SCCF attends annual Everglades conference
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) attended the 41th annual Everglades Coalition Conference from Jan. 28-30 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort & Hotel in Naples.
Hosted by the Everglades Coalition (EVCO), it provides a forum and gathering space for the stakeholders working to restore America’s Everglades, including conservation groups, business leaders, scientists, students and community partners.
“The annual Everglades Coalition Conference provides an opportunities for stakeholders, partner organizations and project managers to come together, discuss the progress made and strategize on upcoming issues,” SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis, who serves on the EVCO board and was this year’s conference co-chair, said.
The conference’s 2026 theme, “Everglades Strong: All in for Restoration,” was weaved throughout panel discussions about topics such how to restore Lake Okeechobee, how to solve Florida’s ever-increasing growth and urban sprawl, ongoing challenges to Alligator Alcatraz, and recovery of the Florida panther.
DePaolis spoke on the panel “Everglades Watersheds: Are Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) Working?”, alongside Archbold Biological Station’s Hilary Swain and John Maehl of Martin County.
Moderated by Florida Oceanographic Society Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Mark Perry, the panel examined Everglades restoration through the lens of BMAPs, including discussions about the history and purpose of BMAPS and how impactful they have been in protecting water quality and reducing pollution. It also explored how new technology and tools could assist BMAPs, and how these plans and targets are aligned with other programs such as the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM), and state and federal water policies.
“This year gave us an opportunity to look towards the future, take an honest look at what is working in the system and what isn’t, and assess how best to address the future of Everglades restoration,” DePaolis said.