Press Releases

Mangrove vandal wanted
August 23, 2008

Environmental vandals in Collier County tore up trails of mangroves, leaving destruction that may never be able to be repaired.

“It’s unbelievable. It’s the most damage I’ve ever observed," said investigator Toby Fogle of the Department of Environmental Protection.

Using a homemade dredging device, and the manpower of at least several individuals, miles of mangroves were torn out of environmentally sensitive lands -all to carve new pathways for airboat operators.

It’s a crime that will financially cost upwards of $500,000. And some of that damage can never be repaired.

“It was done for commercial purposes. I can’t imagine any one individual going out there and cutting down mangroves in this manner," Fogle said.

Investigators with the Department of Environmental Protection say the crime occurred over several weeks before operations were halted. But at that point, an extensive amount of damage had already been done, and the suspects went into hiding.

The damage inflicted from this felony crime extends far beyond that half million dollar mark. The uprooting of the mangroves also throws off an entire ecosystem – damaging everything from water quality, and natural vegetation to animal life

It’s ironic that the people responsible for tearing up these mangroves likely make their living conducting tours of the natural and pristine environment.

The DEP thinks the information on who did this is out there - and they’re hopeful that someone will make the call.

“People are aware of what’s happened down there. They know that this occurred. They’re upset about it. But for whatever reason, they’re not coming forward," Fogle said.

Investigators are also looking for information on the machinery used to destroy the mangroves, and where it’s being stored. It’s essentially an old airboat, with a dredging device bolted on to a platform.

They also hope it’s not being used elsewhere.

Anyone with information on the persons responsible for the destruction of the Collier County mangroves is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for up to $1,000 in cash rewards.