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20/20 Program Completes USDA/Div. of Forestry Grant
May 31, 2007 Press Release The Lee County Parks and Recreation Department's Conservation 20/20 program has just successfully completed a United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Grant administered through the Florida Division of Forestry. This $131,250 grant assisted Lee County with funding exotic plant control on a portion of Deep Lagoon Preserve, located north of McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers, Florida. This restoration grant was approved following the 2004 hurricane season. Deep Lagoon Preserve was negatively affected by the Category 3 Hurricane winds during Hurricane Charley. Exotic trees on the preserve were knocked over or left leaning over the adjacent waterways, creating an unsafe public situation. Other exotic plants were identified that were not known on the preserve prior to Hurricane Charley. Grant funding allowed control and two follow-up treatments of the exotic plants on 101 acres of the preserve. Native plants are rebounding nicely on the preserve now that the exotic plants have been controlled. For more information on Deep Lagoon Preserve, or a tour, please contact Laura Wewerka at 239 461-7400. |