FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 11, 2003
CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither, (850) 245-2862
Pineland Acquisition Preserves Link To
Florida's Past
-- Rich remains from earlier times
protected --
LEE COUNTY – Another link to Florida’s historical
past was preserved today with the addition of nearly seven acres
to the Pineland Site Complex Florida Forever project
through a perpetual conservation easement. Florida invested
$250,000 to add the 6.83-acre parcel to the conservation area.
“In today’s rapidly developing world, it is important to
safeguard Florida's connection to the past,” said Department
of Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs. “By
using conservation easements, we are opening a window into the
State's history and protecting land for Florida’s future.”
The Pineland Site Complex preserves historical remains dating
back almost 2,000 years and provides visitors and researchers
the opportunity to explore the lives of ancient inhabitants.
Occupied by the Calusa Indians for more than a thousand years,
the 213-acre site contains organic remains in burial and midden
grounds. The acquisition also protects sensitive habitats
including red and black mangrove swamps and a natural land link
to the Charlotte Harbor State Reserve.
Conservation easements allow the State to acquire certain
property rights and protect land from development while allowing
the property owner to continue to use it. Provisions for the
conservation easements restrict new construction, mining and
excavation, commercial timber harvesting and detrimental uses to
the retention of land or water areas. Previous owners retain the
right to limited resource-based recreation, prescribed burns and
the continued use of on-site structures.
The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program
established by Governor Bush conserves environmentally sensitive
land, restores water resources and preserves important cultural
and historical resources.
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