http://www.newszap.com/articles/2007/09/05/fl/labelle/cb04.txt
|
|
By Patty Brant, Caloosa Belle
Supporters of putting in a nature park on 176 acres across the river are
looking to form a coalition to help make their dream a reality. Ultimately,
they hope to make it part of connecting environmental corridor with greenways
and waterways. They have approached Florida Rep. Denise Grimsley
with their request for support as well.
Preliminary drawings show the south side of the park would be the main part
to be “developed.” The property is situated along the north bank of the river.
The northern portion, on the other side of the established access road to Riverbend Estates, would remain more or less in wilderness.
That portion could be used as mitigation areas and to relocate gopher turtles
and other species.
Access is a big issue for Riverbend Estates
residents, who maintain the private road that originally was thought would
serve the park as well. However, an easement has been identified south of the
established road. That easement may serve as access to the park, negating the
need for the general public to use Riverbend’s access
road.
A buffer zone is included in the preliminary plan at the north side of the
“developed” park area, running along the Riverbend
access road. On the north side of the access road there is another natural
buffer, allowing the natural view along the road to remain intact.
The south side of the park tentatively includes a butterfly garden, gravel
parking area, interpretive area, park lawn and created marsh. A fishing pier and kayak beach are planned along the
riverbank.
There are significant areas where exotic species will have to be removed,
but several areas, particularly on the west side, still harbor large numbers of
native species.
There is also a considerable amount of spoil from previous river dredging
that would have to be removed. Its sale could provide some revenue for the
project. Two “unique features” on the east side are noted on the map, but have
yet to be specifically identified.
The park would be for passive recreation only - hiking, birding, fishing,
kayaking and the like.
Activist Craig Bartoshuk points out that not much
riverfront is left for public use, making the salvage of this piece of “old
The City of
Riverbend Estates residents have listened to the
arguments in support of the park. Riverbend Estates
Homeowners Association President Steve Nesbit said most residents are keeping
an open mind about having a nature park at their doorstep, but some are
adamantly opposed.
Bijaya “B.J.” Kattel, Ph.D, Senior Recreation Planner for SFWMD,
has noted that the city would be responsible for developing a park but that
SFWMD may help with exotic species control. He said this was a great
opportunity and an excellent working group is in place to help, but also that
he understands residents concerns.
Department of Forestry’s Senior Forester Mike Weston reiterated that active
involvement will be needed in such a project and his organization could help by
keeping the vegetation under control from a wildfire standpoint.
LaBelle Mayor Paul Puletti
joined Riverbend Estates residents in their concern
about security, saying a caretaker would have to be on premises.
At this point, there are probably more questions and obstacles to the
proposed park than there are answers. As Mayor Puletti
put it, “Everything is up in the air.”