Hillsborough County, Fla. (May 23, 2025) - Hillsborough County is asking for residents' input on the draft Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve Management Plan.
The County updates its management and land use plan for the preserve every 10 years. Each time the plan is updated, the public is invited to review and comment on the management of natural habitats and recreational resources on the preserve.
The Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve encompasses 4,933 acres within the Alafia River watershed, about 5 miles southeast of Riverview. There are 11 separate habitats within the preserve, including some of the largest intact and contiguous patches of scrub and scrubby flatwoods remaining in Hillsborough County. Most of these natural communities are relatively undisturbed and support a diverse array of native plant and animal species, including Florida golden aster, indigo snakes, and gopher tortoises.
The County also will hold a public meeting on the plan at 6 p.m. June 24 at Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview, FL 33569.
Public Engagement Opportunity
The County will conduct a virtual engagement using the Hillsborough Engagement & Education Hub to collect feedback from the public on the Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve Management Plan. Comment for the plan is open from May 24 to June 24. Visit HCFL.gov/HCEngage to participate.