More About Pelican Bay The Mangrove Action Group (MAG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization born out of direct community action in Pelican Bay. In 1994, residents overlooking Clam Bay witnessed a concerning and rapid dieoff of mangroves. Starting at six acres, the affected area quickly grew to 20 acres by the end of that year. Frustrated by the lack of adequate support from county and state officials, a group of concerned Pelican Bay residents established the Mangrove Action Group (MAG) in 1995. The Mangrove Action Group distinguished itself by launching a successful grassroots fundraising campaign that enabled them to engage leading coastal engineers, marine biologists, and mangrove specialists to thoroughly investigate and address the die-off. Their efforts extended to persuading the Pelican Bay Services Division (PBSD), a special taxing district, and WCI (the developer at the time) to take on the responsibility of mangrove rescue and restoration. This collaborative effort culminated in the creation of the comprehensive 1998 Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan. This plan remains the cornerstone for managing the Clam Bay conservation area, which has since been designated a Natural Resources Protection Area (NRPA) by Collier County. Initial interventions, including dredging the Clam Bay system and installing culverts at Seagate, were implemented. However, the mangrove decline continued, expanding to approximately 50 acres by 2001. A significant breakthrough occurred in late 2001 when miles of manually excavated flushing channels were constructed within the mangrove forest. These channels facilitated improved water flow and nutrient distribution, leading to the first signs of mangrove recovery. Surveys in the following year documented a 12-acre reduction in the affected area. Since then, the health of the impacted area has steadily improved. The PBSD is now responsible for the upkeep of over 13 miles of these manually dug channels, as well as the periodic dredging of Clam Pass. The effectiveness of the hand-dug flushing channel approach in the Clam Bay/Clam Pass ecosystem has been recognized and replicated in other restoration projects, notably in the large-scale mangrove die-off on Marco Island. The core mission of the Mangrove Action Group is the conservation of the Clam Pass/Clam Bay Natural Resource Protection Area (NRPA) and its surrounding natural environment. This includes the protection of its mangrove forests, associated wetlands, and the maintenance of healthy water flow and quality. The Mangrove Action Group firmly believes that the unspoiled character of this area makes a vital contribution to the environment, the diverse flora and fauna it supports, and the overall quality of life for residents and visitors in Collier County. Recognizing the crucial role mangroves play in coastal protection and as habitats for marine organisms and bird nurseries, MAG acts as a vigilant guardian of the mangroves and the broader Clam Bay ecosystem. The organization actively encourages community involvement and support in its conservation efforts. Monthly MAG meetings are held on Wednesdays at the Pelican Bay Community Center. This season’s remaining dates include Dec. 17, Jan. 21, April 15 and May 20. Mangrove Action Group A vigilant guardian of Pelican Bay’s mangroves and the broader Clam Bay ecosystem Pelican Bay Lifestyle Guide 2026 124 PelicanBay.org
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