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CEO Presents ‘State of Conservation’ at State of the Islands
Sanibel and Captiva Island communities came together Jan. 15 at the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce‘s 2026 State of the Islands, where SCCF CEO James Evans delivered a “State of Conservation” address.
Over 200 people joined the event at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, which also included updates on social services, real estate, and city planning, including an ongoing update to the Sanibel Plan, the city’s comprehensive land-use planning and policy document.
In his State of Conservation presentation, Evans offered a “by the numbers” look at SCCF’s conservation impact in 2025, emphasized the importance of the islands’ natural resources and ecosystems, thanked longtime partners including the City of Sanibel, Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and Clinic for the Rehabilitation Of Wildlife (CROW), and emphasized the importance of cultivating future conservation leaders through efforts such as the Preserving Paradise program.
“We have about 70% of the entire island of Sanibel in conservation. I don’t think the Sanibel Plan ever envisioned stopping protecting our land, nor did the Sanibel Plan ever envision that the wildlife and wildlife habitat would stop at the boundaries of our preserves,” said Evans, who is serving on the Sanibel Plan Steering Committee. “We need to continue to protect those lands in perpetuity.”
About State of the Islands
The SanCap Chamber held the first State of the Islands conference in 2024 as a way to bring island businesses and stakeholders up-to-date on post-Hurricane Ian progress and predictions. When Hurricane Ian devastated Sanibel and Captiva in September 2022, it left a lasting impact on businesses and tourism on the islands, as well as natural systems. Recovery was further challenged with Hurricanes Helene and Milton in fall 2024.
Throughout the 2026 program, all speakers delivered a message of optimism for the future of the islands, highlighting the strength, compassion, and resilience of our communities, and the incredible progress we’ve made.
The event also included a special address from Lee County District 1 Commissioner Kevin Ruane and closing remarks from Sanibel Mayor Mike Miller.
SCCF By the Numbers 2025
