To honor the City of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary of incorporation on Nov. 5, 1974, SCCF is sharing stories throughout the year to celebrate and chronicle our community’s incredible commitment to conservation.
A Community Committed to Conservation
The story of Sanibel and Captiva’s amazing legacy of conservation begins with what makes these islands unique and how much islanders have dedicated themselves to preserving them for nearly a century.
Without the deliberate and thoughtful intentions of countless islanders and visitors, our chain of barrier islands could have been paved over with a coastal highway and high-rises.
SCCF Created at a Critical Time for Island's Future
The 1960s marked a major turning point for Sanibel and Captiva amid significant threats to the Sanctuary Islands from traffic, development, and the destruction of vital natural habitats. Major factors included the opening of the causeway and the availability of potable water.
On Oct. 31, 1967, The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) was incorporated.
Islanders Take Control of Their Destiny
The Sanibel Causeway and drinkable water literally opened Sanibel and Captiva up to become the next Miami Beach — Lee County’s plans included a 4-lane coastal highway that would cut through refuge lands, and dense highrise, urban development.
In fall of 1973, amid intense development activity, islanders were driven to pursue home rule.
SCCF Commissions The Sanibel Report
As soon as the city of Sanibel was incorporated, SCCF raised the funds to hire the Conservation Foundation to do a thorough natural systems analysis that would inform the development of a comprehensive land use plan.
Ecological Zones Identified in Sanibel Report
As a thorough analysis of Sanibel’s natural systems began nearly 50 years ago, the priority was to identify and classify the island’s ecological zones — the subsystems of its overall ecosystem. Each zone was assessed for its carrying capacity.
SCCF has always stood strong in its commitment to the residents of Sanibel and Captiva to protect the special nature of our islands.
Sanibel Vision Statement
Sanibel is and shall remain a barrier island sanctuary, one in which a diverse population lives in harmony with the islands’ wildlife and natural habitats. The Sanibel community must be vigilant in the protection and enhancement of its sanctuary characteristics.
