By Staff Report, Herald Tribune
CHARLOTTE COUNTY – The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast has finalized the purchase of eight acres adjacent to Don Pedro State Park for $2.7 million.
The nonprofit said the landowner worked with the organization for three years on a partnership, Christine P. Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation, said. “It is our hope to now resell the property to the state of Florida as an addition to Don Pedro Island State Park, protecting the park’s natural beauty and enhancing recreation opportunities for all to enjoy.”
Don Pedro Island State Park, composed of a mainland section and an island section, is part of a barrier island system protecting the Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve, which flows into Charlotte Harbor.
The newly conserved eight acres are on the south boundary of the mainland section. The land could have been developed with more than 80 condominium units, but instead, now buffers the park from residential development and improves park officials’ ability to manage the adjoining uplands with essential prescribed fires.
Conserving this land also supports the preservation of rare, intact barrier island habitat and integral mainland shoreline habitat for many imperiled species, including gopher tortoise, indigo snake, snowy plover, and roseate tern, advocates said.
The property is primarily uplands with a small wetland. Improved management will eliminate invasive species and prevent their spread into Don Pedro Island State Park. Additionally, the property contains eight boat slips on a protected canal, which, if purchased by the state, will enhance the park’s recreation amenities, including kayaking access to the secluded island portion of the park.
The Osprey-based Conservation Foundation purchases natural areas, holds voluntary land protection agreements, and educates for responsible land and water stewardship in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties.