Between the island and the shoreline is a unique formation that shares the qualities of a saltern. Salterns are significant as habitat for a variety of marine life and plants that tolerate the high salt concentrations found in salterns, and those characteristics are present here. Fiddler crabs, a wide range of small crustaceans, snook and trout thrive in the sea grasses and protected shallows of the aquatic estuary. Farther west, but still part of the property, are coastal and bay waters with a variety of marine life including fish, dolphin and manatees in the intercoastal waterway. 

The Duhme Road Reserve is truly a unique set of properties worth preserving, comprised of both upland coastal and marine habitat that will provide refuge for wildlife in the mangroves, trees and plants as well as space for marine life in the saltern and bay waters.

Historically, this property has been repeatedly targeted for development. Today it is surrounded by both high-rise and low-rise buildings and condominiums along Duhme Road, as well as condominiums on the northern side and housing on the southern side of the island and the coastal upland. The current owners of the properties have agreed that they will work with WKPG to preserve the property in the same way that the West Klosterman Preserve was saved.

We have signed agreements with the owners of the Duhme Road properties to secure this property for preservation. Our agreements outline terms of acquisition and use. The owners understand that WKPG will propose acquisition of the properties for creation of a preserve to be owned and operated by Pinellas County. As with the WK Preserve, WKPG will continue to work with the County after acquisition to help ensure habitat preservation for the benefit of wildlife, plant life and marine life on the site, and for the benefit of the community.

Once again, we are asking all our members and supporters to come together to preserve this important “slice of paradise” on the coast of Boca Ciega Bay.