TAMPA, Fla — A recent ecological assessment of the University of South Florida's nature preserve has found a majority of the plot of land is unsuitable for development. Earlier this year, the university had been hearing offers from developers despite opposition from both students and staff.
The land survey found the most suitable portion of the forest preserve to develop on was the golf course. However, other sections of the 769-acre preserve will prove to be more tricky.
Researchers found the preserve contained several wetland habitats, making it harder to receive a permit to build on. There were also several animals, like gopher tortoises, who would have to be relocated if certain areas were developed. However, the study found those areas could also be used as a wetlands mitigation bank – developers could buy parcels of the land to offset any wetlands destruction in areas they develop.
The report also found the largest section of the preserve, which was labeled as "Area 2", could also be bought by conservation programs. That's something Hillsborough County has offered to do.
Apartments, hotels, retail stores and office spaces could steamroll the preserve if USF goes through with a request it sent out in April. The university was opening up discussions on how to use the parcel of land for commercial use in order to generate revenue.
The preserve contains federally protected wetlands and is home to many threatened or endangered plants and animals, according to the university's own website. It also acts as a research facility and outdoor classroom for teachers and students.
The university's interim president Rhea Law put a pause on discussions of developing the site as she awaited the results of this week's study. The next step now will be for an advisory committee to present its recommendation to the university's president.
