A key highlight of the meeting was the successful shorebird nesting season on Fort Myers Beach. Brianna Frankle from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) provided a detailed report, noting that four out of five bird species successfully nested this year. Notably, the snowy plover, a critical species, achieved a 100% success rate with eight out of nine chicks fledging. The committee praised FWC staff and volunteers for their dedication, particularly during challenging weather conditions. Brianna also mentioned proactive measures taken to manage predation threats, with incidents involving domestic cats and a great horned owl affecting some colonies. The success was partly attributed to improved weather conditions, with no overwash events and milder temperatures allowing birds to leave their nests during hot periods. The committee expressed concerns about how increased beach activity might affect future nesting patterns.

In addition to the shorebird success, the committee discussed the ongoing management of sand spurs on the beach. Efforts combining herbicide treatment and manual removal have led to a noticeable reduction in sand spurs. However, the seeds remain a challenge as they can germinate under favorable conditions. The committee considered expanding the herbicide treatment areas to cover more ground, based on past experiences with growing nesting colonies. The importance of balancing human activity with wildlife conservation was emphasized, particularly during the endangered bird nesting season.

The task force then turned its attention to eco-tourism opportunities. A comprehensive plan under development outlines the expansion of the marine resource task force’s responsibilities to include sustainability efforts related to recreational marine resources. The committee discussed the potential for developing walking tours and creating eco-tourism initiatives that promote environmental beauty and sustainability. Self-guided tours, informational plaques throughout the island, and improved access for kayaking were proposed to connect people with the local environment and promote eco-friendly activities.

The idea of a town-led initiative to develop self-sustainable eco-tourism areas was well received, with discussions about promoting the unique qualities of Fort Myers Beach, such as the granite-based sand from the Appalachian Mountains. The committee expressed a desire to collaborate with marine resources to develop sustainable tourism initiatives, including a proposed taxi and ferry system that would protect marine areas while promoting economic viability. The need for education regarding environmental practices was highlighted, particularly concerning responsible pet ownership and park usage. Informative signage and tours were suggested to educate visitors and promote sustainable tourism activities.

In addition to these discussions, the task force recognized the contributions of College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving for their community service efforts in coastal cleanups. Representatives from the organization received an award for their role in removing over 25 tons of refuse from the Florida coastline since 2018. The committee also mentioned collaboration with the organization to assist in moving boxes of the town’s children’s book, “Flippers and Feathers,” to the library.

Attention was also given to the upcoming hazardous waste pickup scheduled for February 4, 2026, at Bay Oaks, offering residents an opportunity to dispose of hazardous materials at no cost.

The meeting concluded with discussions on several ongoing projects, including the dredging of the Laguna Channel and workshops focused on environmental impacts related to hurricanes and sea turtle conservation. The committee also considered revising the mission statement of the MURF committee to incorporate eco-tourism initiatives. The chair received positive feedback for their leadership, and a motion was passed to award Liz from the Fort Myers Beach Library the December MURF award for her assistance in storing children’s books.