Some environmental advocates and researchers are concerned that a detrimental change may be planned for the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, which has been under state protections since 1966.
The state published a public notice recently that gave very little details, only that a change will be proposed in 2024.
The Nov. 9 notice, published in The News-Press, reads: “Notice is hereby given of intent to apply to the Florida Legislature, in the 2024 regular or any special or extended legislative sessions, for passage of an act relating to aquatic preserves, amending chapter 75-172 or Section 258.39(28), Florida Statutes, relating to the boundaries of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve.”
“We probably won’t know until the day before the (legislative) delegation (meets),” said Calusa Waterkeeper Emeritus John Cassani. “If it’s something that’s under the radar, it probably won’t be on the agenda until the last minute.”
The News-Press reached out to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection about the notice but did not receive a reply.
“Nobody seems to know what it is,” Cassani said. “(But) anything that carves away at the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve is a bad thing, and I think it’s caught people by surprise because (the state) is trying to run under the radar.”
Bordered by Lovers Key
Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve is 13,800 acres and is bordered on the west by islands like Lovers Key State Park and to the east by mangroves along the mainland.
The bay contains hundreds of small islands, and it was once home to the expansive and fruitful Calusa, a native people who lived in Southwest Florida for centuries before European explorers arrived.
It’s a popular recreation waterway for anglers, boaters and paddlers, and its home to dozens of endangered and threatened species, such as American crocodiles, manatees, various sea turtles and the Big Cypress fox squirrel.
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Some local environmental scientists and professors are concerned about the brief notice as well.
“It’s been my experience that public notices that are as cryptic as this one are never good for the environment,” said Florida Gulf Coast University researcher and professor Nora Demers. “Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve was purchased and protected from development many years ago.”
Professor calls for zero changes
Demers said Estero Bay and similar waterways deserve the most protection that can be afforded and that no changes should be made to the border or the designation.
“Unfortunately, the work of conservation is never completed and there are continual (development) forces at work to remove the conservation protection that we purchased with our tax dollars,” Demers said. “Hopefully someday soon it will become obvious to everyone that we need to protect our natural resources in order to protect our quality of life and the economic basis of our community.
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She said protecting the aquatic preserve protects the long-term, sustainable economic base across south Lee County.
“The social trap of short-term economic gain is to our detriment,” Demers said. “(And) the aquatic preserve is protecting thousands of residents and visitors from hurricane and storm surge damage.”
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