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Smart Growth An exploding population in southwest Florida has resulted in unprecedented increases in development. The Gulf Coast area is nearly built-out and now growth is headed inland --- toward our region’s last remaining open spaces and more fragile ecosystems.
Inappropriate development in areas has major consequences on our wildlife, our water and our quality of life.
The Conservancy believes that growth and preservation of our natural resources can work together. We endorse the use of strong planning tools and that comprehensive plans are in place so development is handled in a responsible, sustainable manner.
Members of the Conservancy environmental policy team work to ensure planning documents are created and used appropriately in each of the five counties in our region. Each county has a Growth Management Plan and Future Land Use Maps. When new development, re-zones or land use changes are proposed, we will investigate its compliance with current regulations and convey our position to the appropriate stakeholders, developers, community members and decision makers to preserve our quality of life.
Regional Focus
County Initiatives
As the inland counties of the southwest Florida region are beginning to feel the pressures of development and growth, the Conservancy is working to establish relationships with stakeholders and decision-makers to develop and support sustainable and comprehensive growth plans. Read more
Environmentally Sensitive Lands
Rural Lands
Over one million acres of land are threatened with development in eastern Collier County rural lands and inland counties. Read more
Babcock Ranch
When the historic Babcock Ranch was sold to a private developer, the Conservancy helped negotiate the protection of more than 80% of the sensitive lands. Read more
Eastern Collier Growth Management
Collier County adopted a Rural Lands Stewardship Area program as part of its growth management plan in 2002. Now in its five year review, the plan needs to be strengthened. Read more
South Lee County Growth
Find out how Lee County is managing a 96,000-acres of uplands, wetlands, and environmentally sensitive areas that limits development to 1 to 10 housing units per acre. Read more
Town of Big Cypress
The Town of Big Cypress is a proposed a small town development in an area in eastern Collier County in the heart of primary panther habitat. Read more
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