Improvements to Conservation 20/20 Web site announced

COURTESY PHOTO Catesby's Lily, Yellow Fever Creek Preserve Conservation 20/20 staff and Lee County Parks and Recreation have announced updates to a Web site that will help residents, newcomers and tourists learn more about the Conservation 20/20 Program and navigate the 34 preserves currently under C20/20 stewardship.

Among the improvements to www.conservation2020. org are:

Detailed information about each Preserve, including wildlife and plant lists, location information, adjustable map and interactive directions.

Clear concise information about the acquisition program, how to nominate your land to the C20/20 program and historical records of previous nominations.

Direct access to completed and draft Land Stewardship Plans and the ability to submit your public comments electronically through the website.

Information about resource-based recreation, stewardship activities, invasive species and prescribed fire.

"Having information readily available for the public, other agencies and ourselves is vital to efficiently answer questions about the program and effectively preserve and protect our natural environment" said Cathy Olson, Senior Supervisor, Conservation 20/20.

The concept of Conservation 20/20 started in 1994 when a group of concerned Lee County citizens noted the increasing rate of development and lack of protection for the natural environment. Quickly the group rallied and petitioned the Lee County Board of County Commissioners and by 1996 Lee County citizens voted in a self-imposed tax to acquire lands to preserve. Over ten years later, the Conservation 20/20 Program incorporates 34 preserves throughout Lee County and over 18,500 acres.

The C20/20 Program is a willing seller program whereby land owners nominate their own land to be acquired. The acquisition process has several stages where the property is reviewed for its viability to be included in the program and finally recommendations for acquisition are given to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval. For more details about the acquisition process visit the web site www. conservation2020.org where you'll also find all the information and forms you need to nominate your own property.

For more information on the C20/20 Program, visit the Web site or contact Peter De Witt, Conservation 20/20 Land Stewardship Coordinator, at (239) 461-7436 or pdewitt@leegov.com