The Sanibel Report 2.0: Community Discussion

The Sanibel Report 2.0 marks the 50th anniversary of the original 1975 Sanibel Report, the natural-systems study that anchored the City of Sanibel’s founding comprehensive plan. Prepared by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) in partnership with the FGCU Water School and regional scientists, this report revisits the ecological baseline established a half-century ago and evaluates how the island’s natural systems — and the pressures upon them — have changed. Join us at the Bailey Homestead Preserve to learn what’s changed in the island’s ecosystems and how those changes affect the island's future. The report's authors will present brief updates on their research areas, followed by a community discussion. • James Evans, SCCF CEO • Tom Ankersen, Ph.D., University of Florida Emeritus Law Professor • Mike Savarese, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Coastal Geology, Climate Resilience, & Preparation, FGCU Water School • Eric Milbrandt, Ph.D., SCCF Marine Lab Director • Serge Thomas, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Ecology & Environmental Studies, FGCU Water School • Brian Bovard, Ph.D., Associate Dean, FGCU Water School • Kelly Sloan, SCCF Coastal Wildlife Director • Chris Lechowicz, SCCF Wildlife & Habitat Management Director The Sanibel Report 2.0 was recently completed to help inform the City of Sanibel’s Sanibel Plan Update, ensuring continued protection of the barrier island’s unique and threatened land and water quality resources, its interior wetlands, beaches, and mangroves, Other contributing authors include Matt DePaolis, SCCF Environmental Policy Director, Audrey Albrecht, SCCF Shorebird Biologist, and Mike Mills, SCCF Biologist.