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Conservation Foundation Purchases 230 Acres for Preserve on Pine Island

03/06/2009 -

Sarasota Conservation Foundation Acquires 230 Acres
to Create a new Public Park on the Gulf Coast

OSPREY, FL- Sarasota Conservation Foundation’s founder and president, Albert Joerger, announced the acquisition of 230 acres on Pine Island to create a park. Sarasota Conservation Foundation is a non-profit land trust dedicated to protecting the Gulf Coast’s bays, beaches and barrier Islands. The Foundation purchased the property March 6 with the help of a $6.3 million grant from Florida Forever and private donations of $5.15 million. “Pine Island Preserve at Matlacha Pass exemplifies the future of conservation and public recreation in Southwest Florida,” explained Joerger, “as a testament to the power of partnership between a private nonprofit organization, a generous landowner, and public entities.”

“This project will offer many amenities but first the property will need to be permitted through Lee County and we still need to raise $2.4 million for the improvements”, said Joerger. According to plans, the park will include an elevated interpretive nature trail, a wildlife viewing platform, a canoe and kayak launch, a covered picnic pavilion, a lake with a shoreline path, a fishing pier, restrooms, open space for community festivals and events, a bike rack and parking. Invasive plants are now being removed and planting native species will significantly enhance habitat for wildlife. The elevated interpretive nature trail will help to educate Florida natives, newer residents and tourists about the natural ecology of the Gulf Coast and encourage greater understanding of the significance of native habitat. Sarasota Conservation Foundation believes that education and access to natural spaces are critical to ensuring that future generations remain connected to the environment.

“This property is located on Stringfellow Road right in the 100 year floodplain” explained Joerger who also serves as a governing board member of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, “so conserving it will help reduce risks to property and will enhance the filtering functions of the floodplain.” Mr. Joerger has worked extensively in sustainable coastal development and land conservation “Sarasota Conservation Foundation is not anti-development”, Joerger explained, “But as a land trust we can offer property owners alternatives that may create personal tax advantages and benefits for the community. That was what opened the door for discussions about the Pine Island property.”

This 230 acre purchase is the largest in the Foundation’s five year history. “We wake up every morning committed to creating an emerald necklace of open spaces along the coast”, said Joerger and this property is strategically located to serve the residents and visitors of Lee, Charlotte and Sarasota counties now and forever”.