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The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is celebrating the enactment of two critical environmental laws following President Joe Biden’s approval in January. These new laws — the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA ’24) and the Fishery Improvement to Streamline untimely regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation (FISHES) Act — mark significant progress in protecting water quality, supporting fisheries, and preserving ecosystems in Southwest Florida.

Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA ’24)

Passed by Congress every two years, WRDA authorizes water projects and research activities across the country. WRDA ’24 brings several benefits to Southwest Florida, focusing on water quality and harmful algal bloom (HAB) mitigation:

• Caloosahatchee River Designation: The Caloosahatchee River is now recognized as a focus area for addressing harmful algal blooms, a vital step for improving local water quality.
• Expanded HAB Demonstration Program: The program now includes the Lake Okeechobee Watershed, aiming to reduce nutrient flow from upstream sources and minimize algal bloom risks.
• Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration: Efforts to expedite this project will improve water management, enhancing the quantity and timing of discharges to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Estuaries.
• Western Everglades Restoration Project: Accelerated work on this Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) project will reconnect and rehydrate the Everglades ecosystem, increasing the flow of clean water southward.

FISHES Act: Supporting Fisheries Workers

The FISHES Act streamlines disaster relief funding for fisheries workers, a crucial measure for Southwest Florida, where many workers have faced delays in receiving Hurricane Ian relief more than two years after the storm.

“This legislation is a significant win for our coastal communities,” SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis stated. “With WRDA ’24 and the FISHES Act, we’ve made great strides toward protecting Southwest Florida’s ecosystems and supporting fisheries that rely on clean water and a healthy environment.”

Protecting Marine Ecosystems from Offshore Development

In addition to these legislative victories, President Biden has taken further action to safeguard marine ecosystems by protecting 625 million acres of ocean from new offshore oil and gas development. This includes the eastern portion of the Gulf of Mexico, a move SCCF strongly supports. The ban aims to prevent potential harm to marine ecosystems, ensuring long-term environmental health and sustainability.

A Bright Future for Southwest Florida

With the passage of these laws and the new offshore protections, Southwest Florida is taking critical steps toward healthier ecosystems and stronger communities. SCCF’s advocacy efforts, in partnership with local and national organizations, highlight the importance of collaborative action to protect our natural resources and support the people who depend on them.

For more information about SCCF’s work or these legislative updates, visit sccf.org.

The yellow necklacepod (Sophora tomentosa var. truncata) is a native evergreen shrub found throughout central and south Florida. Belonging to the pea family (Fabaceae), this hardy plant thrives in Florida’s coastal habitats, such as dunes, coastal strands, and hammocks. Its natural resilience makes it both drought- and salt-tolerant, making it a valuable addition to Florida-friendly landscapes.

Growth and Characteristics

• Size & Shape: A fast-growing shrub, it typically reaches up to 10 feet in height and 4-8 feet in width.
• Foliage: The leaves are pinnately compound and slightly glabrous, giving them a smooth, shiny appearance.
• Flowers: Yellow necklacepod produces vibrant yellow flowers year-round, making it a standout in any garden.
• Seed Pods: After blooming, it forms unique seed pods resembling a beaded necklace, which inspired its name.

Planting and Care

• Light & Soil: Prefers full sun and well-draining soils. Once established, it can withstand periods of drought but cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.
• Maintenance: Minimal care is required, as this plant is well-adapted to Florida’s coastal conditions.

Toxicity Warning

The seeds of the yellow necklacepod contain alkaloids, which are toxic if consumed. Care should be taken if planted in areas frequented by pets or children.

Native vs. Nonnative Varieties

The native variety is often confused with its nonnative counterpart, Sophora tomentosa var. occidentalis, which is commonly sold at big box stores. The nonnative variety can be identified by the small hairs that cover the plant, unlike the smooth native variety. Be cautious when purchasing, as the two can hybridize. To ensure you’re planting the native species, buy from reputable nurseries.

Wildlife Benefits

Yellow necklacepod is a fantastic choice for wildlife gardens. Its striking yellow flowers attract a wide array of pollinators, including:

• Butterflies
• Bees
• Hummingbirds

By incorporating this plant into your garden, you not only enjoy its beauty but also support essential pollinator populations. Whether you’re creating a coastal landscape or a pollinator haven, the yellow necklacepod is a valuable and eco-friendly addition.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) recently highlighted the presence of North America’s rarest heron, the reddish egret (Egretta rufescens), on Sanibel Island. Known for its captivating and graceful foraging style, this rare species is estimated to have around 15,000 breeding individuals worldwide. Of these, only about 2,400 are found in the United States, with 350-400 breeding pairs residing in Florida.

Conservation Status of the Reddish Egret

Listed as a state-threatened species in Florida, reddish egrets are also classified as near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their patchy distribution in coastal habitats makes them especially vulnerable. Although many aspects of the threats facing reddish egrets are still unclear, major concerns include coastal development, nesting disturbances, loss of genetic diversity, and increased vulnerability to predators.

Unique Characteristics of the Reddish Egret

One of the most striking aspects of the reddish egret is its two distinct color morphs. According to Aaron White, SCCF shorebird technician, “The typical reddish egret, known as the dark morph, has a blue-gray body with a cinnamon-colored neck and head, paired with a bi-colored pink-and-black bill. The rarer white morph, which suffered due to the feather trade, has entirely white plumage.”

Spectacular Foraging Behavior

The reddish egret’s foraging style is one of its most fascinating traits. These birds hunt in shallow coastal waters, performing a variety of energetic movements like running, jumping, and twirling to catch small fish and crustaceans. One particularly inventive hunting method they use is called “canopy shading.” By extending their wings to create a shaded area on the water’s surface, they attract fish seeking refuge in the shade, making them easier to catch.

Nesting Habits and Local Populations

During the nesting season, reddish egrets gather in large colonial rookeries alongside other bird species or sometimes nest in isolated pairs. Locally, they can be found nesting on the rookery islands in Pine Island Sound. Their nests, typically constructed from sticks, are platform-like structures built on mangrove keys.

“They need high-quality foraging grounds to successfully hunt, so they are limited to nesting in areas that meet these needs,” said White.

How You Can Help Protect the Reddish Egret

The reddish egret’s charismatic behavior makes them a delight to observe, especially their remarkable canopy shading technique. However, the SCCF emphasizes the importance of watching these birds from a safe distance to avoid disturbing their feeding.

“Humans and pets are perceived as predators by birds, and getting too close can disrupt their feeding,” White noted.

Additionally, supporting efforts to preserve and restore coastal mangrove habitats is critical. These ecosystems provide essential foraging, nesting, and reproductive environments for reddish egrets and many other coastal species.

By respecting their space and supporting habitat conservation, we can help ensure the survival of this rare and beautiful bird for generations to come.

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District will have a beach attendant at the Alison Hagerup Beach parking lot on July 3-5 for the holiday weekend. The lot will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The parking fees are $25 for two hours or $40 for the day. The parking fees are paid through meters with cash and credit card; the parking tickets are not allowed to be transferable at any time.

The lot consists of 40 parking spaces for vehicles, golf carts and motorcycles on a first come, first serve basis. RVs and campers are not authorized to park in the lot, and overnight parking is not permitted.

The CEPD also reminded the public to be respectful of others with social distancing at beach areas. Pick up trash and furniture, and never leave anything on the beach overnight. Maintain space between the sea turtle nests and surf. Avoid using flashlights or flash photography on the beach at night, and fill in holes in the sand. Fires, fireworks and alcohol are prohibited on the beach; pets must be leashed.