By: Katrina Salokar | East Lee County News
In a landmark victory for conservation and community advocacy, Lee County Commissioners voted unanimously on April 1, 2025, to purchase 129.56 acres of ecologically significant land in Buckingham for $10.5 million. This acquisition, part of the county’s Conservation 20/20 program, marks the culmination of a 30-year grassroots effort led by the Buckingham Community Association to preserve the area’s rural character and natural habitats.
A Longstanding Fight for Preservation
The land, located southeast of Orange River Boulevard and Staley Road, had been under threat from development proposals aiming to construct over 250 homes. Residents expressed concerns about potential impacts on wildlife, increased flooding, and the loss of the community’s rural essence.
The area includes critical ecosystems like mesic hammock, pine flatwoods, and basin swamps, which provide habitat for bears, panthers, eagles, and many other species.
Don Blackburn, who initiated the Buckingham Community Rural Preserve in 1990, emphasized the community’s long-standing commitment:
“We want to keep the integrity intact, and that’s why we fight so hard to keep that.”
Conservation 20/20: Protecting Lee County’s Natural Heritage
Established in 1996 and reaffirmed by 84% of voters in 2016, Conservation 20/20 is Lee County’s initiative to acquire and manage environmentally sensitive lands. To date, the program has protected over 30,000 acres, safeguarding water resources, wildlife habitats, and recreational spaces for future generations.
The Buckingham parcel underwent a thorough review by the Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee (CLASAC). Despite the purchase price exceeding the highest appraisal by $390,000, County Land Director Robert Clemens justified the investment due to the property’s high ecological value and the urgency of conservation.
Community Voices: Reflections on a Hard-Won Victory
- Don Blackburn:
“I still can’t believe it happened because it’s been something in the works for 35 years, and I’m just very pleased about it—so happy.” - Nancy Hutto:
“There’s not many rural areas around Fort Myers anymore. East Lee County and Alva are pretty much it.” - Terri Lodge:
“There are bear tracks here, panthers, and eagles. It is a big, important piece of property to Buckingham.”
Looking Ahead: Stewardship and Community Engagement
Now that the land is under county ownership, it will be integrated into the broader network of preserves managed by the Conservation 20/20 program. Stewardship strategies are expected to include:
- Habitat restoration
- Passive recreation (like hiking and birdwatching)
- Ongoing ecological monitoring
This acquisition is not just a win for Buckingham—it sets a precedent for future conservation efforts across Lee County.
The success of the Buckingham Community Association is a powerful example of how sustained civic engagement can shape local policy and protect natural resources for generations to come.
For more information on the Conservation 20/20 program and upcoming public meetings, visit:
🌐 www.leegov.com/parks/conservation2020
