Dedicated to the preservation of wildlife habitat and natural resources on and around Sanibel and Captiva

Land Acquisition 1835 acres acquired to date 65% in conservation

History 100 year history of appreciation for natural resources First Federal lands designated in refuge renamed J.N. “Ding” Darling NWR 1974 City of Sanibel incorporated

SCCF History Established in 1967 Two initial goals – Oversee the Refuge expansion – preservation of interior wetlands on Sanibel Part of a community level effort to preserve the Island

Methods The Nature Conservancy-Revolving Fund Donation Development agreement Partnership Undivided interest Conservation easements Fair market value purchase

TNC (The early years) capital to purchase lands build legitimacy build donor connections

Donations TNC’s involvement set the stage for several outright donations Tax breaks

Partnerships Local land trusts Government agencies Buck Key – defined area of focus – – different tact's for different tracks

Development Agreement Provided for: – Connection of existing preserves – Concentration of development – Protection of critical habitat

Fair Market Purchase Allows for quick action Appeals to pocketbooks Naming Opportunities Exploit land appeal for other fund raising needs

Mapping Success A defined geographical focus Partners Persistence Finding/making opportunities Selling preservation

Future Acquisition Small (<10 acres) connecting parcels Mangrove islands One major purchase left on Sanibel Finish Buck Key!