State, federal agencies absent from Everglades Coalition Conference

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

Conservation leaders gathered in Naples this week for the 41st Annual Everglades Coalition Conference, but for the first time in the event’s four-decade history, several key state and federal agencies were not in attendance.

The conference, one of the largest forums focused on Everglades restoration, typically brings together conservation groups, scientists, elected officials and government agencies to discuss progress and challenges facing the ecosystem.

Among the agencies that did not attend were the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Conference organizers said they were not given a clear explanation for the agencies’ absence.

“We really don’t have any information on that,” said Matt DePaolis with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, who also serves as a coordinator for the conference. “We received communication last week that they were unable to attend, but we really look forward to having them next year and continuing the partnership that’s driving this restoration forward.”

The pullout comes amid heightened tensions between environmental groups and government leaders over several issues, including the controversial immigration detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” which is located in the Everglades and has drawn criticism over potential environmental impacts. Several environmental organizations are involved in ongoing lawsuits related to the site.

Friends of the Everglades, one of the groups involved in litigation, declined to comment on camera when asked about the detention facility or the agencies’ decision not to attend the conference.

Another hot topic is rapid development in Collier County and its impact on sensitive lands.

“We’re finding immense development pressure moving eastward into what is the Western Everglades,” said Rob Moher, president and CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “And so that is a concern that many of us have here that work and live in Collier County, is what's the balance and how do we shape this growth to be sustainable?”

Despite questions surrounding the absence of government agencies, conservation leaders pointed to restoration successes already underway, including the Picayune Strand Restoration Project in Collier County.

Authorized by Congress in 2007, the Picayune Strand project is restoring natural water flow across 85 square miles of former development, improving water quality and helping protect downstream estuaries. Officials marked a major milestone in the project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers responded to our inquiry on their absence of the conference. In a statement, the agency said, “We are committed to ensuring that all engagements align with core Dept. of War priorities of enhancing the lethality of the Armed Forces, revitalizing the warrior ethos, and projecting peace through strength. That’s why we are celebrating the great achievement of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project, restoring 57,000 acres of wetland, with the help of our partners at the South Florida Water Management District and the DeSantis Administration.”

The statement did not directly address why the Corps did not attend the conference.

Gulf Coast News also reached out to other agencies that did not attend the conference for comment. No additional responses had been received.

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