Calusa Waterkeeper 25th Anniversary Commemorative Report

T hey came to us from five counties and all walks of life - teachers, nurses, attorneys, engineers, tour operators, doctors, retirees, fishermen, government workers and captains of enterprise – all recognizing our water woes and wanting to make a difference. And what a difference they have made. They are the Calusa Waterkeeper Rangers. Since Calusa Waterkeeper became a licensed member of the Waterkeeper Alliance in December of 2016, our Rangers have formed their own mighty alliance and a force within our organization. They conduct water sampling, participate in agency public hearings and workshops, attend county commission and city council meetings, meet one-on-one with elected officials, are often sought out by the media, and represent CWK in the courtroom, always speaking with an informed passion about everyone’s right to clean water. As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary, CWK Rangers remind us of the volunteer spirit that led to the formation of the Caloosahatchee River Citizens Association where the community came together to protect and restore our namesake river. On behalf of the CWK Board of Directors and staff, we recognize not only the volume of work to accomplish, but also the urgency to get it done. And we are immensely grateful to our Rangers and to the hundreds of volunteers who have contributed in so many ways to our mission since 1995. Inside left Calusa Waterkeeper Rangers: Amber Streath - Andre Mele - Angela Zarranz - Bill & Lauren Taylor - Bob Mignogna - Brad Quandt Brad Stutz - Bryan & Annette Bowen - Brynn Wolcott - Chris & Ed Shinouskis - Chris von Frantzius - Chuck Anderson – Chuck Avery Chuck Richardson - Colleen Gill - Connie Langmann - Curtis Orvis - Damien Lin - Dana Breda - Danika Hopper - David Waller - Don Wolcott - Donald Lees – Gene & Nan Gibson - George May - Greg Gardner - Habana Zarranz - Hank Appleton - Heidi Douglas - Holley Rauen - Jamie DeLacey - Jane Schlesinger - Jason Pim - Jessica Blanks - Jessika Arman-Valdivia - Jim & Ruth Watkins - Joanna Metzger - Joanne Heroy-Hiller - Joe & Kaye Vaughn - John & Kathy Cookman - John Riegert - Kelli Wolin - Kyle Boutin Leonard Cardone - Linda Ryckman - Liz Taggart - Louise Kowitch - Maggie Stevens - Manuel Aparicio - Mark DeCicco Megan Frazier - Melanie Hoff - Michael Lee - Nash Williams - Patricia Martin - Patrick Kesssing - Patty Whitehead Randy Rogers - Reginald Padlilla - Rob Howell - Robert Crum - Robert Zarranz – Robyn Hammes Sarah Fredrickson - Scott Perry - Sherry Straub – Terry Nelson - Thomas Golembeski – Tom James Tony Quinn - Tracie Bickford - Wanda Klopf - Warren Schiradao - Yolanda Olson Each Ranger has graduated from our Ranger training academy, typically a series of three two-hour sessions where they learn about water policy, our mission, the science of water quality and how it is important to our fish and wildlife. John Cassani – Calusa Waterkeeper April 1 2003 Smalltooth Sawfish listed as “endangered” under the ESA - 2003 - CRCA nearly disappears – As dissolution is approved by the Board of Directors June 19, 2004 A revitalized Board elects new President and Members at LaBelle Community House November 2004 At CRCA’s urging, and spear-headed by J. Capece and R.A. Wessel, the SFWMD funds a $500k Oxbow Restoration project March 19, 2005 CRCA Annual Member Meeting at LaBelle Community House Free BBQ & canoes Nov 20, 2005 November 2005 CRCA submits the Caloosahatchee to list of America’s polluted rivers