About the Department

Responsibilities

The Natural Resources Department is responsible for managing conservation, environmental restoration, and water quality projects on the Island. These responsibilities involve applying for and managing grants, implementing programs, performing biological field inspections, and providing environmental information to citizens and to the City.

2008 Goals

Current goals of the Sanibel Natural Resources Department include the following:

- Complete the restoration and construction of Pond Apple Park and open trails to the public.
- Complete the post-hurricane native vegetation plantings at Bowman's Beach, Gulfside and Lighthouse Parks, and Periwinkle Way Corridor.
- Continue the success of the Island-wide Brazilian Pepper Eradication Program.
- Find and begin implementation of both short- and long-term permanent solutions to local water quality and algae problems.

2007 Accomplishments

Recent accomplishments of the Sanibel Natural Resources Department include the following:

- Completed the Clam Bayou Restoration Project.
- Received a $375,000 grant from the Florida Division of Forestry for the restoration of tree canopy along Periwinkle Way. Tree plantings were completed in August 2007.
- Finished construction of the trail system at Pond Apple Park.
- Obtained a permit for the State Botanical site to install culverts for firelines and ditch blocks to retain water within the interior freshwater wetlands. The work was completed in May 2007.
- Received a $40,000 grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore various wildlife habitats at Lighthouse Beach Park following damage by Hurricane Charley. The restoration was completed in July 2006.
- Completed four years of sampling with the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program's Water Quality Monitoring Network.
- Continued implementation of the Brazilian Pepper Eradication Program.
- Presented the Sanibel Gardens Restoration Project at the 33rd Annual Ecosystems Restoration and Creation Conference.
- Continued beachfront lighting and beach furniture Island-wide compliance project.
- Attended numerous meetings, workshops, and presentations regarding the Lake Okeechobee releases and their impact on the estuary. James Evans was appointed to the Southwest Florida Watershed Council Board. Rob Loflin was appointed to the LORRS working group.
- Worked with the City's consultant on development and publication of the City's "H2O Matters" website and water quality newsletters.

Upcoming Challenges

The greatest current challenge the Island's natural systems face continues to be water quality and algae blooms. The Natural Resources Department must balance the need for extensive work on this issue with continuing the normal operation of the Department. Completing the already-secured grant-funded projects such as the Periwinkle Way Tree Canopy Restoration Project and the restoration of hurricane-devastated parks is a priority that must be carried out regardless of workload.

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