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BONITA SPRINGS – The Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) today celebrated the 40th
anniversary of the state’s first aquatic protection
area, Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Continuing through
Saturday, the event commemorates the 1966 Estero Bay
acquisition with presentations and activities expressing
the history and preservation of the preserve.
“Florida’s aquatic preserves protect the state’s
waterways and natural resources while providing a safe
haven for wildlife,” said DEP Coastal and Aquatic
Managed Areas Director Stephanie Bailenson. “As the
state’s first aquatic preserve, Estero Bay set a
precedent for resource protection, leading to 40
additional aquatic preserves in the past 40 years.”
At the event, state officials presented resolutions
commemorating the anniversary while guests dined at the
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa. Guests also
participated in a silent auction benefiting Estero Bay
Buddies and received autographed posters of Clyde
Butcher’s renowned environmental photographs. Tomorrow,
participants will join guided boat tours that showcase
the natural beauty of the preserve. The two-day
celebration was organized by the DEP Office of Coastal
and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA), Estero Bay Aquatic
Preserve and the Estero Bay Buddies.
DEP’s CAMA division manages Estero Bay Aquatic
Preserve and 45 additional sites including National
Estuarine Research Reserves and the Florida Keys
National Marine Sanctuary. CAMA’s programs and
activities are designed to help Floridians better
understand and conserve the state’s natural resources
through research, education and preservation.
For more information on CAMA and Estero Bay, visit
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/. |
"Florida’s aquatic preserves protect the state’s waterways and natural resources while providing a safe haven for wildlife,” said DEP Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas Director Stephanie Bailenson."
~ Stephanie Bailenson
DEP Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas Director
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