Preserving perfect vision

Babcock Ranch, the new town under development in Lee and Charlotte counties along State Road 31, has committed to preserve 60% of the 91,000-acre property as open space to improve water quality, create critical wildlife connections, provide public recreation access and maintain the property in perpetuity. 

It’s that commitment to leave 54,600 acres undeveloped and to restoring 50% of that acreage to its original natural state that prompted Lee County Commissioners to recently vote to discontinue discussions about a proposed acquisition of 1,519 acres in Babcock Ranch under the county’s Conservation 20/20 program.