The Incentive Programs
The County's Incentive Programs were created to provide a countywide approach
for the removal of prohibited invasive non-native vegetation around specified
ULDC natural
areas.
.
Two of these plans allow for financial assistance to qualified parcel owners
with the removal of the nine prohibited species on the portions of their property
located within the 500-foot buffer of a designated natural area. Another program
aids owners in the removal of two invasive species of vines regardless of the
property's proximity to a natural area. A fourth program aids municipalities
and other public agencies with the removal of all nine prohibited plant species
from their public properties in the County.
Programs for properties within 500-foot buffer of natural areas only
Australian pine and Melaleuca Removal Incentive
The County will provide free removal of Australian pine and Melaleuca trees on all qualified and unimproved parcels located within the 500-foot buffer areas, with permission from the property owner. The County works in the buffer zones of several natural areas each year. Qualified parcel owners will be notified by mail and through public meetings about their eligibility.
Benefits of participating
- The removal of Melaleuca and Australian pine potentially reduces storm damage hazards to property and people.
- The removal of Melaleuca and Australian pine trees allows for the return of native plant species.
- The removal of Melaleuca trees can help reduce the possible risk of allergic reactions to the aromatic oils in this tree.
Cost Share Incentive
The Cost Share Incentive Program assists qualified parcel owners, within the 500-foot buffer zones, with the cost of removing the other seven prohibited plant species at a maximum cost of $500 to the parcel owners. The cost to the property owner is dependent upon the square feet of canopy cover and diameter of the tree trunks (refer to Table 1). The County works in the buffer zones of several natural areas each year. Qualified parcel owners will be notified by mail and through public meetings about their eligibility.
Benefits of participating
- The County will pay the majority of the cost.
- The removal of certain plants, like Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, and Melaleuca can reduce possible health hazards.
- The removal of the nine prohibited plant species promotes ecological health and bio-diversity (allows you to plant a wider variety of plants).
Table 1
| Canopy Area Removed (Sq. Ft.) |
Homeowner's Cost |
| 1-499 |
$100 |
| 500-999 |
$200 |
| 1000-1499 |
$300 |
| 1500-1999 |
$400 |
| 2000+ |
$500 |
To find out if your property is a qualified parcel, go to EASI. Instructions for use.
Programs for properties countywide
Invasive Vine Strike Force
The Invasive Vine Strike Force is a Countywide program targeting the removal of these non-native invasive vines, old-world and Japanese climbing ferns and air potato. These vines have adverse impacts on native ecosystems and threaten our natural areas by invading and disrupting native plant communities. The County's Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM) has developed an Invasive Vine Strike Force that will eradicate old-world and Japanese climbing ferns and air potato vines on public as well as private parcels in Palm Beach County. Interested landowners should complete and return the "License and Right of Entry" form attached to the Invasive Vine Strike Force brochure or contact ERM at (561) 233-2400; ask for Vegetation Management in order to schedule an inspection of the property.
Public Lands Grant Program
The Public Lands Grant Program was developed by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, implemented by ERM, to assist municipalities and other public organizations with the eradication of nine non-native, prohitibed invasive plant species from public parcels in Palm Beach County. Targeted species include Brazilian pepper, Melaleuca, Australian pine, Schefflera, carrotwood, old-world and Japanese climbing ferns, kudzu, air potato, and earleaf acacia. The County will appropriate up to $400,000/ fiscal year for a minimum 50/50 matching-grant program on a reimbursement basis, with a $50,000 maximum for each individual project. Qualified applicants must meet minimum criteria in order to qualify for a public lands grant.
The grant application submittal process is typically from April-May per calendar year. An application package will be available for download at this site during the submittal time period. Contact ERM/Vegetation Management at (561) 233-2400 for details on the application process.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION SUBMITTAL FOR THE 2007 GRANT CYCLE IS 5:00 P.M. ON MAY 29, 2007
Below is a link to the 2007 Public Lands Grant Program Application Form in Adobe PDF format. If you have any questions concerning the program, please contact Matthew King at (561) 233-2421.
Coastal Resources