Hurricane Ian Insert CEO Letter - FY 2021-22 SCCF Annual Report

UNPRECEDENTED IMPACT OF Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian goes down in our islands’history as the most destructive storm everdocumented, urging us to respond in a waythat is equally epic.

Devastated but Determined

With your help, we believe we can come back stronger than ever. For 55 years, SCCF has led our community’s dedication to living in harmony with nature on our beloved sanctuary islands. Thanks to the efforts of our founders and our longstanding partnership with the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and the City of Sanibel, our island has an international reputation for its conservation land, making up more than 70% of the island, and its low-density land use plan. Sanibel is one of the only barrier islands in the world with intact interior wetlands. Because of the community’s efforts to preserve natural areas and minimize development, Ian’s devastating storm surge was not as damaging as it could have been. As we stand strong with our community in rebuilding our islands, we do so with the spirit of conservation that has always been our guiding force.

We have entered an unexpected and opportune new chapter in our islands’ history. As the voice for nature, we are determined to build back in a way that makes us more resilient and environmentally conscious than ever.

Our science, education, and advocacy efforts are also more devoted than ever to protecting and caring for the wildlife, habitats, and waters that comprise our treasured Southwest Florida coastal ecosystems. We have already received a tremendous outpouring of support from our longstanding members as well as new donors inspired by Ian’s challenge. We invite you to stand strong with us and join the SCCF Family by using the enclosed reply envelope to show your support of the legacy conservation ethic that defines our sanctuary islands.

With gratitude,

SCCF CEO James Evans

SANIBEL VISION STATEMENT

Sanibel is and shall remain a barrier island sanctuary, one in which a diverse population lives in harmony with the islands’ wildlife and natural habitats. The Sanibel community must be vigilant in the protection and enhancement of its sanctuary characteristics.

SCCF's Puschel Preserve is serving the community as a staging site for debris. Gulf & Crowder created a 2-foot mulch base for the debris storage, which does not include any appliances.