The Lee Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday voted to approve the purchase of about 10 acres in St. James City on Pine Island, contiguous to the Pine Island Flatwoods Preserve.

The parcel consists of native pine flatwoods, mangrove forest and natural wetlands. It also is contiguous to Calusa Land Trust conservation land. The Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee (CLASAC) previously voted unanimously to recommend the purchase and the Board voted Sept. 15, 2020, to pursue the purchase. The purchase agreement is for $30,000.

There are currently 31,060 acres within Conservation 20/20, Lee County’s land acquisition and management program. Conservation lands help the county protect drinking water, enhance water quality, provide nature-based recreational opportunities, protect areas from flooding and provide wildlife habitat.

For more information, visit www.Conservation2020.org.