Calusa Land Trust holds annual meeting
Although Fritt’s Park was “under water,” the inclement weather didn’t dampen the sprits of the members of the Calusa Land Trust. Nearly 100 members turned out for the the 40th anniversary meeting at Pine Island Lutheran Church.
President John Kendall called the meeting to order asking whether anyone present were members when the CLT was formed 40 years ago. Four original members were present: Diane Ashworth, Bill Spikowski, Allison Ackerman and Ed Chapin.
“I don’t think any of us thought we would have an organization with a net worth of $3 million and 2,100 acres preserved forever,” Kendall said.
Minutes from last year’s meeting were presented by Rubye Woodhead, the financial report by Joan Rosenberg, fundraising by John Kendall, membership by Phil Rosenberg (with more that 1,800 members in the database of 540 active members), newsletter report from Brian Cotterill, land acquisition from Rad Hazen, land stewardship from Ed Chapin and merchandise from Gloria Andrews.
“The Calusa Land Trust presently holds title to about 2,100 acres to be preserved and maintained in perpetuity,” Kendall said. “In addition, CLT has donated $170,000 to Lee County to stimulate its purchases. 20/20 acquisition formulas give priority to local financial support and, thus, the reason CLT has caused a disproportionate amount of its purchases to be on Pine Island.”
Last year the Calusa Land Trust donated $50,000 to the University of Florida’s Randell Research Center, in order to allow it to purchase the Calusa burial site.
“The CLT has had a very good long-standing relationship with our local Boy Scout Troop 20,” Kendall said. “They deserve recognition for all that they do. They have been on work parties, planted trees, built osprey nests. I would like Mel Brinson and Troop 20 to step forward. This is a small token of our appreciation for Troop 20 when we present these certificates of appreciation.”
A certificate of appreciation wasalso awarded to retiring board member Ron Wesorick, who asked for volunteers to assist with the annual “Duck Counting Party.” This is ensure that all of the ducks are accounted for at the annual Duck Race on March 5.
A certificate of appreciation was also awarded to the Pine Island Eagle.
“The Eagle has been very important in helping us get the word out about all of our activities,” Kendall said.
“This summer the CLT was very fortunate to have a very hard working intern, Monica Ditch,” Kendall said. “Monica is pursuing a marine biology degree at the University of Florida in Gainesville. She also grew up on Pine Island, a true Island native who was a great help this last year!
“We also have our CLT annual Rummage Sale coming up at Fritts Park on Jan. 23,” Kendall said. “We are thankful to have founding member Alison Ackerman heading up this fundraiser again this year. CLT is asking for donations of quality Items to sell and all proceeds will go to help CLT continue its mission. Our volunteers will be at Fritts Park taking in donations starting at noon on Friday, Jan. 22. Please look through your stuff and contribute to a good cause.”
According to the Calusa Land Trust website “”The future of Pine Island is being decided right now. We could become another Sanibel (which is reaching “buildout”), or we could become a western extension of Cape Coral. Or-if we do our job right, Pine Island could continue to be the kind of place both people and wildlife find to be very special.”
Frank Tuma provided music for the day and the meeting closed with a fried chicken lunch.