A unanimously vote by the Criteria and Ranking Subcommittee of the Conservation 20/20 Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee Tuesday afternoon was in favor of pushing Lehigh Spring through Lee County’s Conservation 20/20 process. There will be a final meeting on 5:00 p.m. on June 14 before the full Conservation 20/20 committee.
There was more than 20 Lehigh Acres residents as well as two archeologists came out to the committee meeting wearing T-shirts saying “Lehigh Spring”.
Subcommittee Chairman Cullum Hasty was very enthusiastic to preserve the property but other board members had questions on how to properly maintain the land after purchase.
During the meeting the following residents were quoted to say:
Ruth Anglickis “This is old Florida which includes one of the oldest Oak Hammock’s in the state”
Edd Weiner “This could be a focal point”
Jerre Carrick “This is a diamond in the rough”
Damon Shelor “We have tried retain green areas in Lehigh”
Annette Snapp, Director of the Southwest Region at the Florida Public Archeology Network said, “This can become a heritage tourism focus, which plays a big role in the economy of our state.”
The Lehigh Spring is over 200-feet deep is covered by an oak hammock which could hold substantial archeological significance.
This is the second time in two years that Lehigh Spring owner Ken O’Leary has submitted an application for consideration of the land in the 20/20 plan.
Commissioner Ray Judah called for the support of the purchase of Lehigh Spring. Also Commissioner Mann is the record in supporting the acquisition of this property.
I own a condo in Fairways I. I am thrilled. What a treasure to have so near by. Since the spring has been around for several thousand years, I am sure if nothing else, leaving the area in it’s “natural” state would suffice.