FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 6, 2015
STATE
CLOSES ON CONSERVATION LAND PURCHASE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
~669
acres acquired within the Charlotte Harbor Flatwoods Florida Forever Project~
TALLAHASSEE – This week, the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, in collaboration with The Trust for Public Land,
acquired 669 acres of conservation lands within the Charlotte Harbor
Flatwoods Florida Forever project located northwest of Fort Myers for $3.15
million.
The
Charlotte Harbor Flatwoods project protects the largest and highest-quality
slash-pine flatwoods in southwest Florida and connects to the Babcock-Webb
Wildlife Management Area. This purchase of the Bond Ranch parcel abuts a
portion of the Florida Department of Transportation widening project for Interstate 75.
FDOT provided $1.4 million toward the acquisition.
“Adding this land to Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area will create
innovative stormwater treatment along the interstate, reducing wetlands impacts
and improving water quality in the Caloosahatchee Estuary,” said DEP Secretary
Jon Steverson. “State ownership and management of this parcel will result in
safe, self-sustaining habitat for wildlife in this area.”
"It
was a privilege to work with the members of the Charlotte Harbor Flatwoods
Initiative who supported the protection of this important property to help with
the restoration of the natural water flow in the area," said Brenda
McClymonds, senior project manager with The Trust for Public Land. “Protecting
Bond Ranch also improves public access to the Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management
Area for fishing, hiking, and biking."
Until recently, the
Bond Ranch was an operating cattle ranch. The property will be
managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission providing
additional hiking and hunting opportunities for Floridians and visitors. This
acquisition will provide hydrologic and habitat restoration.
Additionally, Cape Coral residents will see an increase in groundwater levels,
as well as supply in the drinking water reservoir.
FDOT District One Secretary
Billy Hattaway said, “FDOT is proud to participate in creating an innovative
and win-win outcome for the taxpayers of Florida through the contribution of
$1.4 million in funds toward the purchase of the Bond Ranch parcel. This
purchase, which was done as part of the permitting process, allows the
department to 6-lane one of the last 4-lane segments of I-75, reduce our long
term maintenance costs, acquire important conservation lands, and facilitate
improvements to the hydrology within the Charlotte Harbor Flatwoods.”
The Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund approved
the acquisition on Jan. 13, 2015, at the Cabinet meeting in Tallahassee,
Florida.
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