Our Work
Environment Council
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.
Southwest Florida Eagle Cam
Watch our local eagle nest, with a countdown to eggs hatching, courtesy of Dick Pritchett Real Estate. Click the image to be taken to the website.
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
Act Now: Protected Species at Risk
An environmentally sensitive site of 1,800+ acres in eastern Lee County, which is home to the endangered Florida panther and surrounded by preserves, is at risk of becoming a 781-acre mine pit, permanently removing habitats for state and federally protected species...
Florida Legislature to Eliminate Energy Credits for Homeowners with Solar Panels
The Florida Senate and House are now considering legislation to end credits homeowners receive on their electric bills when their home installed solar panels provide electricity to the power grid. Senate bill SB 1024 and House bill HB 741 would “undermine current...
Important Water Quality Legislation in Florida’s House and Senate
Governor DeSantis appointed the Blue Green Algae Task Force in 2019 to “ensure that objective and sound science informs Florida’s environmental decision-making process.” They made their recommendations, and the resulting proposed legislation is currently being...
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...
Seeking Volunteers
Sewer Conversion Committee
ECCL Environmental Council Continue Reading Sewer Conversion Committee
Articles
Act Now: Protected Species at Risk
An environmentally sensitive site of 1,800+ acres in eastern Lee County, which is home to the endangered Florida panther and surrounded by preserves, is at risk of becoming a 781-acre mine pit, permanently removing habitats for state and federally protected species...
Great Results from the Second Adopt-a-Highway Season
The second ECCL "Adopt a Highway" season has officially and successfully concluded. The ECCL and Julie Yellig, who organized the program in 2020, would like to thank all those volunteers who have participated in helping clean Hwy 41 in Estero. Volunteers from over 30...
More Volunteers are Stepping up to Keep our Greater Estero Roads Free from Rubbish
Through the efforts of the ECCL's Adopt A Highway volunteer team this month, 520 pounds of litter was collected from Hwy 41. This month brings this season's total to 3,760 pounds and the total since October 2020 to a staggering 8,800 pounds (4.4 tons). Volunteers over...
Spotlight Features ECCL Role in Protecting Estero’s Environment
On March 1, 2022, Spotlight News Magazine featured the ECCL's role in protecting Estero's environment, in this article by Jeff Lytle.
Estero’s Hwy 41 Is Much Cleaner This Weekend! More Than 740 Pounds of Rubbish Removed!
The ECCL is pleased to report another extraordinary effort from volunteers helping clear the rubbish along an Estero section of Hwy 41 this weekend. That brings this season's total - starting in October 2021 - to 3,240 pounds, and our total since October 2020 to 8,280...
Featured Volunteer: Julie Yellig
In 2019, Julie approached the ECCL to consider adopting Hwy 41 in Estero through the FDOT Adopt a Highway program, and the program commenced in October 2020. More than 4 tons of litter have been collected since the program began. Continue Reading Featured Volunteer: Julie Yellig
Southwest Florida’s Waterways Are Screaming For “Help”. Are We Poisoning Our Water?
Many do not know that our deteriorating water quality is impacting the health of our economy and the residents of Estero and Southwest Florida. The ECCL has a significant role in bridging this education gap. We collaborate with other local groups such as the Calusa...
Florida Legislature to Eliminate Energy Credits for Homeowners with Solar Panels
The Florida Senate and House are now considering legislation to end credits homeowners receive on their electric bills when their home installed solar panels provide electricity to the power grid. Senate bill SB 1024 and House bill HB 741 would “undermine current...
Another Stellar Volunteer Clean-up Event Along Hwy 41 in Estero
The ECCL collaborates with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to help clean an approximate four-mile section of the Tamiami Trail. Each month's work involves teams of volunteers who clean areas of the highway, between the Vines entrance (Breckenridge...
Unique way to improve water quality and habitats
This article by WINK news covers a unique use of manufacturing waste to improve our coastlines. "Sanibel’s shoreline is getting protected with help from overseas. Thanks to help from the Dutch government, scientists and volunteers on Sanibel Island installed...
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