Phosphate Strip Mining

The Internet Edition- Vol. 1 Issue 20

Lemon Bay Conservancy, Inc.
Post Office Box 508
Englewood, Florida 34295-0508
www.lemonbayconservancy.org

May 24, 2005
Dear Editor:

The Lemon Bay Conservancy, Inc., a not-for-profit 501c3 land trust organization, is facing a very steep challenge relative to preserving ~80 acres of wilderness land that abuts Buck Creek as it flows into Lemon Bay, and Route 775, on the north side of Cape Haze. This property is home to nesting eagles, gopher tortoise and a host of other endangered or endearing wildlife.

It is also a property that once under protection and well managed conservation, with walking trails and

a kayak/canoe launch site, will provide the public with abundant opportunities to learn more about the natural wonders of old Florida.

While we have written what should be a very successful grant that calls for 100% funding with Florida Communities Trust (or FCT), we are now being required to have 10% of the purchase value of the property set aside in an investment account, the earnings of which are to be used to provide for the maintenance of the property. This means that we need to raise $660,000.00 for this purpose, immediately.

We must meet this challenge directly. Succeeding in saving this particular piece of coastal Florida, lying so very close to the Boca Grande community, will greatly impact on preserving

habitat for wildlife, while lessening density that impacts on road usage and congestion on the Cape Haze peninsula. We appeal then to your readers and ask for their aid in helping us raise the $660,000 needed in the coming weeks.

Once preserved forever, this Buck Creek parcel will impact significantly in preserving the natural value that already accrues to property owners lying between Gasparilla Island and the to be named Buck Creek Preserve. We remain hopeful that your readers will collectively agree, and pull together so as to further assure that our preservation project succeeds. Many thanks.

Best regards,

N. Perry Cook
Executive Director

On February 21st of this year my husband, Stephen D. Watkins, was diagnosed with cancer. It was a rapidly growing cancer that started in his colon and by April 2nd it took his life. Initially we were told that he had six months to a year to live, but it turned out to be less than six weeks (41-days). He was 59 years old.

My purpose in writing this note is to thank the many good people of Boca Grande who were so kind and compassionate during this most difficult of times. To Misty Nabers, the Executive Director of the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association (GICIA), I extend a special thank you. There are just the two of us in the GICIA office and she took on a great deal of extra work for most of the 7+ weeks that I was mostly out of the office during my husband’s illness and afterward. Her patience, generosity of spirit and moral support helped immensely and I am deeply appreciative.

To the members of the GICIA’s Board of Directors who volunteered their time to help with mailings, answer phones, and assist in any way possible, I extend another big thank you. They too were kind, supportive, and gave generously of their time to help out during this crisis.

And, I send another heartfelt thank you to all the folks who sent cards, flowers, and/or made gifts to Suncoast Humane Society. This outpouring of love, kindness and concern for me and my family demonstrated the true heart of this special community and its endearing ways. The cream rises to the top, but this community and its members are the crème de la crème. Thank you all, you are the best.

With affection and respect,
Sarah D. Watkins
GICIA Development Director

Note: Steve wanted me to remind everyone that if you are over 50, you should ask your doctor about having an annual colonoscopy. It was one of his last requests. It could save your life.

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