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Mangroves have long been misunderstood and underappreciated in southwest Florida. In fact, less than
50 years ago they were considered "useless swamps" with high-rise condominiums, marinas and other
waterfront development replacing them as quickly as was possible.
Much of Collier County's coast was claimed by development in the years leading up to the designation
of the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The grass roots movement to "save Rookery Bay"
for future generations resulted in nearly 40% of the county’s coastal lands and waters being purchased
by the state and preserved. Because these locations are remote and/or difficult to access, there was a
strong community interest in seeing their tax dollars spent on property people could physically enjoy.
This was the case of the northwest corner of Collier Boulevard (S.R. 951) and Isles of Capri Road. In the
1980s the owners of this 10-acre property on Johnson Bay proposed to build a hotel with a 50-slip marina.
For various reasons the plans fell through ultimately resulting in their sale of the property to the State
of Florida. Despite the garbage dump that was later discovered there, the site had the potential to offer
much more to the community.
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Volunteers helped plant mangrove seedlings as part of the site restoration
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Mangroves and surrounding coastal waters are the lifeblood of the Collier County community, providing
important nesting and resting areas for birds, excellent fishing grounds, and miles of mangrove-fringing
waterways just begging to be explored. This year, staff at Rookery Bay Reserve made the waterways around
Johnson and McIlvane Bays more accessible to the community in a way that is very compatible with the
environment.
After years of planning and a lengthy search for state and federal funding, a restoration plan was devised,
permits issued, clean-up performed, and now infrastructure is being installed for the new Isles of Capri
Paddlecraft Park. Florida DEP/Rookery Bay Reserve, land owners and park developers, will sub-lease the new
park to Collier County Parks & Recreation who will be responsible for the park’s management. The facility
will feature a ramp for non-motorized vessels, picnic pavilions, and rest rooms which will also be
accessible by pedestrians from the 951 county boat ramp across Collier Boulevard. The new park will provide
numerous opportunities for non-motorized vessels including (but not limited to) kayaks, canoes and
paddleboards, to access quiet backwaters in the reserve. It is expected to open for public use in January.
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2012 State of Florida