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Staff reports progress on sand berm project; committee highlights sea‑turtle and shorebird protections
Summary
Staff described ongoing beach renourishment building a 2–3 ft berm, relocation of some sea‑turtle nests, and close coordination with Florida wildlife agencies; committee members pressed for careful monitoring of nesting areas and light compliance during the project.
Town environmental staff reported June 10 that a beach sand project is underway on Fort Myers Beach to place a protective 2–3‑foot berm (target elevation described around 6 feet) along sections of shoreline and to partner with property owners to plant dune vegetation under the dune management plan.
Staff said contractors have placed sand on the island and that grading and placement will continue; the speaker noted an estimated 60,000 tons of material were staged and that truck traffic should be minimal at the current stage. "If we can stabilize that berm, that's the best thing that we can do," the staff report said.
Wildlife protections and permits: Chad, the staff liaison, described ongoing coordination with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection permit conditions. He said monitors have worked day‑to‑day to avoid "take" of protected shorebirds and that some sea‑turtle nests in the project area were relocated and monitored. Committee members recorded recent nest counts in discussion—Chad estimated "40‑some odd" nests and another participant noted 47 as of the prior day—underscoring active nesting this season.
Incidents and compliance: Staff also reported a separate incident in which a small tractor dragged vegetation and disturbed the beach; staff said letters and monitoring are being used to address lighting and permit compliance issues. Chad said letters are being sent and that staff are using email to speed notice to property owners.
Why it matters: Committee members emphasized the tradeoff between completing recovery-and‑renourishment projects and protecting nesting shorebirds and sea turtles. The staff presentation emphasized permits and daily monitoring to minimize impacts and described waiting around sensitive nests until chicks had dispersed before resuming work.
Next steps: Staff will continue coordination with FWC and DEP, monitor nests through the season and issue notices for lighting or other noncompliance. The committee requested follow‑up reports and thanked staff for the work. The committee did not take a formal binding vote on the renourishment project; the report served as an informational update.
Provenance: Staff liaison report, committee Q&A and nest‑count discussion recorded June 10.
