11/2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS: Nancy Hamilton, Lee Rose, Katie Meckley (239) 338-3500

LEE COUNTY, FL— In a tropical paradise that attracts visitors from all over the world, the natural assets of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel and their preservation are an interesting and exciting part of any vacation to the area. A variety of eco-attractions, wildlife tours and educational programs focus on the ecologically-minded efforts that have become a key element of southwest Florida. Together, they offer many opportunities to those who appreciate the area’s unspoiled environment and want to help preserve it.

Conservation 20/20 program boosts eco-tourism

From its launch in 1996, this program, which is funded by a special property tax that Lee County residents voted in specifically to preserve environmentally critical land, has boosted recreational and eco-tourism opportunities.

According to Commissioner Ray Judah, Chairman Lee County Board of County Commissioners and Tourist Development Council, “The Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB) embraces responsible stewardship of Lee County’s natural resources and promotes the unique opportunities for visitors from all over the world to enjoy beautiful beaches, paddling, hiking trails and breathtaking flora and fauna.”

“Since its inception in 1996, Lee County’s 2020 land acquisition program continues to expand the county’s environmentally sensitive lands inventory to protect precious water resources and critical open space for people and wildlife. The synergy between the VCB and the Conservation 2020 program will ensure long term environmental sustainability and maintain Lee County as the premier destination for the traveling public.”

An example of the destination’s commitment to the protection of environmentally sensitive land occurred in 2006 when Lee County committed $41.5 million and partnered with the State of Florida to purchase Babcock Ranch Preserve, a 73,236-acre preserve in Lee and Charlotte counties. Lee County purchased and holds title to all of the Babcock Ranch Preserve within Lee County that Kitson and Associates were willing to sell. The purchase of 5,620 acres of the ranch lands that lie within county boundaries, worked cooperatively with the State of Florida to save the acreage from development and to conserve water resources. It constituted the largest tract of conservation lands the state has purchased to date.

Babcock Ranch holds a popular heritage- and eco-tourism attraction, Babcock Wilderness Adventures in North Fort Myers, which offers tours of cypress swamp, wildlife and ranching operations. The attraction also offers guided tours of some of the spectacular woods and wetlands found within the property’s 90,000 acres. Guests take a 90-minute swamp buggy tour to see most of the ranch’s highlights, including the Telegraph Cypress Swamp, four ecosystems, deer, turkey, alligators, panthers and birdlife. For information on daily tour times or to make reservations, call (800) 500-5583 or visit www.babcockwilderness.com .

Also purchased through the Conservation 20/20 program, the recently-opened Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve in North Fort Myers now has $2.1 million in upgrades and amenities that include a canoe/kayak launch, 1,000 feet of boardwalks, 2,700 feet of trails, restrooms, pavilions and observation decks.

Additional Conservation 20/20 preserves and parks throughout the area that offer amenities for visitors such as hiking, bird watching, nature trails and in some instances, canoe and kayak landing, include: Pineland Archaeology Site on Pine Island; San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve and Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers; Matanzas Pass Preserve and Bowditch Point Regional Park on Fort Myers Beach and Hickey’s Creek Mitigation Park in Alva.

Lee County was awarded a $1.5 million state grant to restore habitat and build recreational amenities at a recently acquired addition to the Conservation 20/20 Galt Preserve on Pine Island’s southern tip. Habitat there hosts species such as the bald eagle, wood stork, gopher tortoise, golden leather fern and giant airplane. The property will be managed by Lee County Parks & Recreation staff to protect the species as well as provide recreational opportunities. Information: www.leeparks.org or www.conservation2020.org.

Beach and shoreline improvement

In addition to Conservation 20/20 projects, the county has dedicated hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to beach and shoreline improvement. One-third of the five percent bed tax collected by local hotels and resorts gets funneled into the beach and shoreline program.

These projects impact nature-based experiences that visitors enjoy, such as bird watching, paddling, and freshwater fishing, in addition to other wildlife viewing. Land preservation protects the area’s natural resources, providing critical habitat for the nature and wildlife that visitors enjoy.

“Due to our climate and location on the Gulf of Mexico, this area is a paradise for naturalists,” says Roger Clark, Lee County Land Stewardship manager. “Ecosystems exist here that aren’t found anywhere else. The Florida scrub jay, the Florida panther . . . these and other species are unique to this area.”

Destination partners with Conservation Fund to offset meeting’s footprint

To help address habitat loss and climate change, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida is making donations to The Conservation Fund’s Go ZeroSM program to offset the carbon footprint of meetings in the area. The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB), which markets the destination for leisure travel and meetings, is the first to offer such a partnership with the Fund – one that is designed to serve as a model for the nation.

Specifically, the VCB has agreed to donate to The Conservation Fund 100 percent of the cost of offsetting the CO2 emissions that result from any event within the destination, including attendee travel, facility energy use and off-site functions. The VCB already offsets its own events with the Fund and encourages meetings properties and meeting planners to do the same.

Participation is simple and free for planners. The VCB provides interested planners with a worksheet, which the Fund uses to estimate CO2 emissions associated with the meeting. Once complete, the VCB will make a donation to the Fund to offset those emissions. The worksheet is available by visiting the destination’s meetings Web site at www.FortMyersSanibelMeetings.com or by request from any participating meetings property.

Visitors help protect the environment

The waters surrounding Lee County’s numerous islands are home to approximately 400 species of shells, so there’s never a shortage of treasures on the beaches. However, while beachcombers are welcome to gather shells that wash in from the Gulf of Mexico, it is against the law to collect live shells (those with creatures living inside). Shelling enthusiasts are also encouraged to visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum on Sanibel Island (www.shellmuseum.org or (888) 679-6450), or purchase shell souvenirs at one of many area retail shops.

Other measures have been enacted over the years to conserve and protect other flora and fauna found throughout the area. Certain species of fish, for instance, cannot be kept if they are caught out of season or do not meet size limits. And in some cases, a current license from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is required in order to fish. Saltwater fishing licenses are sold at all county tax collector’s offices, and at many bait and tackle shops. Licenses are also available over the telephone (888-347-4356). For more information, call the FWC (850-488-4676) or the Division of Marine Fisheries (850-488-3641).

Boating is a great way to observe an abundance of wildlife ranging from birds to marine life. However, in order to protect the animals and their habitat, it is critical to observe all posted no-wake and speed zones. Above all, whether at sea or on land, visitors should never interfere with nature by feeding wildlife or disturbing their habitat in any way.

Educational kiosks

Since 1997, Lee County’s tourist tax dollars have been used to develop educational kiosks at all regional parks in the area. Featuring oversized panels with illustrations and information, the kiosks may be found at Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel, the Sanibel Causeway Park, Bowditch Point on Fort Myers Beach and on Lovers Key State Park just south of Fort Myers Beach. Each kiosk provides information and graphics about the area’s eco-systems and wildlife habitat.

Dedicated to environmental preservation and wildlife protection

• The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Named one of the Top 10 birding locations in the United States by Dick Hutto of PBS TV’s BirdWatch, the “Ding” Darling Refuge on Sanibel Island is second only to the area’s 50 miles of shell-strewn beaches in popularity among visitors. It epitomizes how wildlife management works to ensure the survival of species found throughout the U.S. In addition to attracting visitors from around the world, it is a magnet for wildlife.

With more than 6,300 acres of natural habitat, the refuge allows visitors a rare view of some very uncommon sights. Along its four-mile drive and nature trails, visitors may catch a glimpse of the region’s most unusual and endangered species. Typical sightings include alligators, roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets and great blue herons.

“Ding” Darling’s Wildlife Drive is open to motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. Bike rentals are available. Also at the refuge, guided tram, boat, and kayak/canoe/fishing tours are offered at various locations daily.

Although the refuge’s Wildlife Drive is closed on Fridays, the Visitor Center is open seven days a week. In addition, the nearby Indigo Trail, Tarpon Bay Recreation Area and Bailey Tract are open daily. For information on hours and admission: (239) 472-1100 or visit http://dingdarling.fws.gov.

• The Sanibel/Captiva Conservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of natural resources and wildlife habitat on and around the islands of Sanibel and Captiva. The Conservation Foundation owns and manages over 1,800 acres of wildlife habitat, primarily freshwater wetlands that complement refuge and city land and preserve critical habitat for indigenous wildlife. The Foundation operates a nature center, nature shop and bookstore, native plant nursery, and conducts estuarine research. Visitors may walk four-and-a-half miles of trails, climb an observation tower, experience a butterfly exhibit, and enjoy a live marine touch tank. Guided trail tours, shoreline discovery walks, and many other programs are available. Information: (239) 472-2329 or visit www.sccf.org .

• The Randell Research Center located on Pine Island is dedicated to teaching about the ecology and history of the area. The Calusa Heritage Trail includes a 3,700-foot interpretive pathway that takes visitors around and over mounds, remnants of an ancient canal and other features of this important archaeological find. The site was a Calusa Indian village for more than 1,500 years, and huge shell mounds still overlook the sparkling waters of Pine Island Sound. Thirteen signs with text and artwork tell the story of the Calusa Indians, the surrounding natural environment and how they lived on the land. It also details the history of southwest Florida following their existence in this area. The trail also features an observation platform on the site’s tallest shell mound. Lots of wildlife may be seen in this area. Open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. (239) 283-2062. www.flmnh.ufl.edu/rrc.

• Ostego Bay Foundation. There are a number of intriguing marine exhibits at the Ostego Bay Foundation, an area treasure tucked under the Matanzas Pass Bridge on Fort Myers Beach. In addition to touch tanks and aquariums which help to educate the public about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems, the foundation’s Marine Science Center offers a three-hour “Working Waterfront” tour of commercial fishing fleets on Wednesday mornings beginning in October. Reservations are required for the tour and a $15 donation is appreciated. Center hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday- Friday. Saturday hours vary seasonally. Admission to the center is free, although donations are gladly accepted. Group and private tours also are available by appointment. Information: (239) 765-8101. www.ostegobay.org.

Florida State parks

The Florida State Park system received a Gold Medal at the 2005 National Recreation and Park Association Congress and Exposition. For the second time in five years, it has received the award that demonstrates the state’s commitment to preserving natural Florida lands as recreational and educational opportunities for more than 17.3 million visitors each year.

• Lovers Key State Park (south of Fort Myers Beach). Wildlife abounds in and around the 1,907-acre park, which is ideal for shelling and hiking on the 2.5 miles of beach along the Gulf of Mexico. The park is home to several species of woodpeckers, hawks, owls, warblers and osprey, as well as various shore and wading birds such as roseate spoonbills and reddish egrets. Bottlenose dolphin and the endangered West Indian manatee also inhabit the near-shore waters, filled with trout, redfish, snook and tarpon. Guests ride trams or walk the boardwalks over tidal lagoons to a recently renourished white sandy beach. Hours: 8 a.m. until sunset. Bike/kayak rentals available. Information: (239) 463-4588 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/loverskey .

• Cayo Costa State Park, a barrier island north of Captiva Island features miles of stunning, unspoiled beaches along with acres of pine forests, oak palm hammocks, mangrove swamps and a spectacular display of bird life make this a subtropical paradise. Accommodations on this boat-access-only island include rental cabins and campsites with restrooms. A state-contracted passenger ferry is available through Tropic Star of Pine Island by calling (239) 283-0015. Information: (941) 964-0375 or visit http://floridastateparks.org/cayocosta.

Wildlife organizations

• C.R.O.W. (Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife). Throughout the year, visitors flock to this one-of-a-kind clinic on Sanibel which cares for injured wildlife. Besides providing life-saving medical and surgical veterinary care, C.R.O.W. offers rehabilitation to its patients in need, including birds, raccoons, alligators, armadillos and just about any other injured species found locally in the wild. Staffed primarily by devoted volunteers, the clinic’s mission is to return every animal to the wild, provided the patient is healthy and able. Information: (239) 472-3644 or visit www.crowclinic.org .

• Turtle Time, Inc. is a not-for-profit research organization that was formed to augment local, state and federal laws protecting the loggerhead sea turtle. It is one of several conservation groups in Lee County dedicated to protecting the sea turtle population.

Although the loggerhead sea turtle is a threatened species that spends most of its life offshore, female turtles return each spring to Florida’s beaches to dig nests and lay their eggs. With more than 50 miles of sandy shoreline, Lee County is a prime spot for the nesting loggerhead, particularly along Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach. As often as nine times each season, which runs from May through October, the female will bury as many as 120 eggs. If the eggs aren’t crushed by beach chairs or eaten by predators such as raccoons or ants, the two-inch hatchlings dig out of their nests and race back to the Gulf of Mexico under cover of darkness.

To maximize the hatchlings’ chance of survival, a variety of conservation codes and statutes are in place. For example, from May through October, all beach dwellers are required to turn off or shield any lights coming from their homes or hotel rooms between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. (artificial lights attract turtles inland, away from the water). There are also ongoing efforts by the local media, conservation organizations and government entities to make the public aware it is illegal to harass nesting females, take hatchlings or disturb nests in any way.

In addition, Turtle Time volunteers continue to set the standard for monitoring sea turtle activity by vigilantly patrolling some of Lee County’s most popular beaches. During turtle nesting season, volunteers conduct daily patrols to gather scientific information regarding nest distribution, hatchling success and population counts. They also may be called in case a dead or injured sea turtle or disoriented hatchling is found.

Turtle Time’s tireless efforts have paid off in many ways, saving the lives of dozens of hatchlings each year and earning the volunteer group an international environmental tourism award. (239) 481-5566. www.turtletime.org

Elsewhere in the Fort Myers & Sanibel area, turtle-related matters, including questions about the Sea Turtle Conservation Code and reports of lighting violations, should be directed to the Lee County Division of Environmental Sciences (239) 533-8589; the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (239) 472-2329; or the Gasparilla Island Sea Turtle Patrol on Boca Grande (941) 964-5642.

For more information on planning a vacation to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, go to www.FortMyersSanibel.com.

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