In the late 1930s, the federal government undertook a major expansion of the Caloosahatchee River to create a straighter, wider and reliably navigable waterway. As part of that historic project, approximately seven acres of the original property became part of the widened river channel. Today, the river adjoining the preserve reaches an estimated depth of approximately 21 feet—a lasting reflection of the scale and success of that undertaking.

At the time, the government also retained an easement permitting dredged material to be deposited on portions of the property if needed for future river maintenance. However, the property has not been needed for that purpose since the original dredging project was completed.

In 2025, Congress established a process allowing affected property owners to request the release of these historic easements when the land has not been used for at least 20 years and is not anticipated to be needed during the following 20 years. We are now pursuing the statutory release of this long-unused easement—an important final step in returning the preserve to a future centered on conservation, stewardship and the protection of its remarkable natural setting.