WELCOME TO THE ISLAND!
Among the reasons you bought in this natural island paradise are the beauty of the natural vegetation and the wonderful wildlife that shares its habitat with us all. With just a little thought and care, a great deal of that vegetation and habitat can be saved, protected, relocated if necessary, to everybody’s advantage.
Among the reasons you bought in this natural island paradise are the beauty of the natural vegetation and the wonderful wildlife that shares its habitat with us all. With just a little thought and care, a great deal of that vegetation and habitat can be saved, protected, relocated if necessary, to everybody’s advantage.
BEFORE YOU BUILD, please take a few simple, environmentally responsible steps.
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Your Vacant Lot:
Inventory first Find out what’s on your lot, what should and could be preserved and what has to be removed. Transplant next Transplanting is a great idea! Precious native vegetation, like Sabal palms, can be moved on your own lot to a “buffer zone.” Truth be told, moving a tree a few feet or to another lot actually costs less than tearing it down and getting rid of it. And replacing one tree can cost a thousand dollars. So, before you level the land and tear down the trees, tell your contractor you want to protect and save vegetation and habitat. Set Buffer Zones Set aside as much perimeter green space area as you can. It conserves water and energy, creates corridors for wildlife, filters nutrients from runoff, and provides privacy for you. Leave natural vegetation along the shoreline alone. This stabilizes our island shores and helps keep the water clean and vital. Clear Responsibly There are clearer/landscapers who know how. Native trees can be removed in minutes, but require a lifetime to replace. When possible, wait. Remove invasive and noxious species, like Brazilian Peppers and Australian Pines, first. For building ideas, see FloridaGreenBuilding.org. For native plants and nurseries, see PlantRealFlorida.org. Your Waterfront
How about building an environmentally friendly boat dock? Did you know you could? And it may enhance your property values … be longer lasting … and best of all, help you protect the waters your family enjoys! The Problem The most common dock pilings are constructed of marine treated lumber (pressure treated wood). This wood is impregnated with a mixture of copper, chromium and arsenic (CCA)—heavy metals toxic to many forms of marine life, and contaminating to the aquatic food web. The Alternatives To decrease pollution sources, consider using alternative materials, such as concrete, plastic and recycled plastic. Compared to marine treated lumber, these materials have relatively low toxicity and last longer. And plastic has the added advantages of encouraging the use of recycled material and reducing the waste stream. Another method is to use an impermeable, flexible PVC sleeve around existing pilings. These should extend from 6” below the “mud line” to several inches above the seasonal high water line. Choosing a Deck Decks can be constructed of plastic, fiberglass grid or mesh, and even concrete. All have their advantages. Plastic decking needs no maintenance and lasts much longer than wood. It does need appropriate treads to avoid a slip or fall. Fiberglass grid or mesh material allows light penetration through the deck, thereby encouraging growth of seagrasses. Concrete floating docks are long lasting, virtually maintenance free, and encourage growth of important marine organisms. Another enhancement is to elevate the access piers five feet above the mean high water line—to allow more light to the habitats below. For more information, call The Florida Department of Environmental Protection / Environmental Resource Permitting Section in Punta Gorda at 941.743.1201 Working Together: There are a number of builders, developers, Realtors, landscapers and designers that work on our islands who share our goals and commitments. |
Before you mess with the mangroves... 
Black mangrove roots
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