State officials just approved the Bonita Estero Rail Trail for Florida’s conservation program. The 11.4-mile stretch cuts through Lee and Collier counties, marking a big win for local outdoor spaces.
“Thanks to the Acquisition and Restoration Council, the addition of BERT to the Strategic Managed Area Lands List Florida Forever Project provides the opportunity to tap into an important funding source toward realizing this community-transforming project,” said Doug Hattaway, southeast region conservation director for TPL, to WGCU.
The Trust for Public Land negotiated a purchase agreement with Seminole Gulf Railway to turn unused tracks into public space. Local governments stepped up with money to back the purchase, showing strong support across the region…