Rangers needed for Calusa Waterkeeper program

Volunteer rangers are sought for the Caloosahatchee Waterkeeper program in Fort Myers.

The Caloosahatchee River Watch, also known as the Caloosahatchee Citizens Association, started back in 1997.

The organization applied for Waterkeeper status with the Waterkeeper Alliance in late 2016, and requested that John Cassani serve as their Waterkeeper.

A Waterkeeper is an individual licensed by the Waterkeeper Alliance. Each keeper has a body of water he or she is responsible to observe.

After Cassani accepted the designation, the organization then morphed to Calusa Waterkeeper.

“I was honored to be approached and selected for this position,” Cassani said. v The Calusa Waterkeeper is currently recruiting volunteers to become part of the Waterkeeper Ranger program.

Rangers survey area waters looking for algae blooms, fish kills, illicit discharges and other water quality components such as water clarity, dissolved oxygen and temperature. They also report on the status of the seagrass and report observations such as sea turtles, fish and other wildlife issues.

Basic monitoring equipment is provided. However, for those who want to do more, they are welcome to obtain more sophisticated equipment.