The River
With the Estero River at the heart of this project, the plan is designed to incorporate several specific features that will restore and preserve this important natural resource.
Ensuring Public Access
Plans for Estero on the River include creation of a 50-foot vegetated buffer along the River instead of the minimum 25-foot buffer required by Lee County. The buffer is on both sides of the River to ensure sensitivity to site conditions and protection of natural resources. The area will be improved by removing exotic vegetation and reintroducing native plants.
Discussions are underway in pursuit of a public/private partnership with Lee County Parks and Recreation to develop a Greenway in Estero on the River, adding to the Blueway of which the River is already a part. The site plan is currently being examined for the potential of connecting open spaces along the River from Sandy Lane to the Koreshan State Park. Traveling along the Riverwalk has long been planned as a part of Estero on the River and fits neatly with the project’s goal to enhance recreational opportunities for public enjoyment.
Protecting Water Resources
Estero on the River is designed to meet and/or exceed water quality requirements established by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). There are design requirements to provide water quality storage and treatment of stormwater run-off, which are administered/regulated by the SFWMD through the Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) process.
In addition to providing the normal water quality treatment volume, Estero on the River will also be required to provide an additional 50% above and beyond the standard requirement, as the Estero River drains to Estero Bay, which is an Outstanding Florida Water. The site will also be limited in the rate at which stormwater will be allowed to discharge off-site. The property will discharge stormwater to the Estero River, no different than the property does today. All of these design issues will be regulated and monitored by the SFWMD.
For more information please contact us at: info@EsteroOnTheRiver.com