Cypress Chapter
Izaak Walton League of America
Advocacy
Water
Big Cypress
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We Have the Power to Impact Our Future, and We’re Using It! Join us!
Wild hogs are thriving in the southern end of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, where balance is slowly being restored to one of the most important ecosystems in the world, the Everglades.
Over the past five years, wild hogs have been reestablished in this region as a natural prey base for predators. The goal was simple: help stabilize the ecosystem and prepare the land for the return of white-tailed deer, a species that’s been missing from these areas for decades.
Now, as the Everglades Deer Reintroduction Project begins, these healthy hog populations will be the buffer needed to limit predation on deer, but we still need your help.
Due to the federal government shutdown, a portion of our funding through USGS has been paused, and your support is critical to keep this project moving.
💚 From $25 to $2,500, every contribution helps.
Top donors will even have the chance to visit the project site and see the results firsthand.
👉 Join us and learn more: https://cypressiwla.org/deerfriends
The Cypress Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) is dedicated to conserving, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use and enjoyment of our natural resources, including soil, air, woods, waters, and wildlife.
View our 2025 Annual Report here
View our 2025 USFWS report here
View our 2024 Annual Report here
Electrofishing and Pond Assessment April 12, 2025
On Saturday April 12, 2025 about 20 middle-school aged student and their parents were given a demonstration of how fish assessment occurs. Florida Fish and Wildlife staff brought their boat and electrofished for about 20 minutes. The stunned fish were transported to a...
Mulching Project Feb 2025
Mark Danaher and his team spent a full day mulching around the perimeter of Pistol Pond so it would be more accessible. The differences are incredible. Before:After:
Another WIN! National Park Service recommends against Wilderness designation in Final Backcountry Access Plan
After decades of hard work and dedication, we celebrate the @nationalparkservice announcement of the Final Backcountry Access Plan, which adopts Preferred Alternative 4 — matching Alternative 3 but without any wilderness designations. This landmark decision lifts the...
Fish stocking November, 2024
Tony Brady sharing materials about Welaka National Fish Hatchery
Elfenbein’s Objections to Recreational Facilities in State Parks
The Cypress Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America strongly opposes the proposed rule amendments by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that would permit the development of hotels, golf courses, and pickleball courts within nine Florida...
In the News: Osceola’s Quest for a Restored Everglades Ecosystem
Carlton Ward Jr. reported in April 11, 2024 in Flamingomag.com about Cypress Chapter's own Betty Osceola's campaign for restoration of the Everglades. "The day of this photo, Osceola was hosting my family on an airboat tour of Miccosukee lands and waters just north of...
A Century of Conservation Leadership
For more than 100 years, the Izaak Walton League has championed effective practical policies, balancing conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. As each chapter across the nation has its focus, the Cypress Chapter is no different. We pride ourselves in jumping in the middle of conservation problems specific to our corner of the world and the Everglades, in particular, the liquid heart of Florida. We are doing something now about issues that will impact the future.
“My mission is to protect the Big Cypress National Preserve and everything connected to her.”
Mike Elfenbein
Executive Director
No one is safe from the effects of environmental destruction. Therefore, conservation and sustainability are everyone’s responsibility. Yet, not all are willing to do what needs to be done and help. Is that you? Or will you join our campaign and lend a hand? The burden of a future for Florida rests on all of our shoulders. Will you help?