Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida, Inc.

Protecting and Defending the Integrity of the Environment

During its 25-Year history, the Confederation:

Provided much-needed networking for the regional environmental groups

Consistently works to protect surface and ground waters through participation in working groups, public forums, and when needed, rule challenges

Is an active participant in the Charlotte Harbor Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program

Is actively pursuing the Estero Bay SWIM with the South Florida Water Management District

Sponsors informational symposiums and consensus building on wildlife protection and critical resources such as Estero Bay and Charlotte Harbor

Was an active participant in the review of CMI Mine in Desoto County and objected to the issuance of a ground water withdrawal permit.  The Department of Administrative Hearings found for ECOSWF and CMI withdrew their application

Was instrumental in the designation of eight waterbodies in the region as Aquatic Preserves—three in Lee County, two in Collier County, two in Charlotte County, and one in Charlotte/Sarasota Counties

Promoted the use of the Environmentally Endangered Lands, Conservation and Recreation Land, and Save Our Rivers funds to help purchase undeveloped parts of Cayo Coast and North Captive Islands, Charlotte Harbor Reserve Lands, Charlotte Harbor Flatwoods, Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed, and Rookery Bay Lands.

Was the primary motivator in persuading Governor Graham to establish the Charlotte Harbor Resource Planning and Management Committee whose work resulted in the Charlotte Harbor Management Plan

Was the principal participant in action preventing a developer from installing 700 septic tanks in a sensitive area on the shores of Charlotte Harbor.  This issues involved a lawsuit that ended victoriously as a landmark case that will have far-reaching effects on preserving the environment and confirming the right of the public to challenge, petition, and be heard

Was one of the primary forces behind the designation of the tributaries of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve as Outstanding Florida Waters

Has been actively involved in maintaining the status of Fisheating Creek as a Historic Navigable Waterway, monitoring activities and legislation threatening the creek and other state/public owned submerged lands (MARTA), and helping to form the nonprofit organization Save Our Creeks

 

Protecting and Defending the Integrity of the Environment

ECOSWF’s Board of Directors

 

President, Becky Ayech

Vice President, Ellen Peterson

Treasurer, Linda Wilson

Secretary, Debbie Highsmith

 

Alissa Bierma

Tanya Bond

Laura Combs

Allain Hale

Clarke Keller

Wade Matthews

Laraine Pollock

Betsy Roberts

 

Donate now and help us continue to protect Southwest Florida’s environment and quality of life!!!

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ECOSWF’s Annual Meeting was held January 28th in Charlotte County.  Representatives of many of our member organizations joined us to share their accomplishments of the last year and update us on issues of concern.  Thank you to everyone for such a wonderfully informative and inspiring event!!!