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Grand Opening, Pine Island Flatwoods Preserve
Apr 27, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHAT: Grand Opening, Pine Island Flatwoods Preserve WHEN: Thursday, May 5, 1 p.m. WHERE: 6201 Stringfellow Road, Pine Island PARKING: There is NO PARKING at the site (and please DO NOT park along side of road and walk to ceremony). Park at the VFW Hall, 8150 Stringfellow (south of Pine Island Center near Courtney Rd.), and catch the FREE SHUTTLE BUS. MASTER OF CEREMONIES: District Commissioner Bob Janes BACKGROUND: Pine Island Flatwoods Preserve..The preserve and its 685 acres encompasses five parcels of land purchased (through the Conservation 20/20 Program and Calusa Land Trust) in 2001, 2003 and 2005 from 5 different landowners. Lee County purchased the last of the 5 parcels on March 21, 2005 and that was a critically important acquisition because this slash/longleaf pine forest represents one of the last natural pine uplands on Pine Island. The 685 acre preserve cost $5,938,400 and the Calusa Land Trust contributed $10,000 each (total $20,000) on two of the five parcels acquired. This is the first 20/20 preserve with public use facilities. Parks and Recreation has created public access to the preserve by adding a parking area and hiking trail in the first parcel purchased in 2001. All 20/20 preserves are open to the public but are in an undeveloped state..no restrooms, trails or parking. This beautiful preserve is home to many animals including gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, bald eagles and many other 'critters.' On the west side of the preserve, there are isolated salt flats that are frequented by wading birds and shorebirds. The park's plant community includes pine flatwoods, saltern flats, coastal hammock, a mangrove swamp and the rare beautiful pawpaw plant as well as many other more common species. Pine flatwoods offer wonderful hiking and wildlife observation opportunities on the marked nature trail. Special Thanks----Pine Island artist Babs Green volunteered her time in creating the artwork for the interpretive sign at the entrance to the park. Brenda Anderson, with the Calusa Land Trust, helped to scout out the footprint of the nature trail. Phil Buchanan, as a former member of Calusa Land Trust, played a major role in nominating the five parcels to the 20/20 program and provided the necessary background and pertinent information for CLASAC's review.and finally thanks to everyone - government, private sector, groups, property owners and individuals -- who shared in the 'heavy lifting' to make this preserve a reality. Conservation 20/20..The Lee County Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Program (usually referred to as "Conservation 20/20" ) is a Lee County government land conservation program. The purpose of the program is to buy and restore natural areas critical to unique flora ( plants ) and fauna ( animals ), conserve and enhance important water resources and provide increased recreational opportunities for the public. The program is funded by a special tax approved by voters in a 1996 referendum. Citizens voted to increase their property taxes by up to 0.5 mills to protect environmentally critical lands. The program generates more than $20 million annually. In 1997, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners created the 15 member Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee ( CLASAC ) to oversee the program. So far, the program, with recommendations by CLASAC and approval by the Lee County Commissioners, has preserved almost 11,500 acres of conservation lands for future generations. |