10/21/26 Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee (CLASAC) Meeting

The October 21, 2026, meeting of Lee County, Florida’s Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee (CLASAC) reviewed two potential acquisitions. Nomination 675 is an approximately 43-acre mangrove island with no asking price stated. Members discussed its ecological value, limited access, minimal expected maintenance, and whether it should be acquired only if donated or offered at little cost. Staff recommended Tier 2 consideration, and the nomination was advanced for possible acquisition by majority vote; a co-owner later urged the committee to consider it a Tier 1 priority. Nomination 676 is a 10.4-acre Pine Island Flatwoods Preserve parcel listed for $995,000, with a home, well, septic system, and pond. The committee voted to advance it for Tier 2 acquisition review, subject to further due diligence and reasonable price negotiation; staff would seek demolition of the home and closure/removal of the well and septic system. The motion carried with three nay votes. Neither item represents a final purchase approval.

Staff reported that in fiscal year 2025–26 the county acquired 51.41 acres for just over $740,000, with approximately $17,252 remaining available for acquisitions. Other stewardship updates included completed restoration work, planned preserve facility and fence improvements, and removal of about 225 feral hogs from preserves. The committee also approved its August 19 minutes and nominated officers. No new procurement contract or vendor award was identified.