Cape canals, wildlife disturbed in Ian debris cleanup

It has come to Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife's attention that overzealous debris removal crews with huge excavators and tandem debris trucks are scraping the lots and the banks of canals across a wide swath of Cape Coral. The disaster debris collection companies have been tasked by the City of Cape Coral with the job of "clean-up."  The city trusted that FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Florida would guide them to carry out this work in a manner meeting all state and local laws and ordinances. That is not happening.

The machines are clawing, cutting and dragging every plant, water grass, bush and tree along the side of each canal and placing them into huge piles for later collection. 

Folks who live in the target areas were not told of the upcoming project. The sound of decades-old trees crashing to the ground and the shrieks of nesting wading birds were their first indication that something was very wrong. A rabbit scooped up by a bucket truck fell and, terrified, ran into the street and was quickly struck by a car. Dozens have already called the city to complain.

Now the machines are collapsing gopher tortoise burrows, and the massive tires of excavators are coming within 10 feet of burrowing owl burrows. Both are listed as "Threatened" under the Florida Endangered Species Law.

The crews are moving through neighborhoods at warp speed. Our suspicion is that the companies are being paid by the ton. There are many other impacts. What will happen to the soil on the banks when it rains, storms? All the dirt will flow into the canals, perhaps undermining pools and other structures, eventually.

Lori Haus-Bulcock is a member of the executive boards of the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife and Cape Coral Wildlife Trust.