East County Water Control District officials announced today that effective immediately, one of the walkways at the Harns Marsh Preserve will be closed to the public. Thieves in Lehigh Acres targeted a nature preserve and caused over $1,000 damage.
Taxpayers money could be spent to repair it.
The Harns Marsh Preserve is normally where bird enthusiasts and fishermen head to enjoy Mother Nature at her finest.
“It’s getting to be a very well-known birding spot it’s on several websites and people come from far to see this,” said David Lindsay, with the East County Water District.
But what people don’t come to see is vandalism.
Also last week, they had about $250 worth of gas cans, gas and other items stolen from their offices in Lehigh Acres. The suspects were captured on video but have not been apprehended.
The district plans to make an effort to, “beef up security,” Lindsay said.
“We were hoping that the actions of a few wouldn’t spoil it for many,” Lindsay said.
“Keep Out” signs now mar the area where preserve visitors were previously welcome to pass through as a shortcut. But that all stopped after some vandals were looking to make a quick buck over the weekend.
“Pulled their vehicle right up here next to the gate and came through with their tools and spent probably two hours removing railing,” Lindsay said.
Lindsay thinks the thieves may have sold them to a scrap yard. The cost to repair the damage and replace the equipment is an estimated $1,500.
Some of which could come from the county.
“Lee County funds may be used to help rebuild the infrastructure make it more vandal proof until that happens its very little chance this will reopen,” said Lindsay.
And with a portion of the marsh potentially permanently closed, Lindsay says he believes it is nature lovers who were truly robbed.
“We expect to hear from them and they’re going to be very upset and we really feel for them,” Lindsay said.