Sanctuary founders seeking community assistance
While the non-profit status of the Pine Island Wildlife Sanctuary is pending, staff encourages the community to get involved in the preliminary steps of getting the organization up and running to start accepting animals.
President Matthew Ristau, Vice President and Treasurer Sally Ristau and Vice President Eileen Rowan, VMD, began Pine Island Wildlife Sanctuary because of their passion for animals. Barbara Peckinpaugh also joined the organization as the secretary due to that same passion.
Matthew said he met with county staff concerning zoning requirements for his property a few months ago.
Lee County Planner Nettie Richardson said the group has to apply for a special acceptance permit, which includes buffering requirements for the property because it is zoned agricultural. She said one public meeting with the hearing examiner will be held to allow neighbors within 500 feet to voice their opinions for or against a sanctuary on the property. From there staff will make a recommendation.
Through conversations with county staff, Matthew said a buffering of 20 feet around his property was recommended, which included a 30-foot buffer on the back of his property due to a neighboring house.
A design and site plan will be turned into the county within the next few weeks concerning where the enclosures for the animals will be located. Right now the thought of placing enclosures around the pond that is located on the property is being considered.
Matthew said there are certain requirements you have to follow with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission when it comes to the enclosures. He said he would like to start off with eight enclosures due to the diversity of the animals that will be located inside.
For example, Matthew said the enclosure for diving birds and shore birds has to be 20 feet by 50 feet and include a certain sized body of water within. He said the water has to be clean flowing for the birds.
Matthew said although there are minimum standards to meet with the enclosure square footage, you have to increase that minimum footage to accommodate what will be brought in from the public.
The Ristaus’ property, which sits on 2.53 acres, is anticipated to be split into two pieces – a rehab side and sanctuary side.
They are looking for handymen and carpenters to construct the enclosures. Rowan said they are the first line of volunteers to help them get the sanctuary off the ground.
Sally Ristau, vice president and treasurer of Pine Island Wildlife Sanctuary, said they also have opportunities available for those who would like to sponsor an enclosure. She said there will be a permanent plaque over the cage indicating who sponsored the enclosure.
Rowan said since they could only take in as many animals as they have cages for, she encourages residents to be patient with them as they begin the non-profit organization.
The organization has many needs as it gets started, which they are relying on the community to help them collect.
The organization’s wish list, which is quite extensive with small and large items, includes such supplies as paper towels, cages (dog, cat, bird and glass for reptiles), rubber gloves, bath, hand and dish towels, heating pads that are not automatically shut off, baby incubators, Dawn dish detergent, Clorox bleach, refrigerators and freezers, microwave, plastic storage food dishes, blenders, water coolers and ice chests, all types of ladders and a wagon and or handcarts.
For a full list of supplies visit pineislandwildlifesanctuary.com/donate.html.
An item that is at the top of their list is an RV, so they can have a mobile clinic to work from. Sally said the RV will be temporary until they can establish something more permanent down the line.
Those who wish to donate can contact Matthew at 239-699-4535.
Sally said they also have a committee list that they would like to fill for those interested in being involved in the Pine Island Wildlife Sanctuary to help the organization get started.
Those volunteer committees include veterinary services, education, advertising and publicity, membership, wildlife and habitat information, landscape and gardening, fund-raising and donations, governmental grants, events, newsletter, telephone, website, government liaison, transportation of animals, volunteer of coordination, construction, legal services, photograph, art, facility care and maintenance and wildlife rehabilitation and rescue.
For information or to volunteer for one of the many committees the sanctuary has to get started call 239-699-4535 or email info@pineislandwildlifesanctuary.com.
The board of directors is still accepting submissions from local artists for possible logos for the Pine Island Wildlife Sanctuary. The submission deadline is June 30.
Matthew said he wanted to thank the artists who have already submitted their logo