GPICA welcomes Conservation 20/20 presentation
The Greater Pine Island Civic Association welcomed a demonstration from Conservation 20/20 coordinators, Jason Boeckman and Tyler Marzella at the monthly board meeting Tuesday night at the Elks’ Club.
Lee County’s current environmentally sensitive land acquisition program was established in 1996. To date, nearly 30,000 acres of land is protected throughout Lee County. Generally, a property owner will submit their undeveloped land to the county for consideration into the program. If the county decides to purchase the land, it becomes protected and maintained as a conservation. The mission of the program is to protect and enhance hydrologic features in the area, including wetlands, marshes, and estuaries, as well as focusing on water quality and the restoration of changing eco systems. Today, Lee County maintains 48 nature preserves.
“We like to say no matter where you live or where you visit in Lee County there’s a Conservation 20/20 nature preserve near you,” said Boeckman.
The program is currently at 605 nominations, spanning the past 20 years, of which there have been 137 successful land acquisitions. One of the most valuable acquisitions for Conservation 20/20 has been the Larry Kiker Preserve, formerly known as Edison Farms. Acquired approximately two years ago and located just east of I 75, this preserve alone counts for almost 4,000 acres of critical wetlands.
One of the most crucial aspects of this program is the maintenance of vegetation and exotic plant removal for the preservation of wildlife as invasive plants sometimes make it impossible for animals to burrow holes or forage for food. The coordinators explained that the entire staff has been certified to conduct controlled burns, or prescribed fires, which also serve to maintain the land and act as an alternative to using herbicides too often. In addition to minimizing dense vegetation, controlled fires also return much-needed nutrients to the soil, and prevent wild fires.
Local preserves are also equipped for various recreational activities, such as, hiking, kayaking, equestrian trails, fishing, and bicycling as well as providing scenic observation.
“We want you to know that these conservation lands belong to you, so come out and enjoy those spaces,” said Boeckman.
They would like the public to know they have volunteer opportunities for individuals as well as small or large groups. They always need help with refuse cluttering the preserves and hiking trails, or you can join the staff in pulling invasive, non-native plants, trail maintenance, or if you are well-versed in Florida plants and wildlife, you may consider becoming a guide for nature walks. To volunteer, email VolunteerServices@leegov.com . The Conservation Lands Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee (CLASAC) is a citizen advisory committee appointed by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners to oversee the selection and long-term management of conservation lands acquired through the program. Conservation 20/20 would like to encourage anyone interested to reach out to your representatives and let them know your thoughts and ideas.
Complete information about each preserve, including location and address, public access, and recreation opportunities is available online at www.Conservation2020.org or if you have questions about the program you can email Conservation2020@leegov.com
One recurring subject of the GPICA meetings seems to be the potentially polluted waters at Tropical Point Beach. President Scott Wilkinson said that according to Calusa Waterkeeper, the bacteria levels there were approximately nine times higher (627ppm) than what is considered a safe level (70ppm). This could pose serious health risks, as Tropical Point Beach is currently used for school field trips, where children are sometimes exposed to waist-deep water. The county has now been asked to test the water on a regular basis. Wilkinson then reported that a letter from the county in response to this situation said that that they would test the water before another school trip was made. At that point the water test performed by the county was found to be well within the confines of safe bacterial levels (10ppm). Wilkinson then voiced his concern that the general public be warned in the future if the waters were found to have unsafe levels of bacteria. He said his request has elicited no response from the county so far.
The GPICA has now partnered with Calusa Waterkeeper to match funds up to $500 to have the water tested. Wilkinson pointed out they are not in a position to take over governmental functions like this.
Another ongoing matter of great concern discusses at the meeting was whether the islands should incorporate.
On Oct. 3, the GPICA filed a Letter of Intent to incorporate with the County Commission. Civic still favors incorporation of Pine Island Center, Matlacha, Matlacha Isles, St. James City, Pineland, and Bokeelia, despite criticism from the Matlacha Civic Association, whose board is opposed to incorporation. There will be a meeting next month with the Matlacha Civic Association Board to determine the best way to proceed for all areas involved.
“Hope-fully we can come together, get to know each other, and listen very carefully to opinions that we might disagree with, in order to come away with a better understanding between our two groups,” said Helen Fox, of the GPICA.
If the matter goes forward, there will be two votes on the issue of incorporation. The first would be a non-binding referendum called a “straw poll” approved by Lee County Commissioners. This would be done in an attempt to gauge the temperature of the people within the Greater Pine Island Community. Assuming a positive return, at that point local representatives could take the matter to the State Legislature for consideration and then to the governor, which would allow the issue to be placed on the ballot. This vote would be only for those registered voters whose primary residence is within the proposed corporate boundaries.
If anyone would like to see source documentation on this the GPICA has them posted on its website, gpica.org, under “Incorporation Documents.”
You can also email any questions to info@GPICA.org