County completes purchase of West Klosterman Preserve

Joint effort protects a 14-acre environmental sanctuary Pinellas County has finalized the acquisition of the 14-acre West Klosterman Preserve near Tarpon Springs, further demonstrating its commitment to environmental conservation. The County entered into a contract to acquire the preserve from the Pinellas County School Board last December for $3 million, with the County and WK Preservation Group Inc. each contributing $1.5 million. The nonprofit and local residents worked for five years to see that the property was saved for conservation. ? The newly acquired area will be incorporated into the Mariner’s Point Management Area, enhancing the County’s network of protected environmental lands managed by Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources. This area serves as a sanctuary for protected plant and animal species, ensuring the preservation of local biodiversity.?