Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Cape Coral Community Foundation Announces Annual ENPY Award Winners
The Cape Coral Community Foundation is pleased to announce the 12 Award Recipients for the fourth annual Excellence in Nonprofit Performance Yearly Awards, also known as the ENPYs. Calusa Waterkeeper is honored to be awarded the Nonprofit Organization of the Year (established more than five years ago).
Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 20
This week, John Cassani reminds us of the importance to get out and VOTE! You can review our candidate questionnaires for both City of Fort Myers and City of Cape Coral on our website and seek the many other resources available to learn more about candidates and their positions ahead of casting your ballot.
Cape Coral seeks $2M in State Funding to Push for Chiquita Lock Removal
The City of Cape Coral is moving forward with hopes to remove the controversial Chiquita Lock. The fight over whether the lock should be removed has spanned several years, and the city hopes to get $2 million in funding from the state to help its cause.
Algae Blooms Triggered by Lake Okeechobee Releases Harm Wildlife and Coastal Communities
Conservation groups filed a proposal in federal court to ensure that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ discharges from Lake Okeechobee do not harm protected wildlife. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida held in a ruling that the Army Corps violated the Endangered Species Act.
Public Invited to Play Role in Battle Over Removing Chiquita Lock
The city of Cape Coral stands ready to rally the public in the next legal battle to dismantle the Chiquita Lock, hiring lawyers who promise to use public involvement to convince regulators to get rid of the lock. City-hired experts are expected to hold public meetings to describe aspects of the project and to ask questions.
Saving Estero Bay and Southwest Florida’s Waterways
Our economy, tourism, recreation — even our health — all depend on the quality of our waterways. And the waterways we love are in dire straits. They need our help. Think about the magnificent body of water that is Estero Bay, Florida’s first Aquatic Preserve.
Fecal Indicator Bacteria Found in Water at Pine Island Park
The water at a Pine Island park has tested positive for fecal indicator bacteria and there are no warning signs. Tropical Point Park is open for fishing and kayaking, but “swimmers swim at their own risk.” Kaye Vaughn, a volunteer ranger with Calusa Waterkeeper took water samples at the park.
Oil Soaked Bird Rescued on Fort Myers Beach by Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger
CROW volunteer and Calusa Waterkeeper ranger Robert Howell rescued a great blue heron covered in oil at Bowditch Point Park in Fort Myers Beach. After a week of rehabilitation, including multiple baths to wash out the oil and peel it off, the bird was released at Bunche Beach Preserve.
Water Releases from Lake Okeechobee to Begin
Col. Andrew Kelly with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said releases from the lake will resume and will head both east and west down the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers. The corps will likely release 4,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) to the west and 1,800 to the east.
When it Comes to our Water Quality: Challenge the Messenger
Florida has always had problems with water pollution during the modern era. This is not surprising considering the historic rate of population growth and landscape conversion to more intensive uses. But, perhaps more alarming is the accelerated rate of water quality impairment.
Researchers Take More Samples from Billy Creek in Fort Myers
People are concerned about what’s in Billy Creek, so once again, researchers went out to take samples of the water. “One of the pillars of our mission is to strive for swimmable water,” said John Cassani, Calusa Waterkeeper. The Calusa Waterkeeper and an environmental consultant for the city dove in.
Letter of Appreciation from City of Stuart
A partial ruling was recently reached by a federal judge on our lawsuit involving the Army Corps’ failure to assess Lake Okeechobee discharges’ impacts on downstream endangered species. In the wake of this recent decision, we received the following letter of appreciation from the Mayor of Stuart, Florida, Michael J. Meier.