Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Green Algae replacing what once lush sea grass meadows in Matlacha Pass
Sea grass is such an important part of our environment here in Southwest Florida. It provides habitat for our fish and food for our manatees. But unfortunately, that sea grass is going away and is being replaced by green algae. Meteorologist Andrew Shipley spent the day with Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce to get a closer look at this problem.
Calusa Waterkeeper talks building vertical oyster gardens
On Monday, April 8, the Calusa Waterkeeper sponsored an event at the Saint James City Civic Center, wherein they gave a presentation on the science of oysters and how to build a Vertical Oyster Garden.
Calusa Waterkeeper Hosts Successful Vertical Oyster Garden Workshop
Calusa Waterkeeper, is thrilled to announce the successful completion of its Vertical Oyster Garden (VOG) workshop, held at the St. James City Civic Association on April 8, 2024. The organization plans to host several VOG workshops in 2024 to engage individuals, communities, students, and businesses in the fight for clean water.
Army Corps resuming releases of polluted Lake Okeechobee water down the Caloosahatchee
Lake Okeechobee discharges are flowing again as parts of the Caloosahatchee River have slowed to a crawl in recent days.
Revised petition for clean, healthy waters going out
Lee County voters who signed a petition to qualify a proposed “Right to Clean and Healthy Waters” Constitutional Amendment for the 2024 ballot will soon receive a 2026 petition in the mail, according to FloridaRightToCleanWater.org — the organization behind the statewide effort.
Calusa Waterkeeper recognizes champions for clean water at annual meeting held at The Westin Cape Coral Resort
Calusa Waterkeeper proudly presented its annual champions for clean water awards to individuals who have worked tirelessly in the fight for clean water.The award presentation took place at the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village.
The Florida Legislature needs help understanding the root cause of declining water quality
Apparently, the root cause of water impairment is a mystery to the Legislature despite Florida’s long-standing history of water quality decline that parallels the state’s explosive growth. The documented casualties have been wetlands, wildlife habitat, public health and the economy.
It’s easy to find fecal pollution in SWFL waters; what’s hard is finding how to stop it
Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce samples the Caloosahatchee for fecal bacteria in east Fort Myers. His nonprofit has been monitoring area waterways for signs of trouble for years – and often finds them.
A New Leader For The Waterkeeper
Southwest Florida Environmental nonprofit Calusa Waterkeeper has hired Connie Ramos-Williams as its new Executive Director. Ramos-Williams will work with Waterkeeper Codty Pierce to safeguard the region’s water resources, promote environmental awareness, and advocate for policies that protect and enhance water quality.
Community advocate Connie Ramos-Williams steps up to fight for clean water and protect our waterways as Calusa Waterkeeper’s new Executive Director
Calusa Waterkeeper is thrilled to announce the appointment of Connie Ramos-Williams as its new Executive Director. With an impressive background in community advocacy and a proven track record of leadership, Ramos-Williams will play a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission to ensure clean water for current and future generations.
The Safe Waterways Act is Poised for a Senate Vote
The Safe Waterways Act of 2024 has received more bi-partisan co-sponsors, was guided through committees and is now poised for a special order vote by the full Senate.
Calusa Waterkeeper names Ramos-Williams new director
“I came out of early retirement to take the role of director of the Calusa Waterkeeper because I really do find it my mission to help protect our number one natural resource and that’s water,” she said. “We are facing a crisis with our water. And if our generation doesn’t do something to find solutions to restore clean water in our communities it’s going to get passed on to our next generation.”