The Collier County Commissioners unanimously approved Tuesday the Collier Rod and Gun Club at the Preserve Compact Rural Development Stewardship Receiving Area.  

The project is planned southwest of Oil Well Road and state Road 29 and east of Ave Maria, with the goal of providing a recreational retreat in the wilderness of eastern Collier County, away from booming development in most parts of Southwest Florida.  

The 260-acre stewardship sending area project is where 225 single-family homes will be placed on the northeast corner of the property, accompanied by a compact rural development called The Homestead that will provide services, such as dining, a general store and educational amenities.  

Those who wish to purchase a house at the preserve must go through a wilderness training program, and purchased homes can’t be rented. About 60% of the property is planned to be kept as open space as to the west of the cabins will be a linear park with a 10-foot-wide multiuse trail.