LCEC – Lee County Electric Cooperative

Electric utility work to affect portions of North Fort Myers preserve trail

Released by Lee County Parks & Recreation

Fort Myers, FL, May 30, 2013 — Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) will be conducting work on an easement through Prairie Pines Preserve in North Fort Myers that may restrict access to portions of the 18-mile trail system from now through this summer.

Equestrians, hikers and bird watchers should check www.Conservation2020.org or the Conservation 20/20 Facebook site before visiting the 2,654-acre preserve, which is managed by Lee County Parks & Recreation. Due to the nature of LCEC’s work, the access point from the parking area to the preserves’ larger trail system may open and close intermittently.

Power lines will be installed adjacent to an existing easement – an old railroad bed – that runs north-south through the preserve. The infrastructure will include concrete pads and poles and conductor for the transmission lines. Some trees and shrubs will be removed. However, project designers were able to utilize the existing driving access areas and locations void of vegetation that was provided by the old railroad line. Impact to the cleared area and wetland will be greatly reduced. 

“Currently tree chipping equipment and other heavy equipment is present – and that may decrease the peaceful nature experience for equestrians with horses more used to tranquil rides,” said Laura Greeno, a Conservation 20/20 land stewardship coordinator. Those using the preserve should maintain safe distances when machinery is in use.

The project is timed to coincide with the wet season, which typically leads to lower use of the preserve. Project work is not expected to occur on weekends, when more park patrons are present but it is possible that crews may work on Saturdays in order to keep the project on schedule.

Visit www.Conservation2020.org or www.lcec.net.

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