| 16 May 2008
Matlacha Aquatic Preserve shore side developer removes old trailers, takes out 38 septic tanks and builds berm and hard seawall on a canal behind mature mangroves to protect them
Habitat Reclamation in Matlacha: Sets a New Standard for Developers
IMAGINE...Florida developed with the intention to reveal the land's native character rather than slice it into look-alike cookies. .....developments that contribute to the future of Florida Fishing, not in mitigation banking, but in real habitat preservation and reclamation.
Never happen? Take a look at Porpoise Point, a project underway in Matlacha a small fishing community that connects to Pine Island on the shore of Matlacha Aquatic Preserve, 30 minutes from Ft. Myers, where Bob Gleason, an experienced developer, and an avid angler, has gone the extra mile to accomplish something unusual. Deeply appreciative of the productivity of the Matlacha Aquatic Preserve and the Pine Island Sound from a fisherman's point of view, Bob researched and planned this residential project with the aim to assure 'Snook for the future'.
Acquiring the land more than 5 years ago, Bob's first step was to research the history of the place. He was curious about the finger canals that had been dug more than 40 years ago, and had been littered with discarded appliances, trash and septic effluent. He made contact with Pine Island Historical Society and studied photographs of the original appearance of the land before 38 small mobile homes were parked on it back then.
Porpoise Point in Matlacha is an Eco friendly Accomplishment
Removed 38 leaking septic tanks and trailers from the waterfront property
Substituted a sewer system sufficient to serve the projected 20 single family residences.
Preserved existing coastline features including mangroves, oyster bed and seagrass beds
Built a buffer wall to protect the mangrove coastline from intrusion.
Instead of the allowed 78 docks, will build a single dock per canal-side residence.
A single dock will serve the bay side residents, passing high over a sea grass bed in the Aquatic Preserve and terminating in deeper water where up to 10 boats can be secured.
A buffer wall now protects mangroves in the coastal margin on canals dug 40 years ago and preserved instead of being refilled.
In the course of relating with the Historical Society, Gleason sought their input on building design and landscaping, and ultimately modified proposed home layouts based on their recommendations. Now the new structures would fit in with historic atmosphere of the small town of Matlacha. Making sure he was versed in the code requirements of the County and the South Florida Water Management District, Gleason balanced these with suggestions of the Historical Society. Gleason also sought input from the Snook Foundation. Snook Foundation member scientists guided Gleason to include additional native plants along the berm protecting the mangrove and oyster shoreline, and to maintain or create a slope in the banks of the finger canals he has cleaned up. These steps, and others taken to protect water quality, will help sustain or recreate a natural refuge for juvenile snook, whose essential nursery habitat has often been 'paved over' by less informed developers.
A berm now protects the downward slope shore side of the Matlacha Aquatic Preserve from runoff and pollution. On the downward slope native plants recommended by Snook Foundation Scientists were planted
"I think that most people who love fishing, if they think about it, understand that it's everyones interest to protect and restore natural inshore habitat. Saltwater fishing generates billions of dollars for local economies and keeps our citizens sane. If we undermine the source of gamefish by destroying inshore creeks we'll all suffer in the long run," said Bob in a recent interview.
"Because of the research, groundwork and preparation necessary to reclaim such a property, it would be more profitable to create a larger development - but not as satisfying." Reducing the density on this property just seemed like the right thing to do, he said, explaining his motivation for not filling in the finger canals to increase buildable land, which was an option. To learn more about Porpoise Point and to talk with Bob Gleason, Contact Coast Land & Homes 239-549-3733.
The Snook Foundation has put it's stamp of approval on Porpoise Point. We hope to see more developments with the future in mind. Let us Know about similar projects.
