Gov. Rick Scott was in Naples Monday to tout his eighth and final budget, one that includes $1.7 billion for environmental programs.
“This funding includes historic investments in our iconic springs, world-renowned Everglades, award-winning state parks and beautiful beaches, which is especially important following impacts by Hurricane Irma,” Scott said. “I am also proud to be recommending $100 million to preserve and protect our natural lands, including $50 million for Florida Forever. Our natural treasures are so important to Florida’s economy and tourism industry and the many families that rely on them.”
Category: Environment
Future Of Bonita – Estero Trail: Act Now!
ACT NOW TO PROTECT FUTURE FUNDING OF THE BONITA-ESTERO TRAIL
What’s at Stake:
The inclusion of the Seminole Gulf Railroad “Bonita-Estero Trail” among priority trails in the upcoming five year plan.
What You Can Do:
Customize and submit your comments on the planning documents using our links below.
When:
Between now and December 15, 2017
What:
Background documents are available here.The Bonita-Estero Trail (Seminole Gulf Railroad (SGLR) ROW), which is supposed by the MPO and has been a priority trail in the past, has been dropped from the maps, which would make funds less available. As envisaged, the Bonita–Estero Trail will provide transformational benefits to the Southwest Florida area; including quality of life and health improvements, high quality economic development and low impact tourism.
Complete the form below to send a message to the State regarding this important. You may amend the message as you see fit.
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White House: No Flood Insurance For New Homes in High-Risk Zones
WASHINGTON – Oct. 6, 2017 – The Trump administration proposed and end to federal flood insurance for new homes built in high-risk flood areas – a change that could curtail new construction in parts of Florida.
Home builders warned that the plan could stifle the economy and strongly opposed the idea. On the opposite side of the debate, climate activists praised it, suggesting it would put less people in harm’s way…
This could impact the construction of new developments in the near future.
Read the Full Article…
Estero – Lee County Commissioners approve purchase of Edison Farms conservation land
A great victory for protection of the environment in Lee County, and particularly Estero!
The Lee Board of County Commissioners (September 19, 2017) voted unanimously to purchase about 4,000 acres in southeast Lee County – commonly known as Edison Farms – as a Conservation 20/20 preservation site.
The $42.4 million purchase ranks as the largest single parcel approved by the Board since the purchase of Bob Janes Preserve, which is 5,620 acres.
The acquisition of the Edison Farms parcel would:
- Protect a significant, diverse population of wildlife and plant communities.
- Assist with the distribution of freshwater flows in a natural wetland slough system and adjacent uplands that are part of the headwaters to Estero Bay, the state’s first aquatic preserve.
- Help sustain the region’s groundwater levels, a vital component to the area’s drinking water supply.
- Provide flood relief by facilitating the restoration of historic flow-ways in the region.
- Provide opportunities for nature-based recreation in the southern part of Lee County.
The Edison Farms purchase is expected to close by the end of the calendar year.
Conservation 20/20, which has preserved more than 25,000 acres since its inception, is Lee County’s environmental acquisition and management program. Preservation lands help the county protect drinking water, provide nature-based recreational opportunities, protect areas from flooding and provide wildlife habitat.
View Real Estate For Sale in Estero…