If we do not act within the next 6 months, this land is at high risk of being lost to development. The 204 acres are currently platted for approximately 1,281 housing units. Development would fragment the habitat and degrade the land we have already worked so hard to conserve. Once the land is developed, we can’t get it back. To date, we have prevented 1,039 acres from being developed. However, these 204 acres are a vital part of the ecosystem and habitats that surround the Preserve. Every acre matters and its development affects the entire Island. The impact from this development is vast and include:
- Decreased water quality to the wetlands and bay due to run-off pollution from cars (oil and gas leaks) and homes (pesticides and herbicides)
- Reduced flood retention from increased concrete and impervious surface
- Increased flooding during rain and storm events
- Disruption and displacement of wildlife due to light and noise pollution disturbing their way of life
- Elimination of many homes for wildlife that will not move and thus will die during the grading, leveling, and paving of the land.
