Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Calusa Waterkeeper to Conduct Source Tracing of Fecal Bacteria in Billy’s Creek
Calusa Waterkeeper will conduct the first phase of a study to determine the source of the fecal bacteria contamination of Billy’s Creek. The testing determines if the nitrogen is from raw domestic sewage, wildlife, septic tanks, treated wastewater or agricultural sources and will be compared to a concurrent study in the Caloosahatchee River.
Welcoming New Board and Team Members
In lieu of holding a general membership meeting in April 2020 and doing our part to avoid large group gatherings, the Calusa Waterkeeper board proceeded with filling open board positions at our directors meeting in May. We'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to...
Calusa Waterkeeper Turns 25
Springing from humble origins, spawned by a handful of grassroots working men and women stepping up to adopt an orphaned river, Caloosahatchee River Citizens Association – the predecessor to today’s Calusa Waterkeeper – was founded 25 years ago in the Spring of 1995, and has not looked back.
Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 13
In this episode, John updates us on cyanobacteria blooms that have been detected in Lake O and in the Caloosahatchee. The area is seeing macro algae becoming more abundant. Elevated levels of fecal bacteria are responsible for shellfish closures.
Runoff from Construction Sites Enter Caloosahatchee River
Construction runoff has been getting into the Caloosahatchee River recently and residents and professionals alike have noticed murky patches. John Cassani, with the Calusa Waterkeeper, says, “Well, this is a very significant construction site sediment runoff.”
Calusa Waterkeeper Protects Region’s Vital Marine Resources
Water. From the grand rivers, coastal sounds and bays throughout the region, to the creeks and canals that meander through our neighborhoods, to the glistening Gulf of Mexico, water is in so many ways a crucial lifeblood for Southwest Florida.
States, Groups Challenge Feds over Reducing Wetlands Protection
More than a dozen states and several environmental groups are hoping a California judge will soon stop a move to open half the nation’s wetlands and streams to potential development and pollution. The changes, called the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, are due to go into effect on June 22.
How to Save a River at Risk? Calusa Waterkeeper Looks back at 25 Years of Working for the Watershed
On any given day, Calusa Waterkeeper members might be flying over the Caloosahatchee scanning for algae, sampling its urban tributary creeks for fecal bacteria, crunching water quality numbers or screening a documentary about the river’s health.
Experts Watching Area of Lake Okeechobee for Blue-Green Algae
Right now, there’s an area in Lake Okeechobee that experts are watching. What we wanted to know is if they think it’s something to be concerned about. An NOAA satellite map depicts bacteria concentrations in Lake Okeechobee with the bluish-green portion being an area of concern.
Everglades Restoration Project may be Delayed
A delay may be on the way after the US Army Corps of Engineers announced they want to “new start” the EAA reservoir. That project will capture and hold water from Lake Okeechobee and send it through cleaning marshes on its way south through the Everglades.
University Researchers Working to Pinpoint how Toxic Algae Blooms Affect the Human Body
Researchers are studying how toxic algae works its way through the human body and they continue to set their sights on Southwest Florida. Mike Parsons, a FGCU professor and Blue-Green Algae Task Force member, and Adam Schaefer of FAU installed the second round of air quality sensors in Cape Coral.
Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 12
On this Words From the Waterkeeper, John updates us on the uptick of cyanobacteria in Lake Okeechobee and surrounding areas along with a lot of macro algae building up. Plus, we’re still seeing high salinity levels in the upper estuary of the Caloosahatchee.