The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage is advancing restoration work in its 95-acre preserve through the removal of invasive species, native plantings, and infrastructure improvements.
FISH, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting, educating and preserving the Cortez fishing village, manages several key properties in the area, including the FISH Preserve, a boat shop, Fishermen’s Hall and the old Cortez fire station, 4404 116th St. W., Cortez.
Established in 2000 when FISH acquired the land to protect the undeveloped estuary habitat along Sarasota Bay, the preserve serves as a buffer to development for Cortez.
The board approved a $10,000 partnership Aug. 4 with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program to target invasive plants in the preserve. The funding, which must be used by Sept. 30, will go toward herbicide treatments and the removal of Australian pines, Brazilian peppers and other non-native species.
“They’re also offering to help us develop a long-term invasive management strategy,” FISH treasurer Jane von Hahmann said of the SBEP, a federally supported initiative aimed at protecting and restoring the bay.
A native landscaping initiative will begin after the invasive species are cleared and some infrastructure projects are completed. A $165,000 Barancik Foundation grant has allowed FISH to construct bridges, paths and a picnic area in the preserve. Member Allen Garner said construction on the pedestrian bridges and paths is 75% complete.
In other meeting updates, board member Karen Bell reported on efforts to replace mango trees lost in 2024 to storms. Bell said she is coordinating with tree wholesalers to curate a list of varietals that will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to property owners in the village.
Financially, the nonprofit may get help paying down a mortgage on the LaMasters property, a parcel in the preserve purchased in 2016 for $185,000. Theresa Bert, widow of longtime board member John Stevely, offered $35,000 to help retire most of the $37,000 balance left on the mortgage.
“One of John’s most ardent wishes was to pay off the mortgage,” Bert said during the meeting.
The board also certified the results of annual elections held July 21. Bell, Nathan Meschelle, Lance Plowman, Angela Collins and Pat Potts will continue to serve alongside president Kim McVey, vice president David Cadmus and von Hahmann.
The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 8, delayed a week due to Labor Day.