Conservation 20 / 20 Southwest Florida attracts visitors of every size and shape From our two legged variety to our four legged friends. And many * that use a more advanced form of transportation The challenge, as in most popular destinations, is to strike a harmonious balance between wildlife and humans.

SW Florida Region Conservation Lands Charlotte 25% Collier 66% Glades 18% Hendry 13% Lee 16% Sarasota 27% REGIONAL AVERAGE 28% STATE AVERAGE

NOVEMBER 1996 REFERENDUM

1996 PASSED In Favor  OFFICIAL BALLOT ITEM CONSERVATION 20/20 REFERENDUM TO ACQUIRE AND MANAGE LANDS CRITICAL TO LEE COUNTY ENVIRONMENT 1996 In 1996, a referendum was added to the ballot asking Lee County residents if they would be willing to tax themselves up to a 1/2 mil annually for seven years with the sole intent of purchasing conservation lands. * The referendum passed with a majority of Lee County citizens voting to approve the Conservation 2020 Referendum. PASSED  In Favor

WHAT ARE CONSERVATION LANDS?

Conservation Lands Wetlands Uplands * Southwest Florida’s habitat can be divided into two main categories. * Mangrove and cypress forests as well as salt and freshwater marshes make up wetlands. * Slash pine forests, oak hammocks and palmetto fields are examples of our native uplands. Each has an important role in sustaining the natural habitat critical to the survival of our wildlife as well as our populace.

Selection Criteria Contiguity Size Ease of Management Wildlife habitat Water quality/flood control/recharge Public use potential

20/20 All lands will be restored * Because there is so much land that is no longer pristine, * it’s important to remember Conservation 2020 lands may not be in the most desirable state when purchased, like this field of invasive brazilian pepper. * But, this same land after restoration management, offers valuable habitat.

20/20 Resource based Recreation * * Finally – Sharing Florida’s beauty with natural wildlife is one of the many advantages of living in southwest Florida. Potential for outdoor recreation has been tremendously important in considering Conservation 2020 purchases. * Although no boardwalks have been built or kayaks launched yet, plans are set for providing some of the most beautiful nature preserve parks with public access in Florida.

The Players CLASAC BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PARKS AND RECREATION County Lands CLASAC *The selection and acquisition of Conservation 2020 lands is handled by * the Division of County Lands. * Each purchase is carefully considered by the Conservation Land Acquisition & Stewardship Advisory Committee – (or CLASAC), a 15 member group of citizen volunteers selected by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners. CLASAC reviews all criteria and makes recommendations to the commissioners for purchase of the land. *County Commissioners review the data compiled and presented by CLASAC and approve land purchases. * Once land is approved and purchased, the Department of Parks and Recreation handles restoration and management of the properties. Because precious little pristine land is still available in Lee County, at times, massive land management projects are undertaken to restore lands to their natural state. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PARKS AND RECREATION

PROGRESS Status Number of Properties Acres Acquired 94 20,531 Under Contract 5 1,962 On Hold 15 2,183

20/20 90% 10% Financial Distribution Restoration Acquisition * It is important to understand that * 90% of all Ad Valorem Tax revenues go directly for land acquisition * The other 10% is set aside for land management and restoration. The money allocated for land management includes site improvements such as controlled burns, exotic plant removal, building canoe and kayak launch sites and creating trail systems for public access. 90% 10%

CHALLENGES Funding Land Stewardship Public Support is Critical Renewed Annually Buyers Market Land Stewardship Perpetual Vast increases can happen quickly Public Support is Critical Issues of Fairness and Equity Public perception is Everything

Thank you! 20/20 Conservation www.conservation2020.org THANK YOU. I would be pleased to answer any questions. www.conservation2020.org