UPDATE: SCCF plans to conduct prescribed burn
UPDATE:
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that it has canceled plans for the controlled burn on July 8 south of Sanibel-Captiva Road on Sanibel. Rainfall has made conditions too wet for the burn.
The William and Ruth Brooks Nature Trails at the Erick Lindblad Preserve — behind the SCCF’s headquarters — were closed today, July 7, in preparation for the burn. They will remain closed through July 10.
If atmospheric and habitat conditions are appropriate, the burn may be rescheduled in the next few weeks.
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ORIGINAL (July 7, 2026):
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that it is planning for a controlled burn on July 8 south of Sanibel-Captiva Road on Sanibel, if the weather and habitat conditions permit.
The unit is about 20 acres and encompasses spartina marshes behind the SCCF’s headquarters, at 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, to its Wildlife & Habitat Management Building, at 3399 Sanibel-Captiva Road.
The SCCF reported that the purpose of the prescribed burn is to help reduce the over accumulation of vegetation acting as fire fuel and to enhance habitat for native wildlife. Restoration and maintenance of the fire-dependent freshwater marsh habitat is essential for a healthy ecosystem.
If atmospheric conditions are appropriate on July 8 and the burn is performed, the Brooks Trails on the Eric Lindblad Preserve — behind the headquarters — will be closed that day and possibly the next.
Beware of smoke on Sanibel-Captiva Road. The Sanibel Police Department will be on site to control traffic on the road. It is recommended that property owners keep their windows closed that day.
For more information, visit https://files.constantcontact.com/9a69844f601/37a4a46d-4c38-4e98-bf13-dc63c4ec0bb4.pdf?rdr=true.
For questions, contact SCCF Wildlife & Habitat Management Director Chris Lechowicz at 239-222-4268.
To be included on the city of Sanibel’s list of Smoke Sensitive Individuals and to receive notifications about future prescribed burns, contact Natural Resources Department environmental biologist Joel Caouette at 239- 472-3700 or Joel.Caouette@mysanibel.com.
To reach SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION, please email