The Farm Shares Expanded Vision During Special Called Commissioners Meeting By Leslie Kulwik
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During a special called meeting of the Charlton County Board of Commissioners on July 7, founders of The Farm at Okefenokee, Doug Davis and Jeff Meyers, presented an updated master plan outlining the project’s future development and long-term vision for Charlton County.
The purpose of the meeting was to provide county commissioners with an update on the progress of the project and to present revised site plans that include a variety of residential, agricultural, recreational and hospitality components.
The presentation began with a video highlighting The Farm’s mission of sustainable agriculture and community development. The video also showcased the organization’s partnership with Trinity Rescue Mission in Jacksonville, Florida, a Christ-centered nonprofit dedicated to helping men, women and children overcome homelessness and addiction through emergency services and long-term transitional programs.
Davis explained that the updated plans continue to focus on creating a self-sustaining community while preserving the area’s natural resources.
Ranch and Rookery
One of the largest sections of the development, known as the Ranch and Rookery, would include a clubhouse, farm cart barns and parking areas, a mini orchard, animal pastures, bird nesting areas for migrating species, approximately 250 cabins, horse riding trails, nature trails, gardens, Hipcamp sites, a barn, Rookery Lake, ponds, picnic areas, a dog park and an observatory.
Greenhouse and Hospitality Area
Plans for the greenhouse and hospitality district include a hotel with approximately 50 to 80 rooms to accommodate an anticipated increase in tourism, particularly if the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge receives UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Additional amenities would include a swimming pool, restaurant, general store, greenhouse, barn, outdoor kitchen, community center, nurse station, assisted living facility, 27 independent living lots, fishing pond, gardens, pastureland, walking paths, a wastewater treatment plant, parking and a helicopter landing pad.
Equestrian Facilities
The proposed stables area would feature a ranch clubhouse, farm cart barn, a 46-stall horse barn, trailer and vehicle parking, cart parking, observatory, fenced ranch pasture, run-in sheds, 18 paddocks measuring 50-by-50 feet each, restrooms, tie rails, mounting blocks, a trailhead kiosk, horse trails, nature trails and a fenced dog park.
Co-op and Trinity Rescue Mission
The co-op section of the property is planned to house Trinity Rescue Mission’s local operations. Proposed features include a cannery, greenhouses, high tunnels, pig and chicken pastures, an apiary and bee yard, community gathering spaces, picnic areas, cabins, row crops, restroom and shower facilities, a lounge, community kitchen and bakery.
St. Marys Resort
Another portion of the project, referred to as the St. Marys Resort near Davis Field Airport, would include a restaurant, outdoor community kitchen, gathering space, 265 tiny cabin lots, 10 fly-in lots measuring 75-by-100 feet, an accessible discovery boardwalk, canoe and kayak launch, nature trails, an elevated pavilion connected by a suspension bridge, six tree forts, pastureland, parking and a wastewater treatment facility.
The County Administrator, Becky Harden, noted that because of the property’s proximity to the airport, all applicable Federal Aviation Administration regulations and other aviation-related requirements will need to be addressed before construction in that area can move forward. New laws take effect next year.
Self-Sufficient Community
According to Davis, The Farm is designed to remain completely self-sufficient and will not rely on Charlton County for water, sewer, garbage collection or other essential utilities. The development plans include its own water system and wastewater treatment plant, while electrical service would be provided by Okefenokee Rural Electric Membership Corporation (OREMC).
Downtown Folkston Plans
The Farm’s vision extends beyond its main property and into downtown Folkston.
Meyers said the organization hopes to renovate the building it owns at 3762 Main Street into a fresh bakery. The adjacent vacant lot could become a Saturday farmers market where local residents would have an opportunity to sell fresh fruits, vegetables and other locally produced goods.
The group is currently pursuing grants to help fund those projects.
Additionally, The Farm is exploring the possibility of converting another building it owns across Main Street, next to Folkston Pharmacy, into a training center where community members could learn how to grow and care for fruits, vegetables and other crops.
Looking Ahead
The updated master plan envisions the various phases of development taking place over the next possibly two to ten years as funding becomes available through fundraising efforts and grant opportunities.
Davis and Meyers emphasized that the proposed development would come at no cost to Charlton County taxpayers while generating significant new property tax revenue and economic activity for the county.
The Commission received the presentation and site plan updates as part of the informational meeting. Davis and Meyers stated they would continue to keep the Commission in the loop and update with other meeting when necessary.
