Former Scouts are fighting a proposed sale of 604 acres at the Sand Hill Scout Reservation in Spring Hill, Florida. The reservation has served as a destination for camping, hiking, and Scout activities in Hernando County for generations.

Rezoning Application

A rezoning application under review would affect nearly half of the 1,300-acre Sand Hill Reservation. The application would rezone the land from recreational use to a planned development district, but it has not been announced what would ultimately be built on the property.

Former Scouts and members of the Save Sand Hill Scout Reservation group say they attended a public meeting expecting to discuss a 52-acre rezoning request, but were surprised to learn the proposal involves 604 acres. They argue that residents deserve more transparency about the proposal and worry that continued land sales could permanently change the camp’s future.

History of the Reservation

Sand Hill Scout Reservation was donated to the Scouts in 1978 by former landowner Larry Die Polder. According to former Scouts, Die Polder’s will stated that if the organization no longer wanted the property, it should become a county park. However, supporters say a discrepancy between the wording of the will and the property’s deed later gave the Scouts the legal ability to sell the land.

The proposal comes about a year after Scouting America approved the sale of 51 acres at the northwest corner of the reservation to the Withlacoochee Electric Cooperative.

Next Steps

The rezoning application will first be reviewed by the state before going to the Hernando County Commission for a final vote.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.