Summer 2010 UPDATE Newsletter

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Summer 2010

Protecting Southwest Florida’s unique, natural environment and quality of life...now and forever.

Deep Horizon Disaster Conservancy preps for oil spill response.

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healthy Florida depends on healthy water – a point made all too clear by the aftermath of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. As millions of gallons of oil continue spilling into the Gulf, the first wave from the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history is washing onto beaches and seeping into wetlands at some of the Gulf Coast’s most vital and diverse habitats. As of this writing there is no immediate threat to our shores, but the Conservancy of Southwest Florida remains poised to fulfill its role of protecting and preserving water quality and wildlife in the region. In the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the

Conservancy Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic and our science teams continue to closely monitor the situation and will provide resources to prevent the spread of oil and assist in cleanup efforts should the oil spill threaten our waters. “We extend our sympathy to the families of those who have lost loved ones due to this disaster,” said Andrew McElwaine, Conservancy president. McElwaine continued, “Unfortunately, this spill will be impacting the Gulf for years. The work done by the Conservancy on a daily basis becomes even more critical and relevant than ever during environmental disasters such as this oil spill.”

READ MORE about this everyday work that depends on your ongoing support: Conservancy Scientists Kathy Worley and Dr. Jeff Schmid have been involved in gathering baseline samples of bottomdwelling organisms, sea grasses, sediment, crabs and oysters in sites across Clam and Estero Bays. Baseline studies can provide critical “before” pictures of these areas should oil impacts reach our waters.

Dr. Jeff Schmid has been assisting in relocating rehabilitated turtles from Mississippi into the Ten Thousand Islands area to keep them safe from the oil spill. Dr. Schmid has over 24 years of working with Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, an endangered species affected by the oil spill.

For over 30 years, Dave Addison has collected turtle nesting data in one of the longest-running sea turtle monitoring programs in the country. While Dave could become engaged in moving sea turtle nests due to the oil spill, his wealth of experience can help measure long-term impacts of the spill on turtle nesting.

Oil intrusion into mangroves is detrimental to the trees, the birds that call mangrove forests their home, and the sea creatures within the complex root systems. Kathy’s expertise working with mangrove restoration can help in restoration work that may be needed and will also provide baselines should oil intrusion occur.

With Florida’s $7 billion sportfishing industry potentially at risk from the oil spill, understanding the biological needs of juvenile marine gamefish is paramount. Dr. Jeff Schmid’s juvenile gamefish study will provide a valuable baseline assessment in the event of oil intrusion into our estuaries and nurseries..

Joanna Fitzgerald and her team in the Wildlife Clinic have the capacity to assist in long-term recovery and care for birds impacted by the oil spill. We also have temporary holding tanks for sea turtles injured by the spill.

1450 Merrihue Drive

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Naples, FL 34102

Please donate today. Envelope Inside x

239.262.0304

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w w w. c o n s e r v a n c y. o r g


Conservancy Development

From the President Protecting Southwest Florida’s unique natural environment and quality of life ... now and forever.

directors Chairman Dolph von Arx Past Chair Nicholas G. Penniman, IV Vice Chairman Andrew D.W. Hill President & CEO Andrew McElwaine Treasurer Gary L. Thomas Secretary Sue Dalton BOARD of directors Dawn Allyn Edith G. Andrew Jennifer Cheng Ted Corbin Paul Corddry John D. Fumagalli John Hall Robert L. Heidrick Lois Kelley Colleen Kvetko

Maureen Lerner Lisa Merritt James T. Murphy Tony Rodriguez Patsy Schroeder Lynne Shotwell Jeannie M. Smith Kermit Sutton Tuck Tyler Gene Windfeldt Ian Wright

Update is published by the Conservancy Marketing and Communications team. Marketing Director & Editor Barbara J. Wilson Graphic Designer Kate Kintz Photography David Albers-Naples Daily News, J. Mark Strong We welcome comments and suggestions from readers and ideas for future issues. Please send feedback to info@conservancy.org or mail your input: Conservancy of Southwest Florida 1450 Merrihue Drive, Naples, FL 34102

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he Conservancy of Southwest Florida and its environmental partners won a major victory in July when a binding settlement was reached with GL Homes regarding two proposed developments in the fragile Cocohatchee Slough. The Terafina/Saturnia Falls and Parklands developments were to destroy hundreds of acres of wetlands in order to construct two large golfing communities between Bonita Beach Road and Immokalee Road, just east of I-75.

Andrew McElwaine

The Conservancy opposed both developments in their original form. In the case of Saturnia Falls, the Conservancy appealed its state water permit in 2008 and won. As a result, over $3 million worth of additional wetlands were acquired and protected as mitigation for the project. Thereafter, the National Wildlife Federation led a group of environmental organizations including the Conservancy, who challenged the project’s federal permits. Additionally, the Conservancy independently challenged the federal permits for the second adjacent development proposed within the Cocohatchee Slough, known as Parklands. In both cases, the challenges were based on the government’s failure to consider the cumulative impacts of these developments - in addition to that of the neighboring Mirasol proposed development – on water quality, wetlands and wildlife.

Under the settlement agreement, the developer will reduce the development footprint of the Parklands project, avoiding impact to over 200 acres of Cocohatchee Slough wetlands - in addition to relocating Logan Boulevard extension to old farm fields instead of in wetlands and providing sufficient mitigation for the remainder of the impacted wetlands. In exchange, the Conservancy will drop its challenge on the Parklands development, and all of the environmental groups involved will end their challenge to Saturnia Falls. The Cocohatchee Slough is the conduit for water flowing from Lake Trafford through the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in eastern Collier County to Delnor-Wiggins State Park on the Gulf of Mexico. It is prime foraging and nesting grounds for endangered wood storks as well as essential habitat for the Florida panther; with its health directly affecting the health of both the Gulf and the Sanctuary. The agreement is good for wildlife, good for our water quality and still allows use of the less sensitive portions of these lands. It is an agreement in keeping with the Conservancy’s long tradition of creating legally binding settlements that protect exceptional natural resources while allowing for economic activity - including the land-mark Deltona settlement of the 1970s and 1980s and the Key Marco settlement and the Lely-Barefoot Beach settlement of the 1980s. While a positive step in promoting sustainable development, our efforts will continue in pursuing a less impactive Mirasol development and other activities threatening our exceptional natural resources and quality of life.

INFORMATION Conservancy Information

Enjoy special deals at over 120 Nature Centers.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida members can enjoy free admission to the Nature Center plus free and/or discounted admission to more than 120 nature centers in the U.S. and Canada. Several attractions in Florida, such as Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, offer free admission for Conservancy members.

“The number one benefit of membership is knowing you are making an impact to protect the region’s water, land and wildlife,”

The sixth annual “Magic Under the Mangroves,” held at the Cap d’Antibes site at Pelican Bay, was a smashing success for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. On March 4, a sold-out crowd of 450 guests raised more than $420,000 to support Conservancy programs. This total includes $45,000 raised for “Fund-a-Vet,” an initiative to shorten the timeline to hire a staff veterinarian for the Conservancy Wildlife Clinic. The Conservancy extends its appreciation to the event sponsors, our patrons, our past Magic chairs, the Magic Committee and 2010 Magic Chairwoman Nancy White. Ellin Goetz received the Conservancy 2010 Eagle Award, the high-

“While we offer many member benefits, including program and Nature Store discounts, the number one benefit of membership is knowing you are making an impact to protect the region’s water, land and wildlife,” said Rob Moher, Conservancy vice president of development and marketing. “Conservancy membership is one answer for those wondering how they can help save our environment, whether it’s the oil spill disaster or injured wildlife.”

Eagle Award winner Ellin Goetz, with 2009 winner Lavern Gaynor, Conservancy Chairman Dolph von Arx and 2010 Magic Chair Nancy White.

est honor presented annually by the Conservancy to an individual or group whose work and actions protect the natural environment and quality of life in Southwest Florida. Thanks, 2010 Magic Sponsors!

Betty MACLean Travel, Inc.

You Can Help! Start Here

239.262.0304

Remembering Gene

Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic

239.262.CARE (2273)

Membership Information

239.403.4207

Volunteer Information

239.403.4212

Gene and Anne Ratliff

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Membership “Magic Under the Mangroves” Generates Record Revenues Has Its Benefits

Eugene “Gene” Ratliff, who served as treasurer of the board at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida in the early to mid 1990s recently passed. He and his surviving spouse, Anne, have been tremendous supporters of the Conservancy. We are saddened by this loss and extend heartfelt sympathies to Anne and Gene’s family.

Above: One of the highlights of the evening included the Miami Dolphins VIP Auction package presented by Dolphins cheerleaders (on far right and left) joined by Dolphins CEO Mike Dee, Mayor Bill Barnett, NBC-2’s Kellie Burns, winner John Simms, NFL Hall of Famer Dwight Stephenson, and NFL alumnus Nat Moore.

Starting at just $35, memberships make a wonderful gift worth sharing with friends and family. Visit conservancy. org, click on “You Can Help” to access the list of reciprocal nature centers, view other member benefits and renew or join online. www.conservancy.org

2011

UNDER THE

SAVE THE DATE:

Sponsored by

March 3, 2011 at Cap d’Antibes in Pelican Bay. 3


Conservancy Development

Saving Southwest Florida 2010

Attention, Anglers!

Clean Water. More Fish. RedSnook Chair Wayne Meland and the RedSnook Committee remind everybody to sign up for this tournament to benefit the Conservancy water quality initiatives. “With the oil spill in the Gulf, the water quality programs undertaken by the Conservancy are more important than ever,” said Meland. “After all, without clean

RedSnook Catch and Release Tournament October 1st-3rd.

water there wouldn’t be any fish.” The event begins on October 1st with the Kick-Off Party and Auction at the Naples Yacht Club. All Conservancy members are invited to attend and preregister by calling 239.403.4200. If you would like to support the Conservancy water quality initiatives by becoming a

sponsor or donating an item for the auction, please contact 239.403.4200. The competition runs October 2nd3rd, with the Anglers’ Awards Reception in the evening of October 3rd. For more information or to register for the Tournament, please visit conservancy.org/

redsnook.

Sponsored by

Marina

$20,000 Raised to Support Conservancy Wildlife Clinic 700 people and 21 restaurants helped raise over $20,000 for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Clinic. Participating local restaurants offered special menus on April 21

and donated half of the proceeds to the Conservancy Wildlife Clinic. Volunteer Judy Tryka chaired the event which was sponsored by the Naples Daily News and Naples Originals.

Keeping Our Waters Clean As we complete the renovations at the Conservancy Nature Center, our building square footage will expand by 40%. And along with the new entrance from Goodlette-Frank Road, parking areas and sidewalks will also increase. With that, the amount of stormwater runoff and the need to treat it to keep our waters clean will grow. Since protecting our water is part of the Conservancy mission, our goal was to meet and exceed standards for stormwater runoff. Throughout the entire Campus Sustainability Project, we have had a plan to save as many native trees as possible, including relocating them. One non-native tree, a mango, has been a fixture here for a long time. We investigated a multitude of options, but the mango tree will be removed to make way for an open area for drainage and retention of stormwater runoff to keep pollutants out of our waterways. If you have any questions, please contact Curtis Cafiso at 239.403.4233. 4

Earth Day 2010 Festival Sponsored by

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n April 17 over 1,000 guests enjoyed the free Earth Day Festival at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Guests browsed displays, participated in kids’ activities and demonstrations from various environmental partners. Andrew McElwaine, Conservancy president said, “Earth Day guests left with a better understanding of the fragility of southwest Florida’s environment and how they can help preserve our paradise.” Additional support provided by Amerivest.

Getting to Know You In late March, a reception was hosted by Board Members Lynne Shotwell and Patsy Schroeder, along with Lynne’s husband, Chip Shotwell for almost 100 “Magic” attendees to learn more about the Conservancy mission. The reception was held on the newlycompleted “Commons” area at the Conservancy Nature Center.

Left: John & Donna Hall, Lynne Shotwell, Nancy White, Sue Schulte, Wayne Meland, Molly Oelerich. Right: Patsy Schroeder, Joanna Fitzgerald, Nicole Ryan and Jennifer Hecker.

Jeannie Meg Smith Theater

New Campaign gift for high-tech theater. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is pleased to announce a $500,000 gift to fund the creation of a high-tech theater in the Eaton Conservation Hall. The new Jeannie Meg Smith Theater will be equipped with digital projection for visitor presentations, educational programs featuring live animals and other meetings and events. “The theater is an important component of the new Conservancy campus, so Christopher and I are very pleased to contribute to its creation,” said Jeannie Meg Smith, for whom the theater is now named. “My husband and I are proud supporters of the Conservancy and credit this organization for protecting Southwest Florida’s natural beauty and its wildlife inhabitants.” The theater will be located in Eaton Conservation Hall, named for Bob and

Connie Eaton, who said, “We are all very fortunate to live in Southwest Florida and it is our responsibility to support the Conservancy in its effort to preserve the gifts of nature.” The Theater and Conservation Hall transform the current Delnor Auditorium, named for the late Dellora Norris and mother of

another significant donor, Laverne Gaynor. “Ms. Gaynor is an enthusiastic supporter of this project.” said Rob Moher, vice president of development and marketing for the Conservancy. “As a founder of the Conservancy, we believe her father would also be very pleased with the evolution taking place.”

FAREWELL

Please contact Rob Moher at 239.403.4205 or email robm@conservancy.org to get involved in the “Saving Southwest Florida” Campaign Countdown.

Larry Warner, the architect for the new and remodeled Conservancy Nature Center, passed away in late May. His vision, intent and purpose for the Nature Center will be seen for many years to come.

Visit us at conservancy.org/campaign Larry Warner

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Saving Southwest Florida

Change is in the Air!

Gopher Tortoise Preserve

ad

Green Team Partners

New Filter Marshes

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Conservancy Business Director and Project Leader Curtis Cafiso

Future Dalton Discovery Center

Future Blair Memorial Garden

New “Green Team” Maintenance Building

Fran

“It’s exciting to see all the changes and progress being made.”

Future Ferguson Learning Laboratory

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The first phases of the Conservancy Nature Center sustainable campus initiative is underway thanks to the generosity of so many to the “Saving Southwest Florida” Capital Campaign. “It’s exciting to see all the changes and progress being made,” said Conservancy Business Director and Project Leader Curtis Cafiso. “All of this is made possible through the many Campaign gifts received to date.” This is just the beginning --- we have more work to do and need your help. Please make a gift to the Campaign for “Saving Southwest Florida” today. Many naming opportunities still exist and we still need to complete our endowment goals to insure our future. Please call Rob Moher today to find out how your gift can have an immediate impact. 239.403.4205

Future Eaton Conservation Hall

14th Avenue Entrance

dl Goo

Our vision for a world-class Nature Center and a Sustainable Campus is becoming a reality.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center Projected opening: First quarter 2012

Site for New von Arx Wildlife Clinic Raised Wooden Bridge

Future Sugden Gomez Environmental Planning Center New Filter Marsh and Gazebo

Future Entrance: Smith Preserve Way

Future Permeable Overflow Parking

Keith Predmore Consulting, Inc.

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Conservancy of Southwest Florida

eye on the issues

Saving Southwest Florida

New von Arx Wildlife Clinic A group of about 40 people, including government officials, media representatives, staff and volunteers joined Sharon and Dolph von Arx in a ceremonial wildlife release to celebrate the start of construction on the new von Arx Wildlife Clinic, part of the Conservancy “Saving Southwest Florida” Capital Campaign. The release of the rehabilitated mourning dove symbolized the mission of the new clinic: to treat and release injured wildlife back into its native habitat. “The Wildlife Clinic has an important dual role in caring for and rehabilitating wildlife, but also introduces more people to the Conservancy than any other program,” said the von Arx’s. “We hope the new clinic will enable the Conservancy to expand and enhance its work.” Other major donors helping to fund the new wildlife clinic include Barbara W. Moore, Sidney and Nancy Sapakie; Fred and Sue Schulte, Deki Stephenson, Edward and Susan Yawney, and one anonymous donor. Additional support was provided by Dr. Robert Schultheis and Chuck and Jean Zboril. The current Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Clinic was built

Conceptual rendering of the new Wildlife Clinic.

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©2010 David Albers/Naples Daily News

Ceremonial dove released to celebrate groundbreaking.

Conserving 83,000 Acres of Water Recharge Sustainable vision for South Lee

Jessica Bender releases a rehabilitated mourning dove as Sharon and Dolph von Arx observe.

to handle approximately 600-800 animals per year, but is now treating more than 2,500 injured, sick and orphaned wildlife annually in outdated, cramped quarters. The new von Arx Wildlife Clinic will have the capacity to treat more than double that number. The expanded, 4,500-squarefoot clinic will include larger medical facilities and an upgraded interpretive area to educate visitors about the important wildlife rehabilitation work of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. The von Arx’s also announced an additional $50,000 Campaign gift to fund the new “Sharon von Arx Flight Recovery Aviary.” “We are grateful to Sharon and Dolph von Arx for their leadership gift to the Capital Campaign,” said Conservancy President Andrew

Andrew McElwaine, Sharon von Arx, Doug Findlay, Joanna Fitxgerald, Dolph von Arx, and Ian Mitchell.

McElwaine. “We also thank the other generous donors who have contributed toward this project, allowing us to start construction of this wildlife clinic.” If you’re interested in being a part of the “Sustainable Campus” project, additional naming opportunities are still available. Call Rob Moher at 239.403.4205.

The Density Reduction/Groundwater DR/GR supplies Resource area in southeast Lee County, known as DR/GR, is the source for about 70 percent of Lee County’s potable water and was set aside to protect this water supply, natural resources and agriculture. Over the past several years, Lee County of Lee County’s has worked with a diverse group of potable water. stakeholders, including the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, to create a comprehensive sustainable vision for the future of the 82,560 acre DR/GR.

70%

The collaborative plan also allows mining and compact development in appropriate locations. These site limitations were established to ensure that future mining activities would not negatively impact the environmental and water recharge integrity of the surrounding area. While many organizations and individuals support the new DR/GR plan, some oppose the plan’s policies to locate mining within a specific geographic footprint. These entities will likely request changes to the plan that could weaken its intent and effectiveness in protecting natural resources. The Conservancy, the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) and Nick Batos (chairman of the Brooks Concerned Citizens,) have filed a motion to intervene in the administrative proceeding between Lee County and the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA). “This support will assist Lee County and DCA, in resolving several outstanding issues with the DR/GR plan and to defend the plan from challenges that would diminsh its integrity,” said Nicole Ryan, Conservancy director of governmental relations. “The new DR/GR plan is critical to protect natural resources and Swallow sustainable growth in southeast Lee County.” Tail Kite.

Balancing 670,000 Acres of Growth

Hendry County’s 670,000+ acres of agriculturally-zoned land poses quite a challenge to balance development with sustainability, natural resources protection, eco-tourism, economic development and agriculture. Because the Florida Department of Community Affairs deemed four of Hendry’s Comprehensive Plan Amendments not in compliance so far this year, Hendry County decision-makers have accepted an offer made by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to play an active role in amending two of these amendments and supporting the Rural and Agricultural Lands Study (RALS.) RALS is designed to transfer development rights from environmentally sensitive and agriculturally productive land to be clustered in less sensitive areas. In the past, the Conservancy made recommendations for plan improvements, including the restoration of historic flow-ways to the Caloosahatchee River and identifying the most appropriate locations for new development. According to Nicole Ryan, Conservancy director of governmental relations, “Our persistence in supporting Hendry County is paying off. We are working together in partnership and looking at growth management in a whole new way that provides both protection of its natural resources and the opportunity to grow sustainably.” 9


Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Conservancy of Southwest Florida

eye on the issues

eye on the issues

Protecting Our Water Quality

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nce a person’s illness is properly diagnosed, appropriate medical treatment can speed the way to recovery. The same holds true for waterbodies suffering from harmful pollutants. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) tracks water quality around the state, putting various bodies of water on the “Impaired Waters List” when they don’t meet water quality standards for safe use. Once on the list, the state is supposed to develop a waterbody-specific pollutant limit and clean-up measures for bringing it back into compliance. However, some polluted waterbodies are not on the clean-up list. After carefully evaluating hundreds of bodies of water based on the Clean Water Act and state water quality regulations, more than 100 waterbodies in Southwest Florida have not been included on the “Impaired Waters List.” In a detailed letter to FDEP, the Conservancy provided the scientific and legal basis for listing these waterbodies. FDEP responded by adding 47 to the list. “Though we would like to see all of these polluted waters added to the list for clean-up, our efforts yielded significant results toward water quality improvement,” says Jessica Stubbs, Conservancy natural resource specialist.

More Water Quality Threats The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is working to eliminate another hurdle to the proper listing of impaired waterbodies. FDEP is creating a new unswimmable “Class III Limited” designated use. Currently, when waterbodies are not compliant with swimmable / fishable standards, FDEP must put

them on a “clean up” list. With the new class of designated use, polluted waters no longer need to be “cleaned up,” simply because water quality expectations for them have been permanently lowered. This “designated use” rule was unfortunately approved by FDEP’s Environmental Regulation Commit-

tee in May – despite the objections of the Conservancy. “We’ve recently met with the EPA Region IV leadership team in Atlanta to urge them to deny illegal de-listing and down-grading of Florida’s waterways,” says Jennifer Hecker, Conservancy natural resource policy director.

America’s Everglades Summit

Celebrating 100th Conservation Property

Conservancy Director of Natural Resources Jennifer Hecker and Conservancy President Andrew McElwaine joined conservation, business and government leaders in Washington, D.C. in late May for the twoday environmental event hosted by the Everglades Foundation. They delivered a strong message to policy makers that continued funding for Everglades restoration is necessary to achieve a sustainable future for South Florida.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida recently helped the Lee County Conservation 20/20 Program purchase its 100th property, a 15-acre parcel located at the northeast corner of Terry Street and Bonita Grande Drive in Bonita Springs. Adjacent to the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed, the interconnected swamplands recharge our aquifers, provide natural flood protection, water purification and ensure survival of wildlife.

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Measuring Pollution

“What doesn’t get measured doesn’t get done.”

Just as the business adage above, Phosphorus and nitrogen have caused currently there are no measured harmful algal blooms that choke sea limits to nutrient pollution in Florida’s life and litter the region’s beaches waterways. Without the measured with red-drift and blue-green algae. limits, how do we know when too They are also believed to help create much pollution is too much? red tide. Our region is not alone. At In the fall of 2009, the Conservancy this writing a 100-mile long fish kill of Southwest Florida has struck the St. John’s along with Florida River as the result of a Wildlife Federation, massive bloom of green the St. John’s Riverslime. keeper, Sierra Club Despite these seriand Earthjustice ous concerns, Florida reached a legally-bindhas never created the ing settlement with kind of measurable, the U.S. Environmenenforceable nutrient tal Protection Agency pollution standards that (EPA) to set measuremight help resolve the able and enforceable situation. There was no standards for nutrient meaningful limit on how pollution in our rivers much pollution could be Great Blue Heron wading through algae in backwaters. and bays. This was a in our water. EPA has major victory for our environment. now agreed to step in and create just From Sarasota to Everglades City, that. southwest Florida’s estuaries are However, in May, several industry suffering from nutrient pollution. groups persuaded Representative

– adapted from Peter Drucker

Ander Crenshaw (R-Jacksonville) and other members of Congress to add a rider to the Iraq and Afghan War Emergency Appropriation that would prevent EPA from spending money on the new rules. As a result of amendments like Crenshaw’s the Appropriations Committee shelved the bill for now. The Conservancy is making sure that the amendment doesn’t get another chance. To assure the public of our commitment to science-based policy, the Conservancy, its environmental partners, and the EPA agreed to a review of the standards by the EPA Science Advisory Board, delaying some of the new rules by a year. We will continue to aggressively advocate for the timely adoption and implementation of these standards. We need your help. Please voice your support for the EPA’s adoption of nutrient standards by taking action at the Conservancy Action Center today: conservancy.org

Wetlands Protected & Taxpayers Saved Millions I-75 culverts deemed “unnecessary.” The Conservancy of Southwest Florida protected both wetlands and taxpayer dollars when the South Florida Water Management District agreed to drop its controversial efforts to build large culverts under I-75 between Estero and Bonita Springs. A South Lee watershed study had found that the culverts were an unnecessary expense but the South Florida Water Management District had planned to disrupt traffic and install them anyway. In partnership with Lee County government, The Brooks Concerned Citizens and the Estero Council of Community Leaders, the Conservancy recently convinced the

District to drop the project. If installed, the culverts would have impacted thousands of acres of wetlands lying upstream of I-75 and increased the risk of flooding and run-off pollution in downstream Halfway Creek and Estero Bay. “The District can now use these resources for other, higher priority environmental projects such as removing exotic plants on the south branch of the Estero River,” said Jennifer Hecker, Conservancy director of natural resource policy. Exotics removal was identified as a need by the South Lee study to improve the hydrology in the area. 11


Environmental educ ation

Environmental Science

Hot Summer Camps

Five year “People’s Choice” winner.

“Barracudas” from July 5th camp week.

This year’s Summer Camps are sold out and no wonder! Excursions to local favorites like the Naples Zoo, Naples Botanical Gardens, Six Mile Cypress Slough and Keewaydin Island, combined with regional adventures to Shark Valley Slough, Myakka River State Park, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge make these camps “People’s Choice” favorites. Older campers experienced “college life” with research experiments at Florida Gulf Coast University and visits to University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Laboratory. “We designed both themes to work in tandem,” stated Troy Frensley,

Conservancy naturalist, Kelly Sowers, accepts this years Naples Daily News Choice Award.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida environmental education and Discovery Center manager. “We saw many campers taking advantage of the opportunity to come to two weeks of camp.” “Campers have had a wonderful time seeing southwest Florida’s amazing land, water, and wildlife up close,” said Grant Fischer, education programs supervisor and a summer camp counselor. “The Conservancy summer day camp program is closing in on its 40th year, one of our longest-running programs. We are excited to continue this rich tradition,” concluded Frensley. Whole Foods supplied campers for two weeks of camp snacks.

Temporary Closings

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center will be temporarily CLOSED in August and September due to the efforts underway to create a “sustainable campus.”

REMINDER: The Conservancy Discovery Center is closing August 1 as we work to transform it into the new Dalton Discovery Center. 12

Fund-a-Need in Action Some young people growing up in southwest Florida live just miles from the beach but never step foot onto the sand. The generous donors at “Magic Under the Mangroves” changed that for 12 students from the Boys and Girls Club of Collier County. At the March 2010 “Magic” event, sea turtle “blinky” buttons were in hot demand. And the only way to get one was to donate to the summer camp scholarship program. These 12 new scholarships will provide underserved students from the Boys and Girls Club with a special week-long summer camp.

Turtles Come Lately Slow start to nesting season. While there is usually a scattering of loggerhead sea turtle nests on Keewaydin Island by early May, this year’s first nest didn’t appear until May 22. By mid-June, the island’s nest count was only a few nests below last summer’s numbers for the same period. Nesting patterns throughout the state have been similar to those seen on Keewaydin. “Nest totals throughout Collier County are still lagging behind 2009,” said Dave Addison, co-director for science at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “Sea turtle biologists estimate that only one in 1,000 hatchlings reach adulthood. Our work to monitor and protect these animals has added significance because of

natural events, such as recent cold weather trends and the threat of man-made disasters like the Deep Horizon oil spill.” Donate to the Sea Turtle Protection Program at conservancy.org/ seaturtles

Going Home Conservancy intern tags a nesting loggerhead on Keewaydin Island.

Oil in the Gulf

Mangroves may battle for survival.

Stephen Bothe and Jeannie Cheng proudly wearing their “Blinky” buttons.

“Things we take for granted, like going to the beach, just aren’t normally in the cards for these kids,” said Troy Frensley, Conservancy environmental education and Discovery Center manager. “Our program could be their first significant introduction to the natural world.” The Conservancy plans to bring environmental education to even more students through monthly Boys and Girls Club classroom visits that culminate in a spring field trip to the Conservancy Nature Center.

Mangroves’ collection of thick, tangled salt-tolerant trees thrive in our brackish tidal waters and their intricate root system provides a nursery for many of our fish species. Above water, mangroves serve as a nesting and foraging area for wading and fish-eating birds. Mangroves are ranked as one of the most vulnerable habitats when it comes to oil exposure. Unfortunately, since they are located in a

Biologist and Conservancy Science co-director, Kathy Worley, measures a black mangrove.

Dr. Jeff Schmid working with Kemp’s ridley turtles in Southwest Florida waters.

“low-energy” environment, biological effects of an oil spill are usually great. Oil tends to accumulate and be retained in fine sediments surrounding the mangroves, while in higher-energy environments oil is washed away. The complex physical structure of these mangrove forests and the tangled mass of trees and root systems make removing the oil a difficult task. Additionally, due to the cohesive properties found in mangrove sediments, once the oil gets in it can stay there for a long period of time. Kathy Worley, Conservancy of Southwest Florida environmental science co-director and mangrove expert said, “Since cleaning up oil from a mangrove estuary is tedious and almost impossible, prevention of oil intrusion is paramount to the survival of mangroves and the variety of species that live within its ecosystem.”

Safe haven outside oil spill is new home for Kemp’s ridley sea turtles.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida Research Manager Dr. Jeff Schmid released two rehabilitated Kemp’s ridley sea turtles into the Ten Thousand Islands area a few weeks ago. The turtles were rescued in Mississippi, both victims of swallowed fish hooks, and rehabilitated at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies. After rehabilitation, the turtles had a short layover at Mote Marine Laboratory before transport to the Conservancy for release. Dr. Schmid has 24 years experience researching the critically endangered Kemp’s ridley turtle in western Florida and was called upon to assist in the release of the rehabilitated turtles. His previous tagging and telemetry studies identified the nearshore waters of the Ten Thousand Islands as important developmental habitat for immature Kemp’s ridley turtles. “Typically, rescued and rehabilitated sea turtles are released where they are found,” explained Dr. Schmid. “In this case, however, state and federal agencies decided that the Ten Thousand Islands area was a suitable location for release given the current conditions with the oil spill in the northern Gulf,” Schmid concluded. 13


Wildlife rehabilitation CLINI C ©2010 J. Mark Strong

Free at Last

news

“High-tech” bald eagle released.

Juvenile bald eagle receives laser treatments from J. Mark Strong from Multi Radiance.

On June 30, a rehabilitated bald eagle was released back into the wild at the general area where it was originally found. Although reluctant to fly at first, the bald eagle eventually returned to the woods behind Wiggins Pass Road. ©2010 Conservancy of Southwest Florida Staff

Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Just in time for Independence Day, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Clinic released a rehabilitated bald eagle that was recently treated for injuries. The juvenile bald eagle was found in North Naples near Immokalee Road and U.S. 41 and was couriered to the Wildlife Clinic on May 3. Cause of the severe wounds to its right leg, right wing and tail is unknown. The wounds were severely infected and infested with maggots. The eagle’s injuries were treated with a therapeutic low level laser for several weeks to help heal its wounds. The Multi Radiance TQ Solo laser uses photons at unique combinations of frequencies and pulses only billionths of seconds in duration. This permits deep tissue stimulation of cellular mitochondria that accelerates the production of ATP, vital to restoring and proliferating healthy cells at the wound site and beyond. The bald eagle was placed in an outdoor recovery area on May 30 to complete its healing process and is

now ready for release in the general area where it was originally found. The Conservancy thanks J. Mark Strong for donating his expertise and the use of the initial laser. We send our deepest appreciation to longtime wildlife volunteer and supporter Deki Stephenson, who purchased one of the Multi-Radiance lasers and donated it to the Wildlife Clinic to help future injured animals.

Welcome!

Ana Sosa joins the Conservancy Wildlife Rehabilitation team after completing a six Ana Sosa month internship at the Conservancy. Ana graduated from Florida Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology. Previously Ana volunteered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Manatees Research Program. Ana is from Venezuela and is fluent in Spanish.

“Patient” Highlights

Volunteer Appreciation

Ian M. Wright, Connection President & JoAnn Johansen, Volunteer and Intern Manager

On April 15th volunteers were honored who attained service milestones for their hours and years of service. Special awards were presented to Barbara Conklin for her 30 Years of volunteer service; Mary Witzke for 10,351 lifetime volunteer hours; and Judy Tryka for her three years as Connection President. View photos and press release online at conservancy/org under “Publications.”

Have a wonderful summer and as always thank you for all you do for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida! These are exciting times so please come back refreshed and ready to face the challenges ahead as we continue the renovations for our new sustainable Nature Center. Read more about it at conservancy. org/campaign

New Leadership A new corps of officers assumed the helm of the Connection Board at the March meeting: Congratulations to Ian Wright, President, Jim Murray, vice president and Tina Skorstad, treasurer. Sally Masters is remaining on the board as secretary.

Spirit Award Darlene Boyle, one of our special events volunteers, and a concierge at the Hilton in Naples, recently received Hilton’s most prestigious award. “The Spirit of Hilton” is awarded by Hilton Corp. from nominations submitted from more than 500 hotels nationwide.

Author in Our Midst Volunteer Bonnie Michaels has a new book, Upside: How to Zig When Life Zags! now available through www.BarnesandNoble.com. The book focuses on how to create a sustainable life during times of great change.

Rave Reviews Clam Pass guides Myrtle Snider and George Fogg participated in the Sea Gate Elementary School’s annual walka-thon in April and received rave reviews from students, parents, and teachers.

Barbara Conklin receiving a gift at 2010 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner sponsored by Andrew Hill Investment Advisors, Inc.

Forum Calendar GUest Speakers Gone Batty

Going Home

What’s for Dinner?

No Swimming

115 baby bats arrived at the Clinic and were fed a special bat formula from Australia. Sponges were soaked in formula and the babies were encouraged to bite onto the sponge. After sucking the sponge dry, caregivers added more formula to the sponge.

After an average four month stay at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic, three whitetailed deer fawns were old enough to be released. Two of the deer wandered off together while the third deer ran ahead.

Staff offers a fresh mouse diet to a great horned owl undergoing rehabilitation. The owl is recovering from a broken wing. After two weeks of treatment, the owl finally began to self feed, reducing the amount of human contact.

This box turtle was hit by a car and is an example of a land turtle not designed for swimming. If unsure of the turtle species you have found, don’t put it in the water. Place the turtle in a safe area near water and away from cars and pets.

14

Oct. 6

Joanna Fitzgerald Wildlife Clinic

Nov. 3

Susan Kubat Virtual Visit to Tigertail

Dec. 1

Karl Williams Stormwater Outreach

Dec. 29

Susan Synder Incredible Insect Designs

Feb. 2 Mary Bolen A Trip to Pelican Bay

Feb. 23

Judy Hushon Critters in your Backyard

March 30

Art Ritas Kayaking 100 Miles on the Wilderness Waterway

May 4

Susan CalkinsRitas Rethinking Tourism 15


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Protecting Southwest Florida’s unique natural environment and quality of life ... now and forever.

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1450 Merrihue Drive Naples, Florida 34102 www.conservancy.org

October 1-3, 2010 conservancy.org/redsnook or 239.403.4200

Roland Martin

Volunteers of the Month

Well Done! Jennifer Hecker has been promoted to Director of Natural Resource Policy and Nicole Ryan has been promoted to Director of Governmental Relations.

March 2010

April 2010

Al KAtz Al Katz began volunteering in 1998 at Briggs Boardwalk and is serving as the volunteer coordinator. Al volunteers on the Good Fortune, for special events and has lent his boat to our biologists to study Moorings Bay. He has donated 1,008 hours.

Aaron Knott Aaron began volunteering with the Conservancy in 2003 as a Docent in the Discovery Center. He joined the Elections Corps in 2004 and is the Volunteer Coordinator this year. He also volunteers for many of our special events. Aaron has donated 1,175 hours.

May 2010

Susan Santangelo Susan Santangelo began volunteering in the Nature Store and Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic in 1995 and soon devoted all her time to our wildlife center. Susan has donated 3,942 hours.

Jennifer Hecker

Nicole Ryan

NEW Conservation INTERNS: Wildlife Rehabilitation Jim Ma, University of Texas, Richardson, TX Erin Mullins, Hiram College, Hiram, OH

Environmental Policy

Daniel DiNicola, Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft. Myers, FL Caitlin Weber, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Environmental Education Janet Greider, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA 16

Troy McPherson, Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft. Myers, FL Sarah Moss, Siena College, Loudonville, NY

Environmental Science Lisa Hamilton, Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft. Myers, FL Bethany Pierce, SUNY Maritime College, Bronx, NY Liz Ranalli, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA Jill Robinson, St Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia Alison Slater, Lakehead University, Aurora, Ontario


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