Our Story

Our origin story:

Our group formed after a group of concerned citizens found each other and bonded over the common experience of watching gopher tortoise burrows illegally bulldozed with the tortoises being entombed and crushed to death inside their burrows. After utilizing the legal channels of calling the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Alert Hotline and seeing that there were failures in the system due to an enforcement gap, our group formed in an effort to close this enforcement gap to get the tortoises the protections that they deserve.

• Excessive development is taking place in southwest Florida. 

• Lee county does not require permits or wildlife surveys before land is cleared on lots less than 5 acres in size. 

• Dozens of lots are cleared every day in East Lee County and protections in place are inadequate for the native wildlife living there. 

• As a result, native animals are routinely harmed and habitat destroyed in East Lee County. 

• Gopher tortoises and the +360 commensal species living in their burrows are disproportionately affected. 

• Often as a result of land clearing, gopher tortoises are entombed in their burrows along with other wildlife. 

• There are state-level laws in place to protect the gopher tortoises, but Lee County is not doing its part to coordinate with partners and enforce those laws. 

• ELWSG is urging local politicians to add ordinances to require wildlife surveys and permits prior to clearing activity for all size lots in Lee County. 

• Our volunteers direct outreach to educate the public on this issue, raise awareness of gopher tortoises and other native wildlife and promote wildlife co-existence. 

• Our volunteers conduct gopher tortoise and other wildlife surveys to document the location and populations of these protected species. 

• Our volunteers post signage on properties that contain tortoises to notify builders of their presence and the need to obtain permits prior to clearing the land. 

• ELWSG coordinates with FWC to close the enforcement gap. 

• ELWSG encourages neighborhood scale “Tortoise Watch” programs to protect known populations and promote co-existence. 

East Lee Wildlife Stewardship Group wildlife sanctuaries are committed to the conservation and preservation of wildlife. Our conservation efforts include habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and community involvement.

Get your adrenaline pumping with a range of adventure activities at East Lee Wildlife Stewardship Group wildlife sanctuaries. From jungle safaris to river rafting, we have it all. Experience the thrill of being amidst nature.

Learn about the flora, fauna, and conservation efforts at East Lee Wildlife Stewardship Group wildlife sanctuaries with our educational tours. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through the sanctuary and provide insights into the workings of the ecosystem.