On April 27, seize the opportunity to make sure that the future of Collier County is  brighter than that looming on the horizon. A huge area of 45,000 acres (the size of Washington, D.C., or two Fort Lauderdales) in eastern Collier County is vulnerable to intensive development. If these lands are developed as currently planned, this county of approximately 370,000 full-time residents could add more than 300,000 residents in multiple new towns and villages. Consider what additional mining and thousands of sprawling, five-acre homesites could mean for the future of our drinking water, wildlife, daily commute and rural heritage.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida needs help to make sure that the development is done right. To fully understand the environmental issues involved and the impact of present Rural Land Stewardship Area (RLSA) plans, watch April Olson, senior environmental planning specialist, speak at a RLSA workshop (Conservancy.org/our-work/policy/eastern-collier-county) and visit Conservancy.org/our-work/policy/rural-lands-stewardship-area for complete details of what is at stake in the future of these 300 square miles of ecologically sensitive and agricultural lands. 

Attend the Apr. 27, 9 a.m. Board of County Commissioners meeting on the third floor of the administration building at 3299 Tamiami Tr. E., Ste. 303. Call April Olson at 239-262-0304 to find out how to help