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SCCF Attends 41st Everglades Coalition Conference
From left: City of Sanibel Natural Resources Director Holly Milbrandt, City of Sanibel Environmental Biologist Dana Dettmar, SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis, Sanibel Mayor Mike Miller, SCCF CEO James Evans, SCCF Policy Associate Allie Pecenka
On Jan. 28-30, SCCF attended the 41st annual Everglades Coalition Conference in Naples at the Naples Grande Beach Resort & Hotel.
The conference, hosted by the Everglades Coalition, provides a forum and gathering space for the many stakeholders working to restore America’s Everglades — including conservation groups, business leaders, scientists, students, and community partners.
“The annual Everglades Coalition Conference provides an opportunities for stakeholders, partner organizations, and project managers to come together, discuss the progress made and strategize on upcoming issues,” said SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis, who also serves on the board of EVCO and was this year’s conference co-chair.
The conference’s 2026 theme, “Everglades Strong: All in for Restoration,” was weaved throughout panel discussions about topics such how to restore Lake Okeechobee, how to solve Florida’s ever-increasing growth and urban sprawl, the ongoing challenges to Alligator Alcatraz, and recovery of the Florida panther.
DePaolis spoke on the panel “Everglades Watersheds: Are Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) Working?”, alongside Hilary Swain of Archbold Biological Station and John Maehl of Martin County.
Moderated by Executive Director & CEO Of the Florida Oceanographic Society Mark Perry, the panel examined Everglades restoration through the lens of BMAPs, including discussions about the history and purpose of BMAPS and how impactful they have been in protecting water quality and reducing pollution. They also explored how new technology and tools could assist BMAPs, and how these plans and targets are aligned with other programs such as the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM), and state and federal water policies.
“This year gave us an opportunity to look towards the future, take an honest look at what is working in the system and what isn’t, and assess how best to address the future of Everglades restoration,” DePaolis said.