January GPICA Meeting will Focus on Water Quality
The beauty and vitality of the waters that surround Pine Island 
have drawn many residents to call this Island home. However, in recent years our waterways — like those in much of Florida’s Southwest Coast — have been plagued by toxic algae blooms and today, Matlacha Pass and Pine Island Sound are designated as impaired waterways for excess nutrients and/or fecal coliform.
In 2020, GPICA and community residents identified the need to improve water quality for our community. At that time, we explored current septic issues and the capacity of the water treatment plant located in St. James City. We had several discussions with Lee County elected officials and staff about making septic-to-sewer conversion on the Island a priority issue. At that time, the County was also undertaking a county-wide study of septic-to-sewer conversion. We had hoped that Pine Island would be identified as a priority area of concern for Lee County.
However, the Countywide septic-to-sewer plan, which ranks different areas in terms of priority, has a high focus on areas within the Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) already identified. Since greater Pine Island is not within a designated BMAP area, conversion is not high priority. (What is a BMAP?)
- Read the March 2023 plan here
Now, GPICA is seeking other alternatives that will perhaps help improve water quality.
At our January meeting, we will discuss the potential of getting a BMAP designation for Pine Island-adjacent waterways.
- Speakers: John Cassani, Calusa Waterkeeper Emeritus, and Consulting Ecologist Kevin Erwin will discuss current BMAP standards on waters in the area and the process of how Pine Island could petition the state to establish a BMAP for waters surrounding the Island. Learn basic background about our estuaries prior to the meeting here
- When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. (Note: This is a week later than we typically meet, due to the New Year holiday.)
- Where: Pine Island United Methodist Church, 5701 Pine Island Road NW, Bokeelia
- Livestream: The meeting will be livestreamed on our Facebook page
- Note: Please review the November & December meeting minutes before the meeting, as we will ask members to vote to approve them.
Other Items on the Agenda:
- GPICA Board Elections — nominations made by GPICA nominating committee; members may also make nominations from the floor or via email to info@GPICA.org. Those nominated must be members in good standing (current in your dues) for six months prior to nomination.
- Treasurer’s Report
Mark Your Calendar:
Annual GPICA Meeting
- When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6
- Where: Pine Island United Methodist Church, 5701 Pine Island Road NW, Bokeelia & livestream
- GPICA Board elections — members in good standing & current in their dues vote for GPICA board members
- Main Speaker: Robert Ballard, Calusa Land Trust