Backup Documents 09/09/2025 Item # 4BPROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, National Estuaries Week is to take place September 20 — 27, 20254 to raise awareness
about the importance of estuaries and encourage public engagement in their protection and
restoration; and
WHEREAS, Collier County is home to Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, protecting
110,000 acres and 40% of Collier County coastline, for the public to explore and enjoy
alongside crucial research that is conducted; and
WHEREAS, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is 1 of just 30 National Estuarine
Research Reserves in the United States; and
WHEREAS, given its proximity to Everglades National Park, alongside other protected areas of critical
importance, coupled with the economic and ecological value that Rookery Bay brings to
Southwest Florida; and
WHEREAS, Friends of Rookery Bay, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is tasked with the support and
advocacy of Rookery Bay, driving education, outreach, stewardship, volunteer recruitment,
and fundraising to help protect Collier's coastal lands and waters;
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Cormnissioners of Collier County, Florida,
that September 20 — 27, 2025, be designated as
NATIONAL ESTUARIES WEEK
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 9th Day of September 2025.
Board of County Commissioners
Col ' County, Flori
Burt L. Saunders, Chau7mn