boardcommittees

Board of Directors

All Board of Directors' meetings are held at the Association Office and are open to the membership. More specific information on directors, such as number and term, can be found in the Association By-laws.

2010 Officers:

James McNally - President

Al Hayden - Vice President

Royce Neidlinger - Vice President

Gale Valentine - Secretary

Geraldine Chesney - Treasurer

Meeting times and dates may change from time to time.

Committees

Most Committee meetings are held at the Association Office and are open to all members. Following is the list of committees:

Beautification Committee

Deed Restriction Committee

Residential Modification Committee

ACC-New Construction Committee

Neighborhood Watch Committee

Environmental Resource Committee

We are excited to introduce a new committee in Rotonda Lakes! As transplants from other parts of the country, we were challenged by a steep learning curve. Have you heard about the threatened Gopher Tortoise, endangered Scrub Jay and native and drought- resistant Florida-friendly flora?

Do consider these options before clearing your lot or landscaping:

1. Work with your builder to preserve native flora that are drought-resistant and require little water, fertilizer or pesticide.

2. Plant or sustain existing habitat which supports Florida-native birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

3. Include Florida-native trees such as Sabal (Cabbage) Palms, Crape Myrtle and Slash Pines to help maintain our “real Florida”.

Please review the list of local and regional resources and learn more about how to:

Co-exist with native wildlife;

Mulch with insect-resistant Melaleuca;

Water efficiently to conserve and save your money;

Reduce storm-water runoff;

Manage yard pests;

Protect waterways.

What’s in it for you?

Mature trees provide privacy, shade and save you money by reducing your landscaping water bills and help preserve Florida in its natural beauty.

Replenish, Replace, Restore! When you look at your lot/s as you begin developing or building, do a survey of what flora is already there that you may be able to save, where you might place your driveway, even your kitchen, as you are planning your new home. Looking for privacy and saving on water bills? Work with your builder to let them know you are interested in preserving some of the mature plants or trees that are already on your lot. You can transplant Sabal (Cabbage) palms to the edge of your lot with a landscaper, and you can preserve whatever trees and shrubs, bushes or flowers that are Florida--native if they are not within the footprint of your home. Ask about Florida-friendly flora. If you are purchasing a home that already has landscaping in place, contact us for information and resources. We've been there! and we'd like to help with some ideas that your neighbors in Rotonda Lakes have come up with that can save you time and money. Contact Randee and Kevyn at rslbigfork@hotmail.com!

Resource Information:

Charlotte County Environmental Center, Cedar Point Park

www.checflorida.org

941-475-0769

FL Dept.of Environmental Protection/Permitting

www.dep.state.fl.us

941-575-5814

FL Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

www.state.fl.us/gfc

850-922-4330

Charlotte County Environmental & Extension Services

http://charlotte.fas.ufl.edu 941-697-4000

FL Native Plant Society

www.fnps.org

561-562-1598

People for Trees

www.peoplefortrees.com

941-426-9752

FL Yards & Neighborhoods

http://hort.lfas.ufl.edu.fyn

941-764-4360

Recycling & Yard Waste

941-697-0012

FL-Friendly Yards

800-423-1476

WATERMATTERS.ORG

Charlotte County Environmental Specialist – Gopher Tortoise www.charlottecountyfl.com 941-743-1290

Charlotte County Animal Rescue

www.charlottecountyfl.com 941-764-4360

E-mail us, your neighbors in Rotonda Lakes, if you have questions or information you wish to share after reviewing this information.

Randee LaSalle

Kevyn Schwein rslbigfork@hotmail.com

ROTONDA LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE COMMITTEE

Dedicated to the Awareness, Understanding and Preservation of Florida Wildlife and Habitat

March 14, 2011

Looking for cold-hardy trees, plants or flowers? Watch for the "cold-hardy" label, do your research, and ask the folks at the nursery for "zone 8" trees and shrubs, along with surviving 20 degree or lower temperatures. Our recommendation is to purchase FloriMulch (866-GoMulch or www.gomulch.com) made from the invasive melaleuca tree to help eradicate melaleuca and save our disappearing cypress trees and wetlands. Ask for it where you shop, and if they don't have it, ask them to order it. It has been available at Englewood Landscape Supply, MRT in Venice, Lowe's in North Port, and Florida Native Plants in Sarasota. Let's spread the word.

We are planning to present a long-term vision for the 30-acre park in Rotonda Lakes at the April Board Meeting. If you cannot attend, check for information after the April meeting on www.rotondalakes.com, and if you are interested in being part of the planning, let us know.

Turtle nesting season officially begins May 1, while shorebird nesting season has already begun. If you are out on the beach, look for the posted areas with signs designation protected areas. For those of you who are dog owners, check out dog parks and beaches where dogs are legally allowed, and "scoop that poop" by carrying plastic sacks and disposing of them in your garbage. Preserving our water quality here in Florida is one thing we can all contribute to on a daily basis. Enjoy! and keep in touch.

Rotonda Lakes Environmental Resource Committee - rslbigfork@hotmail.com