his philosophy of life. Sometimes people are lucky in the horse business but success generally comes from:  hard work, attention to detail, integrity, leaving nothing to chance, and striving to fine tune the quality services of our program are what defines our operation.

Stephanie has been involved in the racing industry for over 20 years. Originally from Western Canada, Stephanie’s background in both show horses, racehorses as well as has a degree in Sales and Marketing help keep the organization running smoothly. Stephanie is very active in aftercare of racehorses, founding Final Furlong to ensure a safe landing for graduates of NBS after their racing career. She is on the board of the Ocala Farm Ministry and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

Niall was a successful jockey and won his first race at the age of 16 in his native Ireland. He soon discovered his special talents as a trainer and traveled around the world working at tracks and farms in New Zealand, Australia, California and Kentucky, broadening his knowledge of the thoroughbred industry. In 1987, he relocated to Florida to train for George Steinbrenner at his Kinsman farm. In 1991 Niall Brennan presented his first consignment at Select Two-Year-Old sales and since then has consistently ranked as a leading consignor in North America numerous times. Niall is also an active member on the board of The Breeder’s Cup, Ocala Breeder’s Sales Company, Fasig Tipton Sales Company and is the president of the Ocala Farm Ministry.

 

the-yard-stop

Corporate Renewing Founder

Jacqueline Mars is the owner and operator of Stonehall Farm, The Plains, Virginia, a working farm that specializes in organic farming, horse training and horse breeding. She retired from a long and distinguished career at Mars Inc., begun by her grandfather as a candy manufacturer and where she was president of the Food Product Group and served on the board. Today, she is a passionate promoter of the arts, conservation, and women’s education. She serves on a variety of boards including the Smithsonian Institution and is president of the Mars Family Foundation.

Horses are deeply rooted in Mars history dating back to the 1930s. Frank C. and Ethel V. Mars’ Milky Way Farm in Tennessee was well known for producing Thoroughbred racing champions, including the 1940 Kentucky Derby Winner, Gallahadion. The SNICKERS® Bar was named after one of their beloved horses. Spanning across generations, the Mars family continues to be involved in a variety of equestrian disciplines and interests including breeding and competing top-class international level eventing horses, Quarter Horses, and Arabians, and caring for retired service horses. Giving back through Equestrian partnerships illustrates the Mars commitment for a better world.

A landowner in Marion County, Ms. Mars has protected over 400 acres of land through donations of conservation easements in the Virginia countryside. Her passion for land conservation is a great example for Marion County landowners.

 

the-yard-stop

Corporate Renewing Founder

Owned and operated by the Stroh family, Cloverly Farm is a state-of-the-art hunter jumper show stable located in the heart of the Farmland Preservation Area.

 

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Corporate Renewing Founder

Arthur Appleton, Linda’s father, created Bridlewood Farm in the 1960’s. Since then, more than 100 stakes winners have been bred and raised under the name Bridlewood, and superstar Champion Smarty Jones is among the many top horses trained at the farm. Many top stallions have stood there as well, including Silver Buck (sire of Hall of Fame champion Silver Charm), Skip Trial (sire of Hall of Fame champion Skip Away), and Stormy Atlantic (Champion Juvenile Sire of 2006). Eight stallions will stand at Bridlewood in 2015, all Graded stakes winners: Aikenite, Backtalk, Benny the Bull, Big Drama, Corfu, Fort Loudon, Mach Ride, and Wagon Limit.

Linda and her husband Bill now live in Hailey, Idaho. Linda was a member of the Board of the Sun Valley Center for the Arts for 6 years. Linda and her family are involved in the STEPS scholarship program at The College of Central Florida and she is also a member The Appleton Museum of Art Advisory Council (since 2005). In December of 2008, Linda received the Distinguished Service Award from The College of Central Florida.

While Bridlewood Farm was sold in 2013, Linda is a frequent visitor to Ocala in her continuing role with the Appleton Museum.

 

the-yard-stop
Kinsman Farm/Steinbrenner Family
 

Corporate Renewing Founder

View Our Growing List of Members!

New to the Herd


We welcome you!

Stone Petroleum

Andy Burns

Kingwood Foxden LLC

Renewing


Thanks for your continued support!

Greater Ocala Dog Club

Peter & Diane Halpin

Gary Bybee

Dressage Naturally

Bill & Cindy Nassal

Timothy & Cheryl Holekamp

Robert Desino

Board Member

A principal at Ocala Horse Properties; a real estate brokerage company specializing in the sale of horse farms, properties, raw land in Ocala, FL. A Principal at Wellington Equestrian Realty, a real estate brokerage company specializing in the sale of horse farms, properties, raw land in Wellington, FL. Dual Ocala horse farm owner as well as several vacant land properties.

Linda Bamman

Board Member

Linda was drawn to Ocala by the equine industry. She is an avid equestrian and with her husband owns Laughing Horse Farm. After an extensive career in banking and finance, Linda chose to transition to Florida and pursue her life passion. Laughing Horse Farm is situated on 30 acres and is used to raise and compete event horses, and the local business has evolved over time to now privately train a handful of show jumpers, which are trained and sold with a partner.

 

Linda Bamman

Board Member

For nearly 40 years Nick and his wife, Jaqui, called Ocala home. They own de Meric Thoroughbred Sales which includes a 240-acre farm in northwest Marion County. de Meric Thoroughbred Sales has produced numerous graded stakes winners and OBS sales toppers most recently, at the April sale with a colt by Into Mischief out of Dixie Song for $1.3 million and a filly by Gohstzapper out of Palanka City for $445,000 at the June sale.

 

Elma Garcia

Board Member

Elma and her husband Jim Cannavino chose Ocala as a winter headquarters for Elma’s award-winning passion for dressage. Upon arriving in Ocala, Elma immediately connected with the mission of Horse Farms Forever and became a Founder.

 

Tom Grabe

Board Member

Owner of Endeavor Publications, Inc. – publishers of The Canine Chronicle and The Equine Chronicle. Former managing partner of The Sanctuary Equine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Center. Ocala farm owner.

 

Tom Grabe

Board Member

General Manager of Bridlewood Farm since 1989. Forever a fan of the cultivation of top-quality equine athletes and Marion County as the ideal place for a thriving horse industry.

 

Paul Kaplan

Board Member

Retired partner of Wellington Management Company where he served as senior vice president and portfolio manager.  Owner of a horse farm in northwest Ocala.

 

Bernie Little

Board Member

Retired owner of wholesale beverage distribution business.  Extensive business investments and relationships. Ocala horse farm owner.  Ocala cattle farm owner.

 

Bernie Little

Board Member

As an international champion, co-president of Live Oak International, and advocate for equestrian sports he is the ideal addition as a Director of Horse Farms Forever. Chester, like many of our members, responded to the threat on the Farmland Preservation Area immediately becoming a Founder Member of Horse Farms Forever in June of 2018.  Chester observed the rapid growth, accomplishments, and necessity of Horse Farms Forever. When approached to join the board, Chester welcomed the opportunity to further his commitment to Ocala/Marion County, the Farmland Preservation Area, and the equestrian community.

 

It is the vision and mission of Horse Farms Forever to inspire conservation of horse farms through education, awareness and idea exchange so as to preserve natural pasture land focusing on horses and their habitats, to protect soil and water on which they depend, and minimize land use conflicts
in Marion County, Florida.

We are watchful of government and others to preserve and protect horse farms and farmland for future generations - especially in the Farmland Preservation Area. We are neither anti-growth nor anti-development; we encourage urban growth to remain inside the Urban Growth Boundary.

Horse Farms Forever® is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a charitable organization and approved as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation by the Internal Revenue Service. Horse Farms Forever® does not have a political mission. Our status as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization does not allow us to participate or intervene in political activities. The organization will neither advocate on behalf of political candidates nor advocate for the passage of legislation.

 

Questions About Membership?

Sara Fennessy, Executive Director
859-553-5510

Join or Donate Now

Watchdog Alert! RaceTrac Plans Farmland Preservation Area Invasion

Watchdog Alert! RaceTrac Plans Farmland Preservation Area Invasion

by | Jun 13, 2023 | Development Threats, News

RaceTrac has targeted land and begun discussions with the County to build a truck stop in the Farmland Preservation Area. RaceTrac is a great family business story, and their facilities are first class.  There’s nothing wrong with them or what they want to build.

What’s wrong is where they want to build it, deep inside the Farmland Preservation Area on rural land with agricultural zoning. It’s just not a compatible land use.

Wrong Location

The site is at the intersection of 329 where it meets 301/441 just before the “Y” where 301/441 split in northwest Ocala. It is right near both the North Marion High and Middle schools. You can see that the area is predominantly large, open pastures.

Incompatible Zoning

In order to approve this use, the County would have to:

  • Amend the Comprehensive Plan to change the Future Land Use from Rural to Commercial.

  • Change the zoning from Agricultural to Business.

  • Contradict the unanimously passed HFF Amendment.

Sprawl-Inducing

Truck stops depend on traffic to make a profit. Look at what grew up around a similar RaceTrac in Lithia Springs, Georgia:

  • SPRAWL!
  • Big Box Stores
  • Distribution Centers

Better Alternatives Exist

Locations with compatible zoning are plentiful. 

This is Horse Country

Ocala is the Horse Capital of the World®. There is one horse for every four people. The equine industry accounts for one-fifth of the county’s workforce, land use and economy. For Ocala, the equine industry is the bedrock of our economic strength, infrastructure, and identity; it’s like vineyards are to Napa Valley, like corn is to Iowa.

Respect and Protect 

The foundation for this equestrian mecca is the simple fact that for there to be horses, there must be horse farms. Ocala is home to thousands of horse farms and training centers, mostly concentrated in the Farmland Preservation Area. What makes the Farmland Preservation Area so special and worthy of protection?  Why was it established and what makes it unique?

Valuable Natural Resources

The answer is simple, it’s the soil and the water. The boundaries of the Farmland Preservation Area were drawn around one of the richest concentrations of number 8 soil in the country. Number 8 soil is special because it is a thin layer of nutrient rich dirt sitting atop a massive lime rock formation known as the Ocala Ridge. This almost pure limestone is full of calcium carbonate, a key ingredient in building strong bones and muscles in horses.  

Silver Springs is the largest artesian spring in the world. The Farmland Preservation Area cradles both the primary and secondary protection zones for Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs within its boundaries.

The People Have Spoken

The majority of the community agrees.  We support that statement with the results of the Quality-of-Life Survey in 2021.  The community spoke loudly when asked, “What do you think is the most important issue facing Marion County today?”

The number one answer was Preservation of Land and Natural Resources.

When asked, “Is it crucial to maintain the Marion County area and its resources to ensure that the legacy as the Horse Capital of the World™ will remain for future generations?”

90% agreed, the highest score on the survey.

The County Agrees

In addition, the majority of the commissioners agree.  We support that statement with the unanimous passage of the Horse Farms Forever Amendment in 2022.

Policy 3.3.1: Elements of Rural Character

The County shall preserve and protect rural and equestrian/agricultural character within the Rural Lands, specifically the Farmland Preservation Area, by requiring that all appropriate future development activities within this Area preserve, support, and enhance the fundamental elements of rural character set forth below, and further requiring that all Zoning Changes and Special Use Permits within the Farmland Preservation Area be consistent with and preserve, protect, support, and enhance the rural, equestrian, and farmland character of the Farmland Preservation Area.

We ask RaceTrac to recognize the role that horses, horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area play in the character and culture of this community, and to respect the integrity of the rural land in the Farmland Preservation Area.

It is the vision and mission of Horse Farms Forever to inspire conservation of horse farms through education, awareness and idea exchange so as to preserve natural pasture land focusing on horses and their habitats, to protect soil and water on which they depend, and minimize land use conflicts
in Marion County, Florida.

We are watchful of government and others to preserve and protect horse farms and farmland for future generations - especially in the Farmland Preservation Area. We are neither anti-growth nor anti-development; we encourage urban growth to remain inside the Urban Growth Boundary.

Horse Farms Forever® is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a charitable organization and approved as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation by the Internal Revenue Service. Horse Farms Forever® does not have a political mission. Our status as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization does not allow us to participate or intervene in political activities. The organization will neither advocate on behalf of political candidates nor advocate for the passage of legislation.

 

Join or Donate Now
Happy 5th Anniversary!

Happy 5th Anniversary!

by | Jun 12, 2023 | News

Five years is a sweet anniversary.

Five Years = Strength and Wisdom

This year, Horse Farms Forever is celebrating our five-year anniversary. The traditional five-year anniversary gift is wood, which symbolizes strength and wisdom. Over the past five years, we have gained strength to defend the Farmland Preservation Area and shared wisdom from local, regional and national experts about how to protect our horse farms, natural resources, and quality of life.

Strength in Numbers

We were founded in 2018 to inspire the conservation of horse farms through education, awareness and idea exchange. Horses and horse farms create the character and culture that define Marion County. Without horse farms, there are no horses. The horse farms and open spaces nurture a thriving equine industry and assure that this sense of place is protected for future generations.

Our strength as an organization is based on a solid level of support from the community. While founded by a small group of horse farm owners, HFF has now grown into a coalition that includes thousands of members and supporters. We have strong support from the business community and many of the largest landowners and developers in the county. They all recognize the importance of a thriving equine industry, which represents over one-fifth of our economy and workforce.

The Big Picture

Marion County covers about 1.1 million acres. The Farmland Preservation Area (FPA) encompasses close to 200,000 acres in the northwest. It was designated as an important area for protection by the County in 2004 because of the presence of rare and nationally significant agricultural soils that are limestone-rich and ideal for raising livestock. The FPA also contains the primary and secondary springs protection zones for Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs, which serve as the lungs for our County’s clean water.

To uphold our global brand as the Horse Capital of the World® in the face of today’s growth pressures, we must protect the land. We are not anti-growth. Rather, we are actively involved in encouraging smart growth that coexists with conservation.

Sharing Wisdom

In five years, we have firmly established a seat at the table and have a good working relationship with our Marion County Commissioners, County staff and other major stakeholders. The HFF staff members are active every day, attending countless hours of hearings, meetings and workshops.  We review every zoning, land use and special permit application for potential threats to horse farms, especially in the Farmland Preservation Area.

As Marion County grows, our mission has become even more relevant, as we work to strengthen the boundaries of the Farmland Preservation Area and the policies in the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code by working with local, regional and national experts to further preserve and protect horse farms and rural farmland, especially in the Farmland Preservation Area.

Let’s take a brief walk together through the impactful changes that HFF has made:

Coastal Connector Toll Road Stopped

In 2018, we joined other major stakeholders to stop the proposed Coastal Connector Toll Road through the heart of the FPA. In the end, the Florida Department of Transportation designated the FPA as an Avoidance Area for future toll road planning.

New FPA Signs

HFF partnered with Marion County to help highlight the FPA with the design and installation of new signage that includes the horse. We funded the printing and distribution of dozens of new signs so that the size and beauty of the area could be more clearly recognized and appreciated.

World Equestrian Center agreement

HFF reached an agreement with the WEC leadership to save 275 acres from being removed from the FPA. 

ATV Racetrack Stopped

HFF lead the charge to stop the development of an ATV park and ¼-mile drag strip in the heart of the FPA and a large area of horse farms.

Quality of Life Survey

HFF served as the catalyst for the Quality-of-Life Survey to gauge the community wide support for preserving horse farms and the FPA. Over 90% of the community designated farmland preservation as the #1 issue facing the county.

conservation summit

HFF hosts two annual events focused on protecting horse farms and the FPA, a Speaker Series in the spring and a Conservation Summit in the fall.

HFF Amendment

HFF successfully amended the Marion County Comprehensive Plan to add further protections to the FPA by more tightly defining rural character and compatible land uses.

Land Development Amendment

HFF has applied to amend the Marion County Land Development Code to add further protections from subdivision of rural parcels in the FPA.

Conservation Easements

HFF is working with the county leadership and other stakeholders to refine the Transfer of Development Rights Program to make it more effective and functional, adding further protections to the FPA with conservation easements.

Join the herd and help us as we continue to advance the Conversations about Conservation in Marion County.

May the next five years see even more progress!

It is the vision and mission of Horse Farms Forever to inspire conservation of horse farms through education, awareness and idea exchange so as to preserve natural pasture land focusing on horses and their habitats, to protect soil and water on which they depend, and minimize land use conflicts
in Marion County, Florida.

We are watchful of government and others to preserve and protect horse farms and farmland for future generations - especially in the Farmland Preservation Area. We are neither anti-growth nor anti-development; we encourage urban growth to remain inside the Urban Growth Boundary.

Horse Farms Forever® is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a charitable organization and approved as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation by the Internal Revenue Service. Horse Farms Forever® does not have a political mission. Our status as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization does not allow us to participate or intervene in political activities. The organization will neither advocate on behalf of political candidates nor advocate for the passage of legislation.

 

Join Us
Signs of Change

Signs of Change

by | Apr 25, 2023 | News

Signs of Protest

Who remembers the “Save It, Don’t Pave It” signs from 2018 that were all over Marion County when the Florida Department of Transportation was proposing a toll road through the Farmland Preservation Area? Those signs did a lot to raise awareness that organized citizens to stop the coastal connector and led to the birth of Horse Farms Forever.

Signs of Unity

Now you may have noticed that since then those signs have been replaced by Horse Farms Forever signs on fences all over the county. These signs are given to our members who choose to display them on the fences of their farms and businesses. They send an important message from our members to all who live here and to those just passing through:

  • HFF Members care about our horse farms.
  • They want horses and horse farms to continue to characterize Marion County forever.
  • Marion County has a watchdog organization (HFF) to help guide its growth in a direction that protects its open spaces.
  • Our members are proud to be a part of that mission.
  • Our members are numerous!

Much like the “neighborhood watch” signs that you see on our streets for crime prevention, the Horse Farms Forever signs make it clear that farm owners and equestrians all over the county, and particularly in the Farmland Preservation Area, are engaged in the conversation about conservation. These signs signal shared values and commitment to what makes Marion County unique and defines our quality of life. They invite your neighbors to ask questions, which gives you as a member the opportunity to help spread the word about preserving our open spaces and beautiful places in a natural and neighborly way.

Sign Up!

If you are a member at the $100 level or more and don’t have a fence sign, we welcome you to request one. A volunteer will reach out to you to set up the installation. The simple statement of a sign on your fence, added in with all the other fence signs out there around the County, sends a strong message without saying a word. We hope you’ll take us up on the offer.

Not Yet A Member?

Join us! You can request a Fence Sign on your membership form.

Join Us

It is the vision and mission of Horse Farms Forever to inspire conservation of horse farms through education, awareness and idea exchange so as to preserve natural pasture land focusing on horses and their habitats, to protect soil and water on which they depend, and minimize land use conflicts
in Marion County, Florida.

We are watchful of government and others to preserve and protect horse farms and farmland for future generations - especially in the Farmland Preservation Area. We are neither anti-growth nor anti-development; we encourage urban growth to remain inside the Urban Growth Boundary.

Horse Farms Forever® is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a charitable organization and approved as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation by the Internal Revenue Service. Horse Farms Forever® does not have a political mission. Our status as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization does not allow us to participate or intervene in political activities. The organization will neither advocate on behalf of political candidates nor advocate for the passage of legislation.