Continues

The year 2022 brings with it the 50th anniversary of one of our nation’s foundational environmental laws – the Clean Water Act.

After more than a decade of efforts to dissuade the permitting for the Eastern Collier County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), the plan has been withdrawn from consideration. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been considering authorizing a 50-year permit under the Endangered Species Act requested by 12 large landowners in Eastern Collier County. The authorization would have given a blanket approval for wildlife impacts to 19 state and federally-protected species from the proposed sprawl development and mining of 45,000 acres, including lands the Florida panther depends on for its survival and recovery.

The Conservancy and our partners have spent years pointing out the fatal flaws of the plan, and highlighting the deadly traffic that would result if the HCP and its associated developments would be approved. Over 800,000 additional daily vehicle trips would be added on fatal roadways where Florida panthers are already being struck and killed regularly. It is estimated that another 200 miles of new or widened roadways would be constructed to support the developments. Ultimately, the severity of these impacts would not be adequately addressed by the measures that the applicants proposed. The Conservancy continues to fight against inappropriate development threatening our wildlife in Eastern Collier County and throughout our region.

Here in Florida, the Army Corps of Engineers has long been the agency responsible for deciding if development projects are compliant with this vital law. However, in December 2020, the authority to implement the Clean Water Act dredge and fill permitting program (also known as the Section 404 program) was handed over to the state of Florida. In doing so, important federal protections were lost, resulting in fewer protections for our critical wetlands and the wildlife that rely on them.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and our partners, represented by Earthjustice, have been in court challenging this illegal transfer of authority. In March 2022, a federal judge agreed with us that the transfer was done inconsistent with law and also denied the state of Florida’s effort to dismiss our entire court case. The remainder of the case is yet to be heard.

Every acre of wetland is essential to solving our water quality troubles by providing natural filtration as nature’s kidneys. It is estimated that one acre of wetlands can provide storage for over one million gallons of flood waters, helping in storm events.

Yet, the state of Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection is close to deciding on immense and disastrous development and mining projects that will forever change Southwest Florida and the fates of our endangered species, wetland flow-ways, drinking water resources, and cherished public lands. The Conservancy’s policy team is fully dedicated to protecting critical wildlife habitat and wetland ecosystems at risk, while awaiting the next steps in this groundbreaking court case.

Exceeding expectations in order to make a positive impact on the natural environment is a hallmark of Conservancy supporters, members, volunteers and staff. These are just a few highlights from 2021-2022 that demonstrate how the Conservancy team and its supporters go above and beyond to advance our mission.

Employee Anniversary Milestones

In October, Environmental Policy Director Nicole Johnson celebrated her 25th anniversary with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. She was not the only staff member that reached a major milestone. President and CEO Rob Moher surpassed 10 years — our longest standing CEO in the Conservancy’s history — as part of his 23 years with the organization.

Rick Hensley

Rick Hensley, a 20-year veteran volunteer at the Conservancy, was featured in Florida Weekly’s “The Spirit of Volunteerism.” The piece highlights the importance of nonprofi ts in any community and why a passionate volunteer base is criti cal for those organizati ons to thrive.

Hensley volunteers his ti me with the Conservancy because of our mission to protect water, land and wildlife and does it all –from electric boat captain to driving the Learning Adventures Bus – Hensley’s dedicati on is an inspirati on.

Naturalists

Volunteer naturalists are trained and knowledgeable on the secret lives of Southwest Florida’s fl ora and fauna. Clam Pass County Park offers a beauti ful beach and a scenic boardwalk through a unique habitat. Learn about the special trees, see beauti ful shorebirds and learn about this biologically rich area. Clam Pass guided nature trail walks run from December to April.

Visit: conservancy.org/ nature-walks to sign up.

Expansion

The South Florida Water Management District generously funded the expansion of the Shotwell Wavering Filter Marsh at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. This project is a great educati onal tool for stormwater research and best management practi ces.

2022 Eagle Award

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida bestowed its highest honor, the Eagle Award, to Lynne and Chip Shotwell. The award was presented at the Conservancy’s Annual Meeting for members Jan. 18, 2022.

As part of our mission, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is committed to ensuring our pristine paradise for future generations to enjoy. The following are just a few examples from 2021-2022 highlighting the endorsements we have received from outside agencies.

Sccf Partnership

To further a commitment to regional water quality and Western Everglades restoration through a unified front, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida continue to work together to combine technical resources and advocacy to shed light on environmental issues in our region, most recently penning an editorial about the importance of mangrove systems for coastal resilience.

Environmental Studies Dormitory

The new Environmental Studies Dormitory will be complete in spring 2023! The new building, donated by Jeannie Meg and Christopher Byron Smith - as well as more than a dozen generous supporters and foundati ons - will house up to 30 interns at a ti me and will include a suite for visiting Ph.D. researchers. It will also include a mixed-use fl oor that will have new offi ce space and a video producti on studio.

I Stand Campaign

The 2022 “I Stand” campaign involves prominent members of the community who announced they stand with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida on issues like water quality, invasive species removal, environmental educati on, and wildlife rehabilitati on. The campaign includes broadcast TV, social media, web, print, and radio.

The Conservancy received nine ADDY Awards through AdFed’s Southwest Florida region, which covers agencies, organizati ons, and businesses in Lee, Collier, Charlott e, Hendry and Glades counti es. The ADDY Awards are the industry’s largest and most representative competition, and winners exemplify the creati ve spirit of excellence in the art of adverti sing.

The Conservancy’s mission is supported by premier events and activities throughout the year. Funds raised at events directly support our work to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.

RECORD-BREAKING EARTH DAY

The 2022 Earth Day Festival at the Conservancy Nature Center saw record-breaking attendance as more than 2,000 people attended the interactive event to learn about our work, take part in fun activities, and enjoy some fantastic food.

Magic Under The Mangroves

The 18th Annual Magic Under the Mangroves gala raised a record $2.1 million net for Conservancy programs to protect the water, land, wildlife and future of Southwest Florida. More than 400 guests attended the in-person event chaired by Terry and Bob Edwards.

Presented by Supporting Sponsor Community Sponsor our clean water efforts.

The 2022 RedSnook Catch & Release Charity Fishing Tournament held the Fight for Clean Water kickoff party as scheduled in October, with the tournament postponed to Dec. 3 – 4 due to Hurricane Ian. The Conservancy conducted a special cash call fundraiser for the YMCA of Marco Island to benefit rebuilding efforts for residents of Isles of Capri, raising more than $45,000 in ten minutes, with a $25,000 matching donation from the Collier Community Foundation. The 2022 tournament was a record-breaker in both funding and participation.

Conservancy scenes from 2021-2022

SSTRIDE © STUDENTS IN PYTHON LAB

Conservancy Biologist Ian Easterling welcomed a group of aspiring veterinarians into the invasive species lab to take part in a Burmese python necropsy.

Greater Naples Leadership

The Conservancy hosted GNL Environmental Day on campus in November, with leaders from across the region discussing critical environmental issues facing Florida.

Atala Butterflies Seen On Campus

The Atala butterfly is making a comeback in Southwest Florida because of the regrowth of the “coontie or coontie palm” - its sole larval host plant. The Conservancy campus has seen an abundance of these colorful creatures, with numerous host plants to support reproduction.

200,000 SUPPORTERS ON FACEBOOK!

The Conservancy’s Facebook page reached a milestone of 200,000 followers. We would like to thank our supporters for following, liking, sharing and commenting on our daily posts! Your support on Facebook means you care about the work we do day in and day out. Thank you for caring about conservation just as much as we do.

On right: von Arx staff work with a Magnificent frigatebird transferred from CROW Wildlife Hospital in Sanibel after Hurricane Ian.

SCOUT GUIDE’S NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR

The Conservancy is proud to announce we’ve been Scouted! We were featured as “Nonprofit of the Year” in Scout Guide Naples Vol. 10.

Going Green

The Nature Center’s gift shop was featured in “Times of the Island” magazine about going green.

Our selection of unique and eco-friendly items represents our mission of protecting Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.