Advocacy
“Problems are fact-based. Issues are Value-based.”
Bill Hammond, Environmental Educator, Fort Myers, FL
Advocacy
Water
Big Cypress
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Advocacy requires that we come to consensus to identify the factual details about the problems we are addressing. Then, we need to identify the values of the different stakeholders before we can triangulate our collective efforts to address the challenges we face.
Below are some of our long-term advocacy matters.We believe our ability to make the biggest impact is possible with earned efforts we pursue by prioritizing conservation, awareness and community.
Pistol Pond Project
Cypress IWLA is a grantee of the USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife program allowing us to work on ehancing Pistol Pond for recreational fishing opportunities and enrich youth’s understanding of natural resource.
For more information email contact@CypressIWLA.org
"Alligator Alcatraz" in the Big Cypress opposition letter June 16, 2025
Mineral Rights
Support purchase of mineral rights under Big Cypress and Panther Refuge
Wildlife Corridor Plan
Support Florida Wildlife Corridor Plan
We have worked with SFWMD, Wildlandscapes International and Family Lands Remembered to secure phase one of the Green Heart of the Everglades project and continue to work on phase 2: Mineral Rights Acquisitions.
Everglades Restoration
We are grateful for the opportunity to provide our perspectives on Everglades Restoration. We are honored that our perspectives provided sufficient value to be included in this most important Biennial Review of Everglades restoration.
Progress Toward Restoring the Everglades:
The Tenth Biennial Review – 2024
Wilderness Designation
Oppose Big Cypress wilderness designation – preserve access
Development of State Parks
In 2024 we and many other organizations, residents of Florida statewide to successfully oppose the proposed development of Florida State Parks in 2024. The subsequent year the Florida Legistature passed a law prohibiting future similar efforts.
Amendment 2: Right to Fish and Hunt
passed by 67% of Florida voters November 2024
Speaking Up
Standing up for our environment is a key value. There are many ways you can participate in educating and influencing decisionmakers.