Our Mission

Educating and advocating for the protection of Collier County’s natural resources and promoting smart growth is the mission of the Environmental Affairs committee.  Whether addressing sea-level rise, toxic algae, alternative energy or the development of eastern lands, the committee seeks to inform the public, engage public officials and collaborate with other allies to promote sustainable growth and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Action and Advocacy:

• Continue to advocate for the appropriate use of and funding for of the FL Water and Land Conservation Amendment; continue to support full funding of the Florida Forever Land Acquisition program.
• Continue to support the Conservation Collier program and advocate for the renewal of this land acquisition program; a referendum on Conservation Collier will be on the November 2020 Ballot.
  
• Continue working to build community support for sea level rise (SLR) adaptation and mitigation strategies to this end — join the new coalition for SW Florida: Growing Climate Solutions-Path to Positive.

Education:

• To continue learning what other League’s at state and local levels have included in their “study and action” of community sustainability and to continue to gather resources re: what constitutes the responsibilities of Florida cities/counties with offices of sustainability, including their actions/programs.
• To learn from knowledgeable speakers/ films on issues of sustainability such as: water resource protection including stormwater management, growth management, energy use, the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise.
• To learn about the causes of red tide and blue-green algae including impact on human health.
• To host field trips which enhance our understanding of the need for water resource protection, smart growth, alternative energy and related sustainability issues, including, educating the public about Conservation Collier.
• To meet with county staff as well as elected officials to gain a better understanding of their awareness, understanding and assessment of the environmental issues facing our county.
• Study the recent changes to State laws regarding private property and the Bert Harris law.