Pine Island

Pine Island Preserve at Matlacha Pass exemplifies the future of conservation and public recreation in southwest Florida. Pine Island Preserve is a testament to the power of partnership between a private conservation organization, a generous landowner, and public entities sharing the same goal of land conservation and environmental preservation. The project will result in the protection of a total of 230 acres of conserved lands and the creation of a public park and outdoor recreation resource.

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, (formerly Sarasota Conservation Foundation), purchased Pine Island Preserve in part with a $6.6 million grant from the Florida Communities Trust. The compelling conservation values of the land, combined with the Foundation’s visionary plans for the property, helped the group win this competitive funding. The project received broad support from a diverse coalition of the area’s opinion leaders and decision makers.

Located on Stringfellow Road on Pine Island, Florida, the preserve is contiguous or in close proximity to other protected lands, including Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve, Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge, Charlotte Harbor Buffer State Park and Little Pine Island Wildlife Refuge. Pine Island Preserve will provide public water access to over 1,500 miles of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. In addition, the Preserve is adjacent to the Pine Island-Hendry Trail on Lee County’s Greenway Master Plan. By protecting important wildlife habitat, Pine Island Preserve will enhance the Greater Charlotte Harbor Ecological Corridor.

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and the people of Pine Island and Lee County have high hopes and ambitious plans for the property. Pine Island Preserve will be a gathering place where future generations can experience nature and enjoy outdoor recreation. Once complete, it will offer access to existing green ways and blue ways and help preserve a way of life. The westerly portion of the Property, previously used for row crop and cattle grazing, will be maintained in an ecologically sensitive way while functioning as a public park. The shoreline is lined with approximately 500 feet of tidal mangrove habitat which provides habitat for wildlife including endangered wading birds. The wetland portion of the site contains salterns and both mangrove swamp and scrub mangrove areas. Native plants will be restored to enhance the ecological function of the property. This increased function includes nesting and foraging habitat for many species of animals including gopher tortoises and bald eagles, which are found at the project site.

The wetland portion of the 207 acres will include amenities such as an elevated interpretive nature trail, a wildlife viewing platform, kayak/canoe launch and native wetland plant projects. Interpretive signage will allow the public to utilize the trail to learn about the unique characteristics of the native habitats. The upland areas will include picnic tables, a picnic pavilion with restrooms, fishing pier, parking and a native upland plant project to further enhance this important property.

This acquisition will provide a public resource that will help individuals by creating public water access, protecting open space, and recreational opportunities. The Property is strategically located to serve people today and our children and their children in the future.

LOCATION: 2.5 miles south of Pine Island Road Bridge on Stringfellow Road

ACREAGE: approx. 230 acres

CONTIGIOUS PROJECTS: Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve, Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge, Charlotte Harbor Buffer State Park and Little Pine Island Wildlife Refuge. Adjacent to the 16.4 mile long Stringfellow Trial.

BENEFITS:

Public access for non-motorized watercraft to Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve
Preservation of wetlands, uplands, plant and wildlife habitat
Access to 1500 miles Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail
Will be a boost to local hospitality and outdoor recreation industries, providing opportunities for Lee County hotels and their guests, outdoor guides and recreation outfitters

Provides additional attraction for tourists and residents on Pine Island
Public park and special events will draw visitors from neighboring communities
Will help Lee County meet their Comprehensive Plan objectives for public water access, open space and recreational opportunities Will provide stormwater treatment of water flowing off Stringfellow Road
Will enhance a degraded natural area, restoration of natural hydrology and removal of non-native vegetation
Adjacent to the Pine Island-Hendry Trail which is System Ill of Lee County’s Greenway Master PlanWill enhance the Greater Charlotte Harbor Ecological Corridor

PROTECTED ANIMALS: gopher tortoises, bald eagles

PLANT HABITAT: Mangrove Swamp, Scrub Mangrove, Pine Flatwoods

PLANNED AMENITIES: Public canoe/kayak launch, picnic pavilion, tables, wildlife observation platform, restrooms, parking, bocce courts, interpretive nature trail, identification signs and waterfront kiosk.