The Conservancy Of Southwest Florida Inc

The conservancy of southwest florida's environmental policy team uses a science-based approach to tackle broad regional environmental issues and collaborates with partners such as business, environmental, academic and government leaders to ensure the proper stewardship of southwest florida's water, land and wildlife. They provide our region's decision makers with the tools necessary to make informed decisions on environmental and conservation issues. Specific objectives tackled by the team are smart growth, water issues, mining, endangered species and wildlife habitat protection (continued on schedule o). Accomplishments for the policy team in fy 2023-2024: wetlands protectionin 2024, the conservancy of southwest florida achieved a major legal victory in its ongoing efforts to protect the region's wetlands. As part of a coalition represented by earthjustice, the conservancy successfully challenged the state of florida's assumption of the clean water act section 404 permitting program, which would have weakened wetland protections by bypassing federal standards.a federal court ruling in february 2024 invalidated the state's program, reaffirming the need for rigorous review of development projects impacting wetlands and endangered species. In may 2024, the u.s. Court of appeals denied the state's request to temporarily reinstate the program, preventing the approval of harmful projects while the appeal proceeds.this legal effort protected thousands of acres of critical habitat and reinforced the conservancy's role as a leader in defending environmental safeguards through science-based advocacy and litigation. Water qualityto strengthen advocacy for clean water, the conservancy of southwest florida partnered with captains for clean water and the sanibel-captiva conservation foundation to commission an independent economic study by greene economics. The study translated the ecological consequences of water degradation into clear economic terms, demonstrating that investments in water quality yield measurable economic benefits.key findings projected that a recurrence of harmful algal blooms like those in 2005-2006 and 2018 could result in over $5.2 billion in economic losses, including $460 million in the fishing industry and widespread impacts on property values, employment, and recreation. The analysis equips policymakers with compelling data to support science-based water management policies and restoration efforts across southwest florida. Bellmarthe conservancy of southwest florida took a lead role in opposing the proposed bellmar developmenta sprawling project of over 4,000 homes and commercial space planned within critical florida panther habitat in eastern collier county.the conservancy provided science-based analysis and public testimony to highlight the project's threats to endangered species and wildlife corridors. In collaboration with partners, staff attended a public meeting in december to ensure the panther's habitat needs were clearly represented.with section 404 permitting returned to federal oversight, the endangered species act now provides a stronger framework to challenge harmful developments like bellmar, reinforcing the importance of continued advocacy and habitat protection efforts.kingstonin 2024, the conservancy of southwest florida continued efforts to oppose the proposed kingston development in eastern lee county, which would add over 10,000 homes adjacent to the corkscrew swamp sanctuary and corkscrew regional ecosystem watershed (crew)a vital 60,000-acre natural resource that protects local drinking water.located within the density reduction/groundwater resource (dr/gr) area, the project threatens 3,300 acres of wildlife habitat and critical wetlands. With federal agencies once again overseeing clean water act permitting, the project must undergo national environmental policy act (nepa) review, requiring a thorough assessment of environmental impacts.the conservancy mobilized strong public engagement, with over 2,500 citizens submitting comments in opposition to kingston, reinforcing the call for rigorous environmental scrutiny and protection of southwest florida's most sensitive ecosystems.everglades coalition conferencein 2024, the conservancy of southwest florida was honored to host the 39th annual everglades coalition conference in bonita springs, convening conservation leaders from across the state and nation. The everglades coalition represents 57 organizations united in the mission to fully restore the greater everglades ecosystem.as conference host, the conservancy played a key role in shaping the dialogue by moderating panel discussions on pressing regional issues, including the findings of its economic water quality study and emerging threats and opportunities in the greater western everglades. This leadership position reinforced the conservancy's role as a trusted voice in collaborative ecosystem restoration efforts.climate resiliencein 2024, the conservancy of southwest florida expanded its climate resilience work by appointing dr. Carrie schuman as climate resilience advisor, a new role embedded within the environmental policy team and supporting cross-program collaboration. This position has strengthened the conservancy's ability to engage local governments, homeowner associations, and businesses in advancing sustainable, community-focused climate strategies.

The conservancy of southwest florida's von arx wildlife hospital admitted approximately 3,600 native animals this year. The wildlife hospital is designed to meet the medical needs of injured, sick and orphaned native birds, mammals and reptiles, ultimately improving their ability to be released back in to the wild. The second goal is to provide education to our nature center visitors on how to prevent injuries to wildlife. The von arx wildlife hospital is the only facility of its kind within collier county. The injured, sick and orphaned native wildlife are cared for by a dedicated staff of seven full-time employees, a staff veterinarian, and seasonal interns. Staff efforts are supported by volunteers who assist with diet preparation, cage cleaning (continued on schedule o).animal restraint and wildlife rescue and release. Accomplishments for the wildlife rehabilitation team in fy 2023-2024: season wrap-up in 2024, the von arx wildlife hospital at the conservancy of southwest florida admitted 3,828 native wildlife patients, an increase of over 300 from the previous year. The hospital remained open 365 days a year, providing essential care to sick, injured, and orphaned animals, including several rare species such as bobcats, a peregrine falcon, and a glass lizard.admissions surged following hurricanes helene and milton, with over 200 animals brought in after the storms. The majority of cases continued to result from human-related causes, including vehicle strikes (584 admissions) and pet attacks (358 admissions). Despite the volume, the team worked tirelessly to rehabilitate and release hundreds of animals, contributing to the protection and recovery of local wildlife populations.veterinarian staff updatein september 2024, the conservancy of southwest florida honored dr. Pj deitschel, who concluded her 12-year tenure as staff veterinarian at the von arx wildlife hospital. Joining the team in 2012, dr. Pj played a pivotal role in transforming the facility into a licensed veterinary wildlife hospital. With expertise in both wildlife medicine and traditional chinese veterinary medicine, she cared for thousands of native species and mentored numerous conservation associates, leaving a lasting legacy grounded in compassion and animal welfare.following her departure, the conservancy welcomed dr. Kendall carlin as the new staff veterinarian. A graduate of tufts university, dr. Carlin brings hands-on experience from the raptor center, the wildlife rehabilitation center of minnesota, and international work in new zealand and taiwan. She has already proven to be a dedicated and knowledgeable addition, committed to enhancing wildlife care and engaging with volunteers and students alike.baby showeron june 1, 2024, the von arx wildlife hospital hosted its annual spring baby shower to support the influx of orphaned and injured baby animals during peak wildlife season. Nearly 100 community members attended, contributing over 180 wishlist donations to help provide critical care for young patients such as squirrels, songbirds, raptors, turtles, and tortoises.the event served as a valuable public education opportunity, teaching attendees how to prevent harm to nestlings and the importance of seeking professional wildlife care. With hospital admissions doubling during this season, the generous support from the community played a vital role in helping the hospital meet the increased demand.

The conservancy's environmental science team is dedicated to research and solutions, providing unbiased data and studies while maintaining a national reputation for their multi-faceted expertise. With a range of collective experience, conservancy scientists provide the background and knowledge, ranging from coastal ecosystems and resiliency to invasive species research and management. Accomplishments for the environmental science team in fy 2023-2024: sea turtlesin 2024, the conservancy's sea turtle research team documented 425 nests on keewaydin island, reaffirming its role as a vital nesting habitat. Despite several severe weather events, including tropical storms and high tides, the team maintained daily monitoring efforts, enabling accurate data collection and response to environmental challenges.the season offered critical insights into storm-related impacts on hatching success, and nest predation remained low, reflecting the effectiveness of ongoing conservation strategies. While storm surge affected a portion of the nests, the sea turtles' natural reproductive resilience and the conservancy's science-based approach continue to support long-term population stability.pythonsthe conservancy python team hit a milestone in 2024, removing more than 36,000 pounds of invasive pythons from a 150-square-mile area in southwest florida since conception of the program. As of september 2024, 120 adult pythons have been radio-tagged and tracked to gather data on behavior and habitat use.this research supports the creation of a comprehensive behavioral database, helping inform land managers, biologists, and policymakers as they work to control this apex predator and protect native wildlife.conservancy biologists ian bartoszek and ian easterling, in collaboration with dr. Bruce jayne from the university of cincinnati, published a groundbreaking study in reptiles & amphibians. The research documented the largest known gape size in burmese pythons, including a python ingesting a 77-pound white-tailed deer, underscoring the species' threat to native wildlife. These efforts continue to provide critical data to inform science-based management across the greater everglades ecosystem. Mangrovesin 2024, the conservancy assessed the health of 7,603 mangroves across permanent monitoring plots in the clam bay estuary and goodland fruit farm creek. These efforts support long-term recovery and resilience in ecosystems severely impacted by development and previous die-offs.the team documented early signs of recovery in clam bay, following damage from hurricane ian, while adjacent areas in goodland showed continued stability. These findings are critical to guiding ongoing restoration efforts, which are helping mangrove forests recover and continue their role in coastal protection and habitat preservation.