Fog on the Caloosahatchee from the east side of Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve. PHOTO BY BARNEY BONTECOU

The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to authorize the purchase of about 12 acres on southern shore of the Caloosahatchee River in east Fort Myers for the Conservation 20/20 land acquisition program.

The land is on the west end of Bigelow Road west of Marina Park Drive in Olga.

The Conservation 20/20 Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee (CLASAC) voted unanimously to support this nomination. Lee County’s Conservation 20/20 program includes more than 31,500 acres and 52 preserves.

In other action Tuesday, the board awarded a contract to Stokes Marine, Inc. in the amount of $540,570 to provide construction services for improvements to Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve East.

Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve East is a popular spot for visitors, hikers and bicyclists. Its East River Loop Trail is currently underused due to tidal water, which reaches 6 to 12 inches in depth. The project includes an elevated boardwalk that will allow visitors to access the trail leading to the Caloosahatchee River. An observation/fishing tower will also be built on the edge of the river to provide fishing access and scenic views of the river and mangrove islands. The river cannot currently be accessed due to vegetation blocking the area.

This planned and budgeted project will be funded by the Tourist Development Tax, a tax on short-term lodging, through the Beach and Shoreline Program.

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Source: Lee County Government