Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves

The Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves (FCHAP) is a Citizen Support Organization for the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves and the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. Established in 1995, the Friends provide funding, material and volunteer support for staff to facilitate management of the park and preserves.

FCHAP mission is to support the protection, conservation, restoration, management, responsible public use, and the enhancement of the resources of the coastal and aquatic ecosystems of the Charlotte Harbor estuaries including Lemon Bay, Gasparilla Sound/Charlotte Harbor, Cape Haze, Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass.

FCHAP goals are to:

• Increase public awareness through involvement in educational programs, resource-based activities and special events.
• Develop stewardship for our estuaries and our public lands.
• Improve and restore the natural and cultural resources of the greater Charlotte Harbor estuaries.
• Establish and maintain cooperative efforts with organizations, institutions, and government agencies involved in environmental protection.