News Release – For Immediate Release

City of Sanibel

June 22, 2007

Contact:  James Evans, Natural Resources Department

                   (239) 472-3700

1,300 STREET TREES TO BE

PLANTED ON SANIBEL –

EXPECT MINOR TRAFFIC DELAYS

On July 5, 2007, the City of Sanibel will begin the second phase of plantings to restore vegetation along the Periwinkle Way Corridor.  The second phase includes planting 1,300 additional trees along Periwinkle Way, from Dunlop Road to Palm Ridge Road, parts of Donax Road, Tarpon Bay Road and Island Inn Road.  The work is scheduled to be complete by August 1, 2007.

“This project is only possible due to the dedicated and generous efforts of Sanibel Beautification, Inc. and City Council’s clear direction to City staff to aggressively pursue grants that improve our community,” stated City Manager Judie Zimomra. 

The second phase of plantings is being funded in part by $163,000 in funds contributed by Sanibel Beautification, Inc. and a grant in the amount of $375,000 from the Florida Department of Forestry.  Over ninety-five percent of the trees planted in 2006 as part of phase one of this project have survived with a mortality rate of less than five percent. 

The City has contracted with Southern Traditions Landscaping, Inc. to plant trees along this portion of the restoration area.  The City’s Natural Resources Department will supervise the plantings and the Public Works Department will oversee and coordinate the utility and drainage aspects of the project.

This work is being done pursuant to the Periwinkle Way Corridor Restoration Master Plan, approved by City Council.  Upon completion of the second phase, over 3000 trees will have been planted along the Periwinkle Corridor and contiguous roadways.  The entire restoration area is approximately 3 miles long from the intersection at Lindgren Boulevard to the intersection at Tarpon Bay Road.  Also included are Palm Ridge Road and a half-mile segment of Tarpon Bay Road.  This year, Island Inn Road, which leads to Sanibel Gardens and the Bailey Tract and was utilized to process all Hurricane Charley vegetative waste, will also be planted with canopy trees.

Minor disruptions in traffic flow are anticipated during the Phase Two plantings.  Every effort will be made to maintain access to all residences and businesses at all times.  If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact the City’s Department of Natural Resources at 472-3700.

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