Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Rewriting the rules: Of the 269 new state laws, here are the ones you’ll likely notice
Senate Bill 492 represents a major change in the longstanding practice of wetland mitigation, when developers agree to “mitigate” destruction of wetlands by creating or restoring others in the same area.
Finally ready: A giant reservoir opens just over the Lee County line. Will it be enough?
The reservoir aims to store excess water from Lake Okeechobee, and the watershed, reducing harmful discharges into the Caloosahatchee and its estuary. Concerns remain about potential pollution and algae blooms within the reservoir. Experts suggest the reservoir’s capacity is insufficient and advocate for more nature-based solutions.
New Calusa Waterkeeper brings fishery expertise to non-profit river advocacy group
Joe Cavanaugh spent more than a decade studying one of the most highly endangered species in all of Florida, and now he’s charged with protecting one of the last waterways that represent the pupping grounds for the rare smalltooth sawfish.
Calusa Waterkeeper to host Pollution and Pragmatism: The Caloosahatchee Watershed at July State of Our Water Event
SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis will present Pollution and Pragmatism: The Caloosahatchee Watershed. Come meet our new Waterkeeper, Joe Cavanaugh, and hear our State of the Water Address. Ranger Zone Leaders will provide an update on conditions around the watershed.
The fight for clean water continues
Cavanaugh will advocate for and lead volunteer “rangers” trained and motivated to test water in every creek, canal, river or other tributary where people commonly swim, fish or recreate when state or local governments ignore them.
Alva residents worry over new housing plan’s strain on Fort Myers sewage
The Fort Myers Central Facility has not been updated since 1985, and it’s currently under a consent order from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to upgrade. Despite this, Lee County commissioners approved the facility to service the new homes.
In the Spotlight: Calusa Waterkeeper, Joe Cavanaugh
A new Calusa Waterkeeper recently joined the mission of protecting Southwest Florida’s water resources from pollution, misuse and overdevelopment. Joe Cavanaugh now holds this position and is already working to build alliances, share his knowledge and put his experience to work for the public good.
Is the Caloosahatchee headed for an algae bloom? Some places already greening up
Already, cyanobacteria is blooming upriver, streaking shorelines from the rural community of Alva east of I-75 to Fort Myers Shores, some five miles from downtown.
Fort Myers faces sewage problems, new fix deadline extended to 2032
In 2021, the state ordered Fort Myers to eliminate discharges and improve infrastructure by 2028. The city has now negotiated a new deadline of 2032.
Quicker access to Charlotte Harbor via boat could come with flooding risks
The City of Cape Coral currently has no plans to pursue the project, according to a city spokesperson.
Calusa Waterkeeper (CWK) Statement on Amended Consent Order Between City of Fort Myers and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
Calusa Waterkeeper has spent years advocating about high bacteria levels in local waters Manuel's Branch and Billy's Creek. Florida Department of Environmental Protection has bent over backwards for the City of Fort Myers, and recently extended their 2021 consent...
Tarpon Fly Fishing Invitational Casts for Conservation and Community Support
More than just a premier fly-fishing event, the Invitational is a growing force for good—bringing together passionate anglers, conservation-minded brands, and community leaders to support Calusa Waterkeeper’s mission to protect Southwest Florida’s waterways.