Through his energy and commitment, Dave was a seminal participant in the creation of the CHNEP and served as the first acting director of the Program. He continually promoted watershed efforts that were critical for the estuaries, including the Estero Bay Agency on Bay Management. Dave was a native Floridian who received a M.S. degree in systems ecology and a B.S. degree in wildlife ecology from the University of Florida. He started his career with Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, the CHNEP’s host agency, in July 1975 and became the executive director on September 2002.

Amy Remley dedicated her career as an environmental scientist with the Southwest Florida Water Management District to the protection, restoration and management of our marine, estuarine and freshwater ecosystems. Her goal was to leave this world a little bit better than it was before she got here. She succeeded.

Betty was a champion for advocacy and the protection of our beautiful natural world. She was instrumental in making the Charlotte Harbor Nature Festivals a success and was involved in many local environmental projects, including the CHNEP Citizens Advisory Committee, Keep Charlotte Beautiful, the Charlotte Harbor Audubon Society and the Nature Festival.

Rich was a friend to resource mangers, boaters and fisher-folk alike. Without his energy and drive, the Boca Grande Pass Clean-Up and the Charlotte Harbor Boater’s Guide would not have come to fruition.

"Smith" as he liked to be referred to, maintained an untiring desire for protection of the water resources of the Charlotte Harbor estuary. When he retired as a scientist for the U.S. Government, he came to Charlotte County to "fish and relax." He was reported that he only got to fish once and then became involved in a variety of water quality issues from septic tanks to water utilities. His strongest conviction as a scientist was that people at all levels – citizens, managers, elected officials – would utilize sound scientifically-based information as critical decisions were being considered. He never tired in delivering that message whether verbally or in writing during his 31 years in southwest Florida. Mr. Smith will be remembered for his willingness to provide support of all kinds to the natural systems of the Charlotte Harbor estuary along with his strong conviction for "just the facts!"

Mike Milligan

Mike of Center for Systematics and Taxonomy passed away in 2005 at the age of 54. He was active in the Florida Association of Benthologists (www.flbenthos.org) where he served as past president in 1990-91 and a recipient of their Award of Excellence in December 1997. Mike completed two projects for CHNEP: Matlatcha Pass Benthic Survey and the Tidal Caloosahatchee River Benthic Survey.