Regional conservation leaders to explore the future of Southwest Florida’s living coast
On Oct. 10, Calusa Waterkeeper’s State of Our Water Quarterly Series will bring together regional conservation organizations, scientists, and the community to explore one of Southwest Florida’s most important and vulnerable landscapes: the estuary at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River.
Shell Point. Iona Cove. Cattle Dock Point. Glover Bight. These features in the mouth of the Caloosahatchee make up one of Southwest Florida’s most significant coastal landscapes, with both ecological and economic importance. The estuary contains some of the region’s last remaining undeveloped shorelines, critical nursery habitat for fish and wildlife, and one of the last remaining high-use areas for endangered smalltooth sawfish in North America. At the same time, the area faces increasing development pressure, diminishing conservation funding, and mounting environmental challenges.
Calusa Waterkeeper Board President and Advocacy Chairperson Jason Pim will welcome Senior Environemtnal Policy Manager Amber Crooks of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis of the Sanibel Captiva Conservation and Florida Gulf Coast University Professor James Douglass, Ph. D to examine why the estuary is so ecologically significant, how it has changed, and the development and police decisions shaping it’s future.
This forum will provide a unique opportunity to explore meaningful conservation opportunities and discuss how collaboration can help protect this extraordinary area.
The event will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Shell Point Tribby Arts Center, 1728 On Par Blvd., Fort Myers.
To reserve your seat, or for more information, visit calusawaterkeeper.org.