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Hillsborough commissioners approve Cone Ranch panel

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By MIKE SALINERO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 3, 2009

TAMPA - The future of the 12,000-acre Cone Ranch near Plant City is now largely in the hands of a seven-member panel approved unanimously today by the Hillsborough County Commission.

The panel was originally selected to vet a controversial proposal by local investors to sell the ranch in 2,000-acres parcels. The land would be sold with conservation protections, leaving 800 acres for a public park or preserve.

But commissioners broadened the scope of the committee Wednesday, asking members for recommendations on who should own the ranch if they determine the investors' proposal is not sound.

The land is owned by the county water department, which operates like a separate business and must be paid fair market value.

Environmentalists want the land purchased through the county's Environmental Land Acquisition and Protection Program. Voters in November approved up to $200 million in bonds to buy land and protect it from development.

"This group is environmentally astute and will ask the tough questions," said commission chairman Ken Hagan, who originally recommended forming the group. "But I want to make it clear we're not asking them just to comment on this proposal … we also want them to look at the best manner to protect and preserve this land."

The committee will hold its first meeting June 29. The members are: Rosanne Clementi, president, Southeast Environmental Solutions Inc.; Denise Layne, director, Coalition 4 Responsible Growth; Vivienne Handy, principal ecologist, Quest Biology; Felix Haynes, president and chief executive officer, Hillsborough Community College, Plant City Campus; Heidi McCree, former executive director, Hillsborough River Greenways Task Force; Pamela Jo Hatley, attorney; Hugh Gramling, executive director, Tampa Bay Wholesale Growers.

Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303.

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