Environment
Growth and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive. Understanding how development could affect Lake Jackson, nearby wetlands, wildlife, and the iconic canopy roads is critical to making informed decisions.
What You Need to Know:
It’s in the Most Environmentally Sensitive Area in Our Community
It’s located in the Lake Jackson Aquatic Preserve, which includes Lake Jackson, Carr Lake, and Mallard Pond.
Connecting a Development to Sewer Does Not Eliminate its Environmental Impact
One of the biggest threats to water quality is stormwater runoff. Rain carrying fertilizers, pesticides, oil, and other pollutants can’t solely be contained by stormwater systems.
Water from Lake Jackson Drains into the Aquifer, Wakulla Springs and the Ochlockonee River
When Lake Jackson’s water quality is impacted, they are, too.
The Loss of Wildlife Habitat Would Be Significant
Florida Forever has identified adjacent property as a conservation priority, recognizing its importance for rare species, habitat connectivity, and protecting the natural resources surrounding Lake Jackson.
In November 2025, Planning Staff Warned Development Could Harm the Lake Jackson Basin
“The Lake Jackson Basin is one of Leon County’s most environmentally sensitive areas….the area west of Meridian Road presents heightened environmental risk even under these protective standards, especially during site clearing and construction when there is an increase potential for nutrient loading, sedimentation, and hydrologic disruption of the lake. Any expansion of the USA into this area would introduce greater potential for runoff and erosion that could challenge stormwater management systems during construction and compromise long-term waterquality objectives for the Lake Jackson Basin.”
– Status Report on the Tallahassee-Leon County Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Mobility Element Update, Nov. 18, 2025
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has already raised serious concerns about developing this area.
In a letter to the City of Tallahassee on June 16, 2025 in response to this same area being considered for a land use change to allow development they wrote:
“The proposed changes could add tens of thousands of housing units and millions of square feet of non-residential uses near the preserve, potentially degrading habitat and closed-basin lakes through nonpoint-source pollution.”
“Dense development within the sub-basins could affect water quality through increased traffic and expanded infrastructure needed to support growth.”
“Further intensive development could reduce the area’s ability to absorb runoff, leading to more frequent discharges into the lakes.”
“Establishing higher-density development near Orchard Pond Parkway/Bannerman Road and Meridian Road does not appear to be compatible with lake protection because of its proximity to Carr Lake and Mallard Pond.”
“The proposed land use changes could lead to adverse impacts on water quality and habitat in the Lake Jackson Aquatic Preserve.”
Carr Lake
The Property is Adjacent to One of Florida’s Conservation Priorities
The land proposed for annexation borders a property identified by the State of Florida as a Florida Forever conservation priority. The State chose the property because it helps connect large conservation lands, protects lakes, ponds, wetlands, and wildlife habitat, and supports Florida’s biodiversity. A portion of it is designated as a Strategic Habitat Conservation Area for wading birds and numerous rare and imperiled species associated with the area highlighting the ecological significance of this landscape beyond the boundaries of the proposed development.
Why This Matters
Wildlife and ecological systems do not recognize property lines. The fact that the proposed annexation site directly adjoins a state-designated conservation priority underscores the importance of carefully evaluating potential impacts on habitat connectivity, water resources, and sensitive species before major land use decisions are made.
Species Listed in the Florida Forever Report
Bald Eagle
Florida Black Bear
Gopher Tortoise
Sherman’s Fox Squirrel
Wading Birds
Gopher Frog
Bottom Line
Lake Jackson, Carr Lake, and the surrounding wetlands are among our community’s most valuable natural resources. The environmental consequences of developing this area deserve careful consideration before irreversible decisions are made.