The river is naturally tannic. What is tannic?
Tea-colored, brought about by decomposing leaves and other organic matter staining the water due to our relatively warm water conditions. As Lee reaches a saturation point, large-scale developments are planned inland in Hendry and Glades. There is also unprecedented development along the riverfront. In downtown Fort Myers alone, urban revitalization projects are submitted without water quality components, and may drain directly into the river. How will these affect the river? There are too many new residential developments to even keep a list! The area is among the fastest growing in the US and our Watershed is under great stress from development. The City of Ft Myer has recently approved 27 high-rises and some are stalled in the permit process due to stormwater concerns. Many citrus groves in rural counties are in the process of conversion to subdivisions. Others in the watershed include the Babcock Ranch (50,000 units on 17,000 acres) and Paradise Preserve, two developments that prop
