Submitted by: Katrina Salokar
Commissioners to Vote on Conservation 20/20 Purchase Agreement for Land in East Fort Myers-Buckingham
The Lee County Commission will vote on Tuesday, April 1st, at 9:30 AM at 2120 Main Street to approve a 129.56-acre land purchase near the Buckingham Community Preserve through the Conservation 20/20 Program. This land offers water quality benefits, wildlife habitat, and ecological connectivity, making it a vital addition to our protected natural spaces.
Overview of the Proposed Purchase
The Lee County Commission will vote on approving a $10.5 million land purchase in East Fort Myers under the Conservation 20/20 Program. The 129.56-acre property, located near the Buckingham Community Preserve, plays a critical role in regional conservation efforts, including water quality benefits and ecological connectivity.
The purchase price exceeds the highest appraisal by $390,000, yet justification includes the property’s conservation value and strong community support. The acquisition requires approval from at least four commissioners and includes $30,000 in closing costs. Funding will be drawn from the Conservation 20/20 Capital Improvement Fund, requiring a budget transfer.
The Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee (CLASAC) reviewed the proposal and endorsed the purchase in a nearly unanimous vote.
Balancing Land Acquisition and Fiscal Responsibility
The financial aspect of the purchase has raised questions about fiscal responsibility. While $10.5 million is a significant investment, the cost must be weighed against the long-term benefits of conservation.
Commissioner Brian Hamman addressed this concern in a recent Facebook post:
“Would you support a purchase like this, knowing it’s slightly above appraisal but helps protect more of our natural spaces for the future?”
Paying slightly above the appraised value for conservation land is not uncommon, especially when securing land that holds long-term ecological and community benefits. The advisory panel’s strong support suggests that this is a sound investment in environmental preservation.
When considering the purchase, it’s essential to clarify the reference point—assessed values are often lower than actual market values, and the lowest appraisal may not fully reflect the property’s worth.
The Cost of Not Acquiring the Land
Beyond the immediate financial debate, it’s crucial to consider the long-term implications of not acquiring this land. Could future prices rise, making conservation efforts more expensive or unattainable? Would rejecting this purchase compromise broader environmental goals? Fiscal responsibility is essential, but any decision to oppose the purchase should be based on comprehensive data rather than rhetoric.
Expert Justification and Advisory Committee Support
At the March 19, 2025, Conservation 20/20 Advisory Committee meeting, County Land Director Robert Clemens explained:
“Because of the high quality of the parcel, and a time adjustment of when the high appraisal came in at $10,100,000, Lee County Government staff is recommending that a negotiated purchase price of $10,500,000 is appropriate.”
The CLASAC vote was overwhelmingly in favor of the purchase, further reinforcing the value of this acquisition. However, final approval requires a supermajority vote from the Board of Commissioners (4 out of 5 members).
While the purchase price is slightly above appraisal, the ecological, community, and long-term conservation benefits appear to justify the investment. The decision ultimately comes down to whether commissioners prioritize fiscal caution over expanding protected lands for future generations.
Commissioner Brian Hamman’s post garnered 177 replies, mainly favoring the purchase. Sunday, March 30th at 2:59 PM, he posted: “Hey everyone, thanks for jumping into the discussion. This looks like a win for our county. I put this out there because I genuinely wanted your take; it’s your community and your money, and these decisions hit home for all of us. I’m really grateful for everyone who brought intelligent, respectful thoughts to the table. Appreciate you taking the time. Have a great rest of your weekend!” said Commissioner Hamman.
About the Lee County Conservation 20/20 Program
The Conservation 20/20 program is a county-funded initiative in Lee County, supported by taxpayer dollars through the general fund. Established in 1996 and reaffirmed by 84% of voters in 2016, its purpose is to acquire and protect land for recreation, wildlife habitat, water quality, and flood protection.
A citizen advisory committee (CLASAC), created by the Board of County Commissioners, oversees the Program, meeting monthly to review land acquisitions and stewardship plans. Since its inception, the program has purchased over 30,000 acres for conservation.
Governed by Ordinance 15-08, which amends previous regulations, the program undergoes an annual review to assess its funding, acquisition strategies, and management practices.
