Leading the fight for clean, healthy, and abundant water for the enjoyment of all in Southwest Florida. 2024 Annual Report
Southwest Florida’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters are under threat from pollution and mismanagement. To protect and restore the Caloosahatchee River, from Lake Okeechobee to the coastal waters. Our Mission As we look back on another year of progress and challenges, we are reminded that our work to protect the waters of Southwest Florida has never been more critical. The water crisis that our region faces is both urgent and complex, and demands an unwavering commitment from all of us. With more than 1,000 square miles of water in our four-county jurisdiction, we are dedicated to ensuring the health of our waters—the lifeblood of our ecosystems, economy, and way of life. From the Everglades to the Gulf, our waters are facing unprecedented threats, including pollution, over-development, and climate change. These threats not only jeopardize the natural beauty and biodiversity that define our piece of paradise but also threaten our local economy, property values, and quality of life. In response to this crisis, we are committed to a comprehensive action plan. Our work in 2025 and beyond will focus on five key pillars: advocacy, education, protection, restoration, and legislation. We will continue to push for stronger water protection policies and regulations; monitor, protect and restore vital ecosystems; educate students and communities; and hold decision-makers accountable to ensure that water quality remains a top priority. We know that real change requires both grassroots efforts and strategic policy action, and we are prepared to take the steps necessary to defend our waters. As we move forward, the support of our community, elected officials, business leaders, members, donors, and volunteers are critical. Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure that the waters of Southwest Florida remain a vibrant, sustainable resource for generations to come. With your continued support, we will protect what we love and restore what we’ve lost. Thank you for standing with us in this crucial fight for clean water. Sincerely, Captain Codty Pierce, Calusa Waterkeeper Connie Ramos-Williams, Executive Director The Problem Southwest Florida is facing serious water quality issues that negatively impact our ecosystems, wildlife, human health, and economic prosperity. Our water is being polluted with nutrients, wastewater, pathogens, forever chemicals, and other hazards. The rapidly increasing population and development also threaten our water quality and water supplies. If we do not advocate for solutions and better practices today, the task will only grow more difficult for future generations. Red Tide (Karenia brevis) Fecal Bacteria Contamination Blue-green Algae (Cyanobacteria) Lake O Releases & Stormwater Calusa Waterkeeper 2
Water Quality Monitoring Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB) Volunteer Rangers collect monthly water samples from more than 30 locations in our watershed and then process them in our lab. Results are published online and reported to the media and authorities to inform the public of risks. Air Quality Research Airborne Toxins from Harmful Algae Blooms We developed a patent-pending air monitoring system (ADAM), designed to measure airborne toxins from harmful algal blooms. This pioneering research is aimed at measuring and identifying potential human health impacts. Vertical Oyster Gardens (VOG) A Fun, Nature-Based Solution These educational workshops teach community members the importance of nature-based solutions in protecting and restoring water quality. Oyster shells from local restaurants are recycled, cleaned and strung together to hang from docks, filtering the water and creating new habitat for marine life. Right to Clean Water State Constitutional Amendment We support the Right to Clean Water initiative organized by the Florida Rights of Nature Network. Given the challenging legislative climate, there may be no more important push than to establish these clean water protections in Florida. Please support getting this amendment on the 2026 ballot. Ranger Program Citizen Science Training & Action The Ranger Training Academy provides science-based education and field experience to those interested in protecting our waters. Rangers are our boots on the ground, helping to monitor, engage and advocate for clean water. Advocacy & Legislation Improving Water Policy & Regulation We collaborate with like-minded environmental organizations to support policies that improve water quality and protect human health and our ecosystems. We monitor pollution, management, development and policy concerns, working to hold authorities accountable. Impact Programs 2024 2024 Annual Report 3
Fighting for Clean Water for 30 Years Recent Advocacy & Action Joined successful litigation against the Army Corps of Engineers Helped improve local fertilizer ordinances Opposed repeated attempts to remove Cape Coral’s Chiquita Lock Produced 3 documentaries on local water quality Pioneering Aerosolized Toxin Research (ADAM) Petitioned FDEP & EPA to establish Cyanotoxin Standards Worked to originate the Florida Safe Waterways Act Trained over 150 Rangers 1995 Founded as Caloosahatchee River Citizens Association (aka Riverwatch) 2017 Rechartered as Calusa Waterkeeper, a Waterkeeper Alliance Member Established New Lab in partnership with Calusa Nature Center Hosted Post-Hurricane Clean-ups in Matlacha, Fort Myers Beach & Estero Bay Advocated for FIB signage along impaired water bodies in Fort Myers Launched CWK Merchandise Store Celebrated Water Quality Awareness Month with Taps Flow for H2O brewery events Chartered new Advisory Council with 16 founding members Implemented Eyes on Seagrass in Lee County Calusa Waterkeeper 4
300+ Waterkeepers Worldwide 15 Waterkeepers in Florida Part of a Global Movement Strategic Partnerships 2024 Annual Report 5 380+ Water Samples Tested 2,400+ Supporters 1,000+ Square Miles of Water 200+ Oyster Garden Restorations 60+ Advocacy & Policy Actions 32 New Rangers 500,000+ People Reached 12,000+ Volunteer Hours 2024 Impact
1 2 4 3 5 6 7 Jurisdiction & Ranger Zones 1. Lake Okeechobee 2. Freshwater Caloosahatchee 3. Tidal Caloosahatchee 4. Matlacha Pass 5. Pine Island Sound 6. Charlotte Harbor 7. Estero Bay Organization & Governance 2024 Staff Codty Pierce Calusa Waterkeeper Connie Ramos-Williams Executive Director Tricia Santucci Administrative Coordinator Board of Directors Charles Avery Daniel Carney James Douglass, PhD. Kerri Goldsmith Solemi Hernandez Jeff Hunt Tim Huyck Mary Kay Kralapp Jason Pim Nikki Tinsley Working Committees Advocacy Communications Executive (Board Officers) Finance & Governance Fundraising Grants Nominating Ranger Leadership James Beever William Blevins Ralf Brookes John Capece, PhD. John Cassani Scott Fischer Matt Funchion Michael Haley Louise Kowitch David Laties Robert Lienesch Paul Owens Andrew Shipley Howard Simon Steven Wilkie Amanda Zirzow Advisory Council (Founded in 2024) The Advisory Council serves as a vital resource to provide strategic advice, guidance, and support to Calusa Waterkeeper’s staff and board of directors contributing valuable expertise and diverse perspectives to assist in achieving organizational goals. Calusa Waterkeeper is dedicated to the protection of the Caloosahatchee River and estuary, Lake Okeechobee, and the near-shore waters of Southwest Florida, through education and promotion of responsible use and enjoyment by all. Calusa Waterkeeper 6
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P.O. Box 1165, Ft. Myers, FL 33902 239-899-1440 [email protected] calusawaterkeeper.org
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