Monthly News & Updates

July 12, 2023

Words From the Waterkeeper

In June, the Blue Green Algae Task Force held an in-person meeting at the FGCU Water School. A few of our Rangers, myself and other members of the community attended, allowing us to observe first-hand the current workings of the Task Force and FDEP staff.

With the Caloosahatchee loading data far outpacing FDEP's modeling estimates, plus the additional impacts of Hurricane Ian, CWK would like to see meaningful updates to the BMAP process. Encouraging Everglades restoration projects and getting the C-43 reservoir construction back on track should help alleviate the river basin of some of the harmful discharges that we experience, but will do very little to address the nutrient pollution.

When pressed on the need for updates to the modeling and assumptions, DEP’s staff acknowledged room for improvement. We will continue to monitor this and advocate for the improvements desperately needed in our watershed, and the state's BMAP/TMDL programs as a whole.

-Capt. Codty Pierce

Help Preserve Wetlands

A large development renamed "Redfish Point" is being proposed on a 300+ acre site at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River in SW Cape Coral. Development would impact water quality, hydrology and wildlife including critical habitat for several endangered species. An informational meeting will be held

Saturday, July 15 at 9:00 am at

Rotary Park in Cape Coral

Click for Meeting Details or Sign the Petition now.

Vertical Oyster Garden Workshop

Our first Vertical Oyster Garden Workshop was a huge success! Fifteen volunteers participated at the FGCU Food Forest on June 25th to create these natural water filters. They drilled, strung and took home over 70 oyster gardens to hang underneath docks around the watershed. Thank you to all the amazing volunteers who gave their time to help restore water quality in Southwest Florida!

If you would like more information or to be a part of the next workshop, click here.

What's In The Water?

Every month Calusa Waterkeeper conducts Fecal Indicator Bacteria sampling at up to 32 sites in Southwest Florida. Enterococci bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness, infections, and rashes. June testing results revealed only 23% of the sites "passed" and a majority were over the 70 MPN advisory threshold the state uses (if they were testing these sites). Eight sites tested extremely high for fecal bacteria concentrations. Click the link below to review the June 24 results. (Please note conditions can change daily.) FIB Test Results.

Interested in learning more about the exciting volunteer opportunities at Calusa Waterkeeper? Please contact Cindy Swisher at 239-899-1440 or email her at cswisher@calusawaterkeeper.org

Volunteer Spotlight

Meet One of CWK's Awesome Volunteers - Ranger Dan Carney

Dan grew up on a small farm northwest of Chicago. As a child he loved to fish in the small pond located on the property. As a matter of fact, according to his mother, his first word was “fish”. He spent much of his time taking orphaned foxes, squirrels and raccoons under his wing. His love of animals extended well beyond the farm with his first full-time job managing an exotic pet store where he learned to put alligators to sleep and was bitten by a 12 ft. python.

After 37 years at FedEx, Dan and his wife retired to Cape Coral where they fell in love with the water, the climate, and the friendly atmosphere. Sadly, his wife of 45 years passed away shortly afterward, and Dan spent eight years as a snowbird. But finally, in August of 2021, he made Southwest Florida his year-round home.

Dan first became aware of the conditions of our waters on a kayak trip and later a friend introduced him to Calusa Waterkeeper. He signed up for the Ranger program and has been one of CWK’s most dedicated volunteers ever since, recently taking on the leadership of the Tidal Ranger Zone.

“When I signed up for the Ranger program, I thought all we needed was good science to solve water issues,” Dan said, “but I was wrong. It turns out our biggest challenge is people! Specifically, our political leaders’ lack of interest in environmental stewardship.” He truly believes that “through science and dedication, we can make SW Florida a paradise.”

Calusa Waterkeeper is truly grateful for the dedication of Rangers like Dan and all our volunteers who are committed to protecting and restoring the waters of Southwest Florida.

Thanks, Dan!!

News and Updates

Another Florida "Summer of Slime" - and our state government seems to be working against solutions.

EARTHJUSTICE.ORG June 27, 2023

Cyanobacteria Scenes From Around the Tidal Watershed

Photos from Calusa Waterkeeper, July 3

blue-green-algae-polluting-local-waterways_NBC2-400x250 image

Blue-green algae documented polluting the Caloosahatchee

NBC-2 News, June 18

Be A Part Of The Movement Toward Clean Water

We invite yo to join us in our efforts to improve water quality. Every gift moves us one step close as we fight of drinkable, fishable, and swimmable water. Your donation provides critical funding for our impact programs and advocacy efforts. Click here to learn more and join the fight.