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About CREW Map & Directions ♦ CREW Staff & Trustees ♦ CREW Lands ♦ Annual Reports ♦ Mission Statement A Brief History The CREW Land & Water Trust was established in 1989 as a nonprofit organization to coordinate the land acquisition, land management, and public use of the 60,000-acre Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. This watershed straddles Lee and Collier Counties and provides aquifer recharge, natural flood protection, water purification, preservation of wildlife habitat, and public recreation. Since 1990, CREW has coordinated the purchase of nearly 27,000 acres. The CREW Land & Water Trust was the first public/private partnership approach to an ecosystem-based acquisition project in Southwest Florida. When the Trust was founded, the concept of land acquisition for preserving a largely rural and lightly populated area—at that time suffering from a severe drought—was considered visionary. Since then, a decade of explosive development in Southwest Florida has proven the initiative was just in time. The Trust has received numerous awards as a visionary
program, including: In 2002, the CREW lands were designated an "Important Bird Area" by the National Audubon Society and Birdlife International. In 2001, the Trust co-sponsored the formation of a society for ecotour operators who want to protect our environment. This "Society for Ethical Ecotourism in Southwest Florida" (SEE SWFLA) welcomes all ecotourism professionals. The society also plans to develop a recognition program for the operators who provide quality, ethical tours. CREW Historical Timeline - click here for a comprehensive look at CREW's history The CREW lands play a vital role in maintaining the future quality and quantity of Southwest Florida's water supply. |
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