Karl Schneider

11/06/2021

“The far majority of downstream-receiving water bodies are impaired for nutrients,” said Rhonda Watkins, Collier County’s pollution control manager. “They’re not meeting nitrogen and phosphorus criteria, so yeah, we have problems.”

https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/environment/2021/06/08/water-quality-collier-canals-lack-nutrient-criteria-leaves-gaps-restoration/5189051001/

No one knows how much nutrient pollution is too much in Collier's canals. Experts say this could feed red tide in the Gulf like the 2018 SWFL bloom.

11/06/2021

The pesticide, known as aldicarb, was previously discontinued in the U.S. after the EPA found it poses “unacceptable dietary risks, especially to infants and young children.”

https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/environment/2021/06/09/court-denies-epa-approval-controversial-pesticide/7599968002/

The pesticide, known as aldicarb, was previously discontinued in the U.S. after the EPA found it poses “unacceptable dietary risks, especially to infants and young children.”

15/04/2021

“There are indigenous rights embedded in this land,” Cypress said. “Next time, I want to see more people here. Next time, bring your friends.”

Burnett Oil's application permits are for two proposed drilling and production operations in the preserve.

15/04/2021

The filing argues that the EPA violated the Endangered Species Act and the use of aldicarb would put public health and the environment at risk.

Groups filed the motion April 2 to keep the EPA from allowing the pesticide aldicarb to be used on 100,000 acres of oranges and grapefruit in the state.

11/09/2020

Researchers at UF are devising a way to detect harmful algae toxins in the air in hopes of closing a data gap and providing a tool for public health:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission awarded at $200K grant to two University of Florida researchers who are developing technology to quantify the amount of brevetoxins present in the air when a red tide event occurs.

27/08/2020

In efforts to create a city resilient from climate change and sea-level rise, the City of Naples wins its second grant from the Florida of Environmental Protection.

FDEP awarded the Naples $75,000 under its Florida Resilient Coastlines program. The grant is meant to prepare the state’s coastal cities from the effects of climate change.

24/08/2020

Florida commish welcomes push for offshore aquaculture in the Gulf while environmentalists remain concerned over excess nutrients feeding harmful algal blooms:
https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/environment/2020/08/21/florida-agriculture-commissioner-backs-offshore-fish-farms/3406818001/

NOAA announced new areas off Florida’s Gulf coast in an attempt to solidify the federal government’s efforts to establish offshore aquaculture.

24/08/2020

Naples city council asked to consider dual approach to save its remaining mangroves.

https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/environment/2020/08/24/naples-considers-dual-approach-save-mangroves/3401201001/

The City of Naples hopes to gain authority from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to oversee its own mangrove trimming and preservation efforts. Naples would become the 7th local municipality in the entire state to receive this authority.

27/07/2020

Southwest Florida stone crabbers are worried new FWC regulations will hurt their businesses.

FWC announced changes to the stone crab season starting October 1. Citing long-term harvest decline likely due to overfishing, the FWC is shortening the season and adding other harvesting regulation changes.

21/07/2020

A local dengue transmission was reported in the Florida Keys. Here's how Lee and Collier counties are preparing:

Collier’s mosquito control district is at the ready after a local outbreak of dengue was reported in the Florida Keys.

16/07/2020

Barely more than half of Florida’s solid waste was recycled in 2019, a far cry from the state’s goal of 75%, according to a 2020 report from the Department of Environmental Protection. Lee County has exceeded that goal with an 80% rate, but Collier fell short with 68%.

Florida is lagging behind it's 2008 proposed recycling goal. Here's how you can make a difference at home.

20/05/2020

President Trump's executive order regarding aquaculture and streamlining regulations has environmentalists worried for the health of U.S. oceans.

President Trump's executive order regarding aquaculture has environmentalists worried for the health of U.S. oceans.

14/02/2020

“The easiest way to kill a wetland is to raise the water level.”

Florida's mangroves are under threat from what experts call "coastal squeeze": sea-level rise on one side and human development on the other.

For subscribers only:

Florida mangroves, dubbed 'nature's nursery' for its nurturing habitat, is being squeezed between sea-level rise and human development.

03/02/2020

Those small preserves in Southwest Florida housing developments can provide benefits to wildlife and water quality.

Small preserves found in gated communities can provide benefits to water quality and wildlife habitats.

28/01/2020

Studies show nearly 90 to 99% of mammal populations in the Everglades ecosystem have declined since Burmese pythons became prevalent.

"I'm out here trying to do the right thing," said a grand prize winner known as Python Cowboy. "The Python Bowl spreads awareness and the right message."

Hundreds of hunters from around the country took part in the 2020 Python Bowl by taking 80 invasive snakes for the Everglades ecosystem.

24/01/2020

The Environmental Protection Agency is offering another chance for the public to voice concerns over a finfish farm proposed for the Gulf of Mexico. The first of its kind in federally controlled waters.

https://www.news-press.com/story/tech/science/environment/2020/01/24/controversial-fish-farm-gulf-mexico-epa-hold-meeting-still-time-comment-controversial-finfish-farm/4540556002/

The EPA is holding a public hearing in Sarasota for a chance to discuss potential ramifications of an offshore finfish farm slated to be built in federally controlled waters in the Gulf of Mexico.

17/01/2020

Expert and hobbyist birders are debating whether a flycatcher visiting Corkscrew Swamp is of the Hammond's or Least variety.

A possible rare sighting brought a flock of birders from around the state to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Collier County this week. Is it a Hammond's or a Least?

14/01/2020

“Acquiring the otolith (a piece of the fish's inner ear) from this fish was extremely valuable as samples from larger and older fish are rare.”

Jason Boyll of Sarasota caught a 350-pound Warsaw grouper in about 600 feet of water, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Research Institute confirmed on its page.

14/01/2020

As part of MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife's move to eradicate invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades ecosystem, 662 hunters have signed up to participate in the Python Bowl 2020.

Three days into the Florida Python Challenge and 662 people have registered to hunt invasive snakes in the Everglades.

13/01/2020

With large amounts of state funding headed toward Everglades restoration, advocates hope to raise awareness nationwide with a unified voice.

Environmental advocates, business owners and non-profits discuss climate change resiliency and restoration funding during 36th annual Everglades Coalition conference.

10/01/2020

The von Arx Wildlife Hospital is rehabilitating pelicans injured from fishing tackle and advises visiting and beginner anglers to use a strong test fishing line and remain calm if they accidentally snag a bird.

http://bit.ly/2t8bry6

The von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is working hard to take care of a growing number of pelicans injured by fishing gear.

06/01/2020

Apologies for not posting much recently, but maybe I'll get the hang of this eventually. To make up for it, here is a compilation from the Naples Daily News and The News-Press (Fort Myers and Cape Coral) environment reporters on what to keep your eye on in the coming year:

https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/2019/12/27/southwest-floridas-top-environment-stories-year-red-tide-water-quality-naples-fort-myers-desantis/2755206001/

A look back at some of the top environmental stories from 2019.

10/12/2019

Sims said the Velella Epsilon project will consist of a demonstration pen where the farmed fish will be held. The pen will measure 20 feet deep and 50 feet across. It is able to be submerged about 7 meters, or 20 feet.

A Hawaiian-based aquaculture company is planning the first open-water fish farm in federal waters off the coast of SWFL. Environmental advocates are worried the farm will produce poor ecological conditions.

10/12/2019

"In these two days you'll figure out how to talk to nature," Osceola said. "If you ask nature what she wants, she will tell you. But we've tuned her out and don't know what she wants anymore. She needs to be part of the conversation again."

Miccosukees, Gladesmen and environmentalists took part in a prayer walk on Loop Road to call attention to potential flooding from a Corps project.

10/12/2019

"These pythons can grow up to 20 feet and 200 pounds, and the problem is they’re not native and decimate the natural food chain and reek havoc on native species," DeSantis said. "If we don’t take action to remove them ... the rest of the Everglades is harmed."

Two teams: the rookies and the pros, will compete to see who can pull out the largest, heaviest and most invasive Burmese pythons during the 2020 Python Bowl.

09/12/2019

Bleaching, hurricanes, warming temperatures and human impact have had a detrimental effect on reef systems, and the newly announced project hopes to turn that decline around and put them on track for recovery.

NOAA announced a coral reef restoration targeting the Florida Keys. Multiple agencies hope to protect reefs from decline due to large storms, bleaching and disease.

21/11/2019

Maura Kraus, the sea turtle expert for Collier County, said that she has reported 88 sea turtle strandings this year. Of those, 60 were reported in October alone.

“Last year, the highest (stranding count) was 27 during the month of July,” Kraus said. “I don’t think we’ve ever had 60 in a month before.”

http://bit.ly/2XB9S6A

Sea turtle strandings spiked in October as a harmful algal bloom remains in the Gulf.

14/11/2019

Burmese pythons are choking out the Everglades. The invasive species has decimated the habitat and one hunter has committed herself to eradicating the snakes.

S/o to Alex Driehaus and Andrew West for their amazing visuals on this project!

Burmese pythons are choking out the Everglades. The invasive species has decimated the habitat and one hunter has committed herself to eradicating the snakes.

18/10/2019

Earlier, I shared my story on the Picayune Strand restoration project in the Everglades. Here is the video that came out of the project. Shout out to Andrew West Kinfay Moroti and Ricardo Rolon for their amazing help and talents. H/T to H Léo Kim for his video editing prowess.

https://www.naplesnews.com/media/cinematic/video/4013403002/heres-what-restoration-of-the-florida-everglades-looks-like/

After spending more than $700 million, the nearly 2 decade old project in the Everglades' Picayune Strand is nearing completion.

18/10/2019

One of the most ambitious engineering projects in Florida to restore the natural sheet flow of water in the Everglades has been in the works for decades. The first project that will be completed is in Picayune Strand and is in its final stages.

I worked with a wonderful team of photographers, drone pilots and editorial staff to show the work that's been done and what Everglades restoration is supposed to look like.

This one is for subscribers of Naples Daily News or The Fort Myers News-Press.

https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/environment/2019/10/18/everglades-restoration-project-picayune-reaches-final-stages/3995755002/

One of the first projects under CERP is 70 percent complete. After spending more than $700 million, the nearly 2 decade old project is in final stages.

14/10/2019

ICYMI: I set up a trail camera in the Southwest Florida wilds and captures panthers, bears and other critters!

A camera went up in November 2018 to observe SWFL wildlife. The 3-minute video represents the “best of” a 10-month period in the wilderness.

14/10/2019

A community partnership aimed at educating the Southwest Florida region on climate change solutions has appointed a regional director.

The initiative will look at how to “weave the climate discussion into the fabric of your daily life,” she said. “Seeing how it threads through different issues in an interdisciplinary way.”

Local organizations teamed up to form Growing Climate Solutions – Path to Positive Southwest Florida, an initiative focused on raising awareness.

14/10/2019

To combat the invasive Burmese pythons choking out the Everglades, researchers developed a special camera to help hunters detect the well-camouflaged constrictors.

Imec teamed up with researchers to develop a specialized hyperspectral camera for python hunters to use in the field.

11/10/2019

I'll never complain about mornings spent in the field rather than the newsroom. Had a great tour of the restoration project near the Picayune State forest. Stay tuned for a story in the next week or so.

10/10/2019

"We need the USDA to step up, initiate tracebacks to Mexican producers, and fulfill its responsibility to protect American growers and consumers.” - Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried.

State inspectors identified imported tomatoes in Naples that contain a virus that can cause fruit loss in tomatoes and peppers but does not pose a health risk to humans.