The Southwest Florida Water Management District paid tribute to former Governing Board member Edward W. Chance today by renaming the Gilley Creek and Coker Prairie tracts the Edward W. Chance Preserve.
Chance, who passed away in June, served on the District’s Governing Board and as the co-chair ex-officio of the Manasota Basin Board from 2000 to 2006.
“Throughout his life, Ed worked to make the world a better place,” said Jerry Rice, Governing Board chair. “During his time with the water management district, he focused on the protection of watersheds, especially in areas vital to water supply, and recognized the role the District’s land acquisition program in that process.”
The District purchased the tracts, which are located in eastern Manatee County, for the primary purpose of protecting the watershed of the Lake Manatee Reservoir.
The Gilley Creek tract is 5,973 acres of wetlands and hardwood hammocks along Gilley Creek. Much of the site, which was formerly used for cattle ranching, was converted to pastures. Efforts are under way to restore the natural habitat and the historical hydrology.
The Coker Prairie tract is 2,135 acres of relatively unaltered pine flatwoods, freshwater mash and hardwood hammocks.
“Ed Chance left a lasting legacy of good works, integrity and compassion,” said Governing Board member Tom Dabney, who served as co-chair with Chance on the Manasota Basin Board. “By naming these tracts in his honor, I hope others will get to experience the Florida that Ed loved so deeply, and fought so hard to protect.”
Chance was also a Manatee County Commissioner and one of the founding members of the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority. He served on the Authority Board for ten years, including five years as its chair.