Understanding Use of Public Lands

The landscape in South Florida is both beautiful and fragile.  We are all responsible for preserving and protecting our waterways and lands in the Acme Improvement District and the western portion of Palm Beach County.

Lakes, rivers, canals, reservoirs, and the lands that border these waterways play important roles in our water management system. They help reduce flooding, improve water quality, and recharge aquifers.

Unauthorized Areas: Use of ATV/Off-Road Vehicles, etc., on all canal right-of-ways, roadways, public lands unless otherwise stated, and unauthorized use on private lands is prohibited. Watercrafts with combustible motors are prohibited in Acme canals and lakes. Public lands are areas owned by a federal/state agency or any political subdivision of the state.

Violation of Florida Statutes will result in penalties. Penalties range from warnings and fines to confiscation of property, formal charges, and jail time. For more information, review the Florida Statutes or contact your local Sheriff’s office.

Enforceable laws include, but are not limited to:

ATV Statute……………………………….316.2074

Trespass on Property…………………………810.09

Littering/Illegal Dumping………………….403.413

Damaging Works of the District…………….298.66

Damage to Public Lands…………………….375.14

Breaking or Injuring Fences …………………810.115

Posted Land, Removing Notices Unlawful……810.10

 ATVs

Where can I legally ride ATVs, etc.? On private property you own or have permission to access, or in designated parks. Consult www.myfwc.com for management areas where all ATV/Off-Road Vehicle use is permitted.

Why can’t I ride along canals, waterways, or wetlands? These areas play an important role in keeping our local area free from flooding, helping improve water quality, and allowing Acme to recharge aquifers. Any disruption to these areas could cause community-wide issues.

What am I allowed to do on Acme property? Unless otherwise posted, individuals may fish in canals and lakes, walk in preserves, and boat in Acme canals/lakes as long as the vessel used does not have a combustible motor.

I have always used ATVs, etc., on public land. Why is it an issue now? Riding has always been an illegal action that has been patrolled. There has been an increase in ATV, etc., activity, which has led to the increased enforcement effort.

Boats

Are all boats prohibited in area lakes, canals, etc.?  Kayaks, canoes, and other paddle-craft, as well as all electric-powered vessels, are allowed in Acme’s waterways unless otherwise posted. For rules and regulations on the use of state and federal waterways, please refer to each agency directly.

Why are boats with combustible engines prohibited?  All vessels with combustible engines are prohibited in Acme’s waterways because these engines can leak gas and oil, polluting our waterways. In addition, the high speeds of these vessels can also cause erosion and damage to native vegetation and habitat.

Electric boats are permitted on Wellington waterways. There is no limit on the amount of power the electric engine puts out. However, the code requires all boats to maintain “no wake” speeds, which is about 5 knots, on Wellington waterways. You can find additional information regarding watercrafts on Wellington's waterways by reading Wellington's Code of Ordinances. 

Is fishing allowed in Acme’s waterways? Fishing is permitted in Acme’s waterways unless otherwise posted, but you must hold the appropriate state licenses. Do not climb on or tamper with Acme’s property– gates, structures, etc. Keep in mind that motorized vehicles are not allowed on right-of-ways.

Trash Disposal

Littering/Illegal Dumping is always a concern.  Please visit the Village of Wellington website for information.

View Wellington’s Garbage Guide to learn more about routes, schedules, and recycling.

Additional information and links are available at Wellington’s Solid Waste website. 

Hazardous Waste

For information retarding hazardous waste guidelines and drop-off locations, visit the Village of Wellington's Hazardous Waste page.  

Hunting 

Hunting is not permitted in the ACME Improvement District (a dependent special district), which is subject to Wellington's Code of Ordinances for Parks and Recreation.  Specifically, Chapter 38 states:

Sec. 38-66. - Animals.

(a)No person shall molest, harm, frighten, kill, net, trap, snare, hunt, chase, shoot or throw or propel, by any means, missiles at any wildlife creature, be it animal, bird, or reptile roaming free about a park or in captivity in a zoo cage, nor shall any person remove or possess the young of any wild animal, or the nest or eggs of any reptile or bird, or collect, remove, possess, give away, sell or offer to sell, buy or offer to buy, or accept as a gift any specimen, dead or alive, of any of the group of tree snails.