Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Florida Legislature Needs Bold Action on Water Quality
Last year’s legislative mantra was that of enlightenment and urgency on the issue of declining water quality, yet no relevant bill passed. This year we see many bills again coming forth, especially SB 712 cited as the “Clean Waterways Act” reflecting many of the Blue-Green Algae Task Force recommendations in various forms.
Concert for Clean Water features Hotel California® Eagles tribute band at Calusa Palooza 2020
Water quality takes center stage as we present Calusa Palooza 2020, a day-long, family-friendly, water-themed festival culminating with a double-header rock show. The festival and “Concert for Clean Water” is from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, March 22 in Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers.
Federal Government Still Far Behind on Everglades Restoration Money
Everglades restoration has been talked about for generations, and work started on some of the original 68 projects about 20 years ago. But few projects have been completed, and some critics say it’s because the federal government has fallen so far behind on the 50-50 cost share project.
Calusa Waterkeeper Hosts Quarterly Ranger Meeting with Zone Leadership
The Ranger program (now totaling 82 volunteers) continues to mature under Waterkeeper, John Cassani’s steady guidance. It is gratifying to see Zone Leaders take initiatives in building out programs to drive advocacy and water testing in their respective areas of our watershed.
CWK Ranger Profile – Terry Nelson
Terry Nelson always wanted to live on the water. He fished and sailed from an early age, and learned to scuba dive in the early 1980s. Terry has dived some of the best waters in the world and was fortunate enough to find a beautiful lot on the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Ft Myers to build their home.
CWK Ranger Profile – Manny Aparicio
Manny became a CWK Ranger to help maintain and restore the beauty of Florida that he remembers from his youth. He still enjoys the recreational fun and mental benefits of touching nature, which is being lost to all of us. More critically, Manny is concerned about the public health consequences of degraded water quality.
Sparse January Rains have left Southwest Florida Parched
January has turned out to be all dry, and meteorologists are calling for above-average temperatures between now and the start of the rainy season in May. Wildfire season is here; Lake Okeechobee levels are receding; the Caloosahatchee River isn’t getting the water it needs, environmental groups say; and the historic Everglades is getting crispy dry.
CWK Ranger Profile – Maggie Stevens
Maggie has admired the work of the Calusa Waterkeepers because it transcends politics and focuses on a quality of life issue. What is more vital than clean water? After the catastrophic blue-green algae disaster in 2018, Maggie felt she needed to be more active and not just sit on the sidelines writing legislators.
We Need Action Now to Combat Health Risks Posed by Toxic Algae Blooms
The causes of harmful algal blooms (HABs) are no mystery: expanding residential and commercial development and agri-business contribute to the increasing flow of nitrogen and phosphorus that spawn HABs in Lake Okeechobee and on the east and west coasts.
Florida Lawmakers Advance Fight Against Blue-Green Algae
The one-two punch of HAB’s in 2018 startled environmentalists and underscored the urgency now propelling efforts in Florida’s Capitol to act against algal blooms in lakes and coastal waters. Now, a package of proposals is wending its way through legislative committees that attempt to better control pollutant-laden runoff that nourish the blue-green algae.
Billy’s Creek Enterococci Sampling Results, January 2020
Poor results at every station on Billy’s Creek this month. Extremely high contamination at the Ortiz and Ortiz Circle stations as is almost always the case. Thanks to retired engineers and CWK Rangers Chris and Ed Shinouskis for their help collecting and analyzing samples.
Lawmakers to Consider Algae Task Force Recommendations this Session
Lawmakers are pushing several bills this session that have regulatory implications as the state tries to rid its waters of blue-green algae and similar pollution. The recommendations came from the Blue-Green Algae Task Force, a group of five scientists who meet regularly to discuss water issues like pollution, toxic algae blooms and septic tanks.