One of the Deadly 7 is now realizing the detrimental effects of their responsibility in retraction of FL State wetland permitting.
The Center for Biological Diversity being one of the Deadly 7 is now seeking to create hurdles for Estero-based Cameratta Companies, which secured 2,700 acres in eastern Lee County June 10 for $93 million. The development known as Kingston, has apparently acquired all the required local, state, and federal permits to build 10,000 residential units, 750,000 sq ft of commercial and potentially a hotel!
The Deadly 7 along with Judge Moss who’s decision, Feb. 15, 2024 vacated the Florida DEP - 404 program authorizations. Under the Florida authorizations wetlands were defined by Dr. John D. Tobe’s methodology, slightly different from the Corps. This vacatur coupled with SCOTUS removing isolated wetlands from Clean Water Act protections, results in isolated wetlands no longer being protected in Florida.
It’s apparent, ‘ignorance is bliss’ for the Center for Biological Diversity and the other six of the so-called environmental organizations of the Deadly 7.
"We have pretty significant concerns about it and one of the things I think is really problematic is there are a series of projects like this in this area that are through various stages of review," said Jason Totoiu, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. "What I don't think has been adequately done at this point is for Fish and Wildlife Service and Army Corps to truly assess the additive impact to all of these developments."
Hey Jason, most of - if not all of the projects you mentioned will be permitted under the Corps 404 program, meaning isolated wetlands can be developed without mitigation! How do you consider your employer an environmental organization when you and the other 6 of the Deadly 7 are responsible for removing isolated wetland protections here in Florida?
Earthjustice was the representative for the Deadly 7 against the US EPA and FWS. Earthjustice attorney Bonnie Malloy said, “We’re talking about the destruction of some of the last remaining habitat for one of the most endangered animals in the world.” Earthjustice estimated that a development project in South Florida seeking wetlands permitting under the state’s process could result in the deaths of up to 26 Florida panthers annually.
Hey Bonnie, because of you and your organization representing the Deadly 7, isolated wetlands are no longer protected here in our sunshine state!
Gillis, Chad. “Kingston gets final federal permits for large scale development in panther country.” Fort Myers News. June 17, 2025. June 10 sale signals new town coming to Corkscrew area, panther habitat