Turtle Workshop A Success

In the last week of February, you were kind to print a letter from me promoting the Turtle Workshop held on the Island on February 25th.  

While I would claim no credit for a great turnout, it was very encouraging to see so many attendees with various interests present at what was a most informative and useful presentation from the Sea Turtle Conservancy. I would like to publicly acknowledge that group, and to thank the City staff for their continued and sustained efforts on behalf of the Sea Turtles that nest here. 

For those of you unable to attend, we learned that the Sea Turtle Conservancy can provide free consultation services regarding appropriate “Turtle Friendly” lighting for buildings close to our beach. They also have access to grant funding resources. This means that for buildings that are willing to adopt their recommendations, the materials required to update existing lighting can cost nothing to the property. Several Marco condominiums have already signed up for the necessary consultation. I applaud their enthusiasm to be a part of the solution and I encourage those who have not done so already to consider doing so while funding is available. 

Collier County data for the 2019 Sea Turtle nesting season indicates that Marco Island beaches were EIGHT TIMES worse than the average across the County when it came to hatchling disorientation. I have no doubt that Island residents and Associations want to do the right thing, and I have every hope that the community efforts to improve will show real rewards in the season that begins May 1st. 

Sincerely, 

Andrew Tyler