Our Mission
The purpose of the Environmental Council is to be knowledgeable of current environmental issues that potentially negatively affect the quality of life for residents of the greater Estero area and to counsel ECCL leadership on actions, options, and recommendations for improvement.
What we’re doing…
The ECCL Environment Council monitors threats to Southwest Florida habitats, wetlands, water quality, wildlife and any issue that affects the quality of the environment affecting Estero. We work with agencies including The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, and others to inform residents of actions they can take to preserve and protect our paradise.
Environment Campaigns…
Water Quality
DR/GR
Lake Okeechobee Releases
Algae Blooms
Red Tide
Flood Prevention
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Wildlife Protection
Florida Panther
Sea Turtle Nesting
Manatee Protection
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Limerock Mining
Protection of DR/GR
Traffic Impact
Blast Damage
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Parks & Public Lands
Preservation
Access
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Take Action
The DR/GR – What is it and why you should care about it
DR/GR stands for density reduction – groundwater resource. It is a large area of land (over 80,000 acres) just east of Estero that was established jointly in 1990 by the State of Florida and Lee County with the specific purpose of protecting the principal water supply...
Articles
Greater Estero Community Report: Qtr 1 2021
The ECCL wishes you a Very Happy New Year, and we hope that you continue to stay safe and well and benefit from the COVID vaccine "rollout" as soon as possible. We are pleased to provide you with the first of four planned GECR Reports for 2021. Our objective is to...
600 lbs. of Rubbish Collected on Hwy 41 in Estero
Volunteers Beat the Record! The team of volunteers participating in ECCL’s Adopt a Highway initiative this weekend helped to collect 600 lbs. of rubbish from Estero’s stretch of Hwy 41, bringing the total amount of litter collected over the last three months by...
Off to a Great Start!
The ECCL support of the “Adopt a Highway” initiative headed by Julie Yellig and her team of volunteers started the cleanup of Hwy 41 over the weekend (October 24). The ECCL is working with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to help clean an approximate...
ECCL Appoints Joseph N. Miceli, Ph.D Environmental Council Chairperson
The Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) is extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Joseph N. Miceli, Ph.D. as Chairperson of its Environmental Council. The purpose of the Environmental Council is to monitor current environmental issues that potentially...
We are seeking a Chairperson for our Environmental Council
Established in 2000, the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) is a non-partisan all-volunteer civic advocacy organization. Our purpose is to inform, educate, and enable residents to act to support and improve the quality of life in Estero and surrounding...
ECCl-sponsored flotilla sets stage for annual Estero Bay environmental initiatives
Estero, Fl., Feb. 26, 2020 A group of boaters departed the FGCU Marine Field Station on Sunday morning, February 23, carrying forty-three (43) volunteers, on a special mission. Their goal: an environmental cleanup of the pristine waters of Estero Bay. Their catch:...
Important BoCC Vote Wednesday on Wetlands
Important Vote Wednesday. Speak to Protect Lee County Wetlands at BoCC Vote Dec. 18.What's at Stake:Voting on a Comprehensive Plan amendment that incentivizes commercial and industrial development on wetlands. When:Wednesday, December 18 at 9:30 a.m....
Don’t let your natural tree end up hurting the environment.
When you are ready to take down the Christmas tree be sure to remove all of the lights, wire, tinsel, garland, ornaments, nails, stands, and other materials that are not part of the original tree. Once you have done this you can place it curbside and it will be picked...
Troyer Brothers Mine – Action Alert
We need new voices on Aug. 21 The final hearing on the Comprehensive Plan and a new Troyer Brothers mine.Aug. 22:Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve all the changes in favor of the Troyer Brothers mine, with Commission Mann being the only opposing vote. ...
Mining Update: Protect Your Water Supply, Flooding Mitigation
What’s at Stake:Changes to the Comprehensive Plan that make it easier for developers to build in wetlands.Approvals of new mines in Lee County.What You Can Do:Contact the County CommissionersWhen:NOW Call District 1: John...
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