Stop the Hyper Club Development in Panther Habitat!
7,268
Supporters
7,500
Goal
Sign the Petition
Letter
July 23, 2026
Via Electronic Submission
Michelle Gilbert
Project Manager
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Jacksonville District
1520 Royal Palm Square Blvd., Suite 310
Fort Myers, FL 33919
Michelle.L.Gilbert@usace.army.mil
Larry Williams
State Supervisor for Ecological Services
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Florida Ecological Services Office
777 37th Street, Suite D-101
Vero Beach, FL 32968
larry_williams@fws.gov
Re: Comments on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Permit Application No. SAJ-2026-00341
Dear Ms. Gilbert and Mr. Williams:
We, the undersigned, respectfully submit these comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requesting that Permit Application No. SAJ-2026-00341 be denied. The applicant, Hyper Club, LLC of Naples, Florida, seeks a Department of the Army permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1344). We believe this project is contrary to the public interest and should not be approved.
Because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is also consulting on this project due to the presence of federally listed species and the potential impacts to those species, and because the Service is expected to prepare a Biological Opinion for the USACE, we are also providing these comments to the FWS.
According to the USACE Public Notice dated June 24, 2026, the proposed activity is:
"The applicant is requesting a Department of the Army permit for impacts to 142.30 acres of wetlands and 0.04 acre of other waters for the construction of residential estate lots, a new performance testing track, outdoor recreation areas, and stormwater management ponds on an approximate 543-acre site."
The proposed project is located within a remote and largely undeveloped portion of southwest Florida that provides essential habitat for the federally endangered Florida panther and numerous other imperiled species. The western boundary of the Hyper Club property adjoins the eastern boundary of the 175-acre Dr. Robert H. Gore III Preserve. Acquisition of the preserve—including its historic 10-acre homestead and nature center—was completed by Collier County on July 22, 2025. Located in the undeveloped southwestern portion of Golden Gate Estates, the preserve protects high-quality wildlife habitat while providing residents with passive recreational opportunities through its trail system.
Immediately east of the Hyper Club property lies the 26,605-acre Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. Established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in June 1989, this unique refuge exists specifically to conserve habitat essential to the recovery of the Florida panther. As explained in the Federal Register (April 23, 2014), "the refuge area should be acquired for the benefit and recovery of the endangered Florida panther." Quoting the Florida Panther Recovery Plan, the notice further states that "the refuge is essential to the survival of the Florida panther and that the refuge should enhance habitat conditions for the panther and its prey species."
South of the property, across Interstate 75 but directly connected through numerous wildlife underpasses, lie two additional protected public lands: Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park (approximately 85,000 acres) and Picayune Strand State Forest (approximately 78,000 acres). Together, these conservation lands protect extensive wetlands, native habitats, and abundant wildlife while providing significant public recreational opportunities.
These county, state, and federal conservation lands almost completely surround the proposed Hyper Club development. Collectively, they represent decades of work by elected officials, agency staff, conservation organizations, and the public. Hundreds of millions of public dollars have been invested to acquire, restore, and permanently protect this interconnected landscape because of its extraordinary ecological importance. These lands support dozens of state-listed species as well as numerous federally listed threatened and endangered species. See list of federally listed species (described by common name, scientific name, and federal status) from the USACE public notice below:
Florida Panther, Puma concolor coryi, Endangered
Florida Bonneted Bat, Eumops floridanus, Endangered
Tricolored Bat, Perimyotis subflavus, Proposed Endangered
Red Cockaded Woodpecker, Dryobates borealis, Threatened
Crested Caracara, Caracara plancus audubonii, Threatened
Eastern Black Rail, Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis, Threatened
Everglade Snail Kite, Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus, Endangered
Monarch Butterfly, Danaus Plexippus, Proposed Threatened
Florida Prairie-clover, Dalea carthagenensis floridana, Endangered
Eastern Indigo Snake, Drymarchon couperi, Threatened
Locating a residential and recreational development centered around high-performance vehicles within the middle of this protected landscape fundamentally undermines the purpose of these long-term conservation investments.
We believe all of the federally listed species identified in the USACE Public Notice occur on or utilize the project site and would be significantly affected by the proposed development. Construction of new roads, performance testing tracks, residential development, wetland destruction, artificial lighting, increased noise, exotic/invasive plant and animal introductions, and continuous human activity would substantially degrade habitat quality for these species.
Reviewing Florida panther telemetry data published by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission demonstrates that the Hyper Club property supports panther use at densities comparable to those documented within the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park — two of the most important protected areas for the species in Florida. This is not surprising, as the Hyper Club property forms part of the same continuous habitat with no meaningful physical barriers separating these conservation lands.
FWC telemetry data are available at:
https://geodata.myfwc.com/datasets/myfwc::florida-panther-telemetry/about
A map showing telemetry points on the Hyper Club property can be viewed here:
https://tinyurl.com/3be5p6d4
If this project is constructed, we expect substantial displacement of Florida panthers and other wildlife from the project site. Displaced panthers will be forced into adjacent developed areas and roadways, increasing the likelihood of vehicle collisions — the leading documented cause of mortality for the Florida panther. Displacement will also likely increase mortality from intraspecific aggression, as panthers are highly territorial and frequently engage in fatal conflicts when forced into occupied territories. Similar impacts to numerous other wildlife species would further degrade one of the most biologically diverse landscapes remaining in Florida.
The proposed impacts to wetlands are equally concerning. As illustrated on U.S. Geological Survey mapping, the project wetlands form part of the Stumpy Strand–Lucky Lake Strand wetland complex, an extensive hydrologic system bordering the western side of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and extending onto the Hyper Club property.
Map reference:
https://www.anyplaceamerica.com/directory/fl/collier-county-12021/swamps/stumpy-strand-277654/
The Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan (2000) describes these wetlands as follows:
"Lucky Lake Strand and Stumpy Strand are two wetland features comprised of more than 3,000 acres of cypress swamp, mixed swamp, wet prairies, marshes and ponds. The strands receive water from direct rainfall and runoff from surrounding uplands and Camp Keais Strand to the north."
After flowing beneath Interstate 75, waters from Stumpy Strand and Lucky Lake Strand enter Merritt Canal, where they become a major freshwater source for Picayune Strand State Forest. These waters ultimately continue south into Collier-Seminole State Park and the estuarine ecosystems of Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
The Comprehensive Conservation Plan further states:
"The Service has entered into an agreement with the South Florida Water Management District to proceed with the construction of a low-head water control structure on the south side of I-75 at the origin of Merritt Canal. This control structure will slow the drainage within these two strands, closely matching their original hydroperiods. The restoration of this wetland system will enhance the Lucky Lake and Stumpy strands for endangered species, colonial wading birds, and waterfowl."
Restoration of the Stumpy Strand–Lucky Lake Strand system ultimately became a major component of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project, a joint effort between the South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Costing more than $600 million, this nationally significant restoration project restored natural sheetflow across approximately 55,000 acres of degraded wetlands and was completed on January 29, 2026.
Given this extraordinary public investment, it would be contrary to the public interest to authorize the destruction of the headwaters feeding this restored ecosystem through wetland filling, excavation, and conversion into stormwater retention ponds for the Hyper Club development. While the concept of a residential community centered around a high-performance vehicle testing facility may be novel, it is wholly incompatible with the ecological significance of this landscape and with decades of federal, state, and local conservation efforts.
For these reasons, we respectfully request that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deny Permit Application No. SAJ-2026-00341 and preserve the wetlands and wildlife habitat surrounding the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.
Finally, this permit should be denied because the proposed project does not satisfy the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Public Interest Review requirements under 33 C.F.R. Part 320 or the Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines (40 C.F.R. Part 230). The Corps must evaluate the probable impacts of the proposed activity on the public interest by balancing its anticipated benefits against its reasonably foreseeable detriments, including impacts to wetlands, fish and wildlife, water resources, conservation, recreation, and the needs and welfare of the public. Here, the permanent loss of more than 142 acres of wetlands within a landscape specifically protected for the recovery of the endangered Florida panther, together with the degradation of a nationally significant wildlife corridor and the headwaters of a recently completed, publicly funded ecosystem restoration project, far outweighs any private benefits associated with this development. Moreover, because this project would discharge dredged or fill material into special aquatic sites, the Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines prohibit issuance of a permit where there is a practicable alternative with less adverse impact on the aquatic ecosystem. The applicant has not demonstrated that such alternatives do not exist. Accordingly, the Corps should conclude that this proposal is contrary to the public interest and deny Permit Application No. SAJ-2026-00341.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
Supporters
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Ella Erickson Plant city, FL
Florida is being over developed, it's hurting our wildlife and it needs to be stopped.
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Virginia Moorehead Vero Beach , FL
I am a nature conservative, and I’m disgusted with what’s happening to Florida. Please prevent any more natural habitats from being stolen.
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Andreina Grullon 3054 Juniper Way, Naples , FL
I disagree with the development and deforestation of panther land. Please stop. We have enough developments and places for people to live in in Collier County. We are overpopulated already and destroying nature.
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Kimberly Johnson Bonita Springs, FL
Stop destroying nature. Florida is unique and beautiful and you guys are ruining it just to make a buck.
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Jair Castaneda Immokalee , FL
Not too sure as to why more development is needed, but let's make it make sense. Why continue taking more away from nature when we can work with what we already have? Use old run down plazas, buy out land that's actually been already developed in the past and just RE develop. All that money and you can't just "Throw" a little more to clear out what's there now?
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Shannon Moore Myakka city , FL
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Mary Darden Largo, FL
Overdevelopment of our beautiful state has and is basically exterminating many species. The human is the only species that is thriving, and that is at the expense of all others. THIS HAS TO STOP!
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Angie Morla North Fort Myers , FL
I don’t want to see panther habitat developed. We have already taken too much.
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Sandi Lieb Williston, FL
To prevent panther habitat in Florida being destroyed for a rich peoples unnecessary car speed track and development. Saving the wildlike habitat still left is paramount.
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Will Dietz Orlando, FL
Stop overdeveloping protected land.
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Daniel Tommie Clewiston, FL
Because I am opposed to habitat destruction
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Jose Jolguera Miami, FL
We must save the panthers at all cost we are slowing destroying the world with parking lots and not leaving our native wildlife to flourish. For our kids kids and generations to come!
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Aaron Lehmann Tampa , FL
Protection for wildlife.
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Jillian DiPaula Pembroke Pines, FL
No need to build there disturbing the wildlife
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Dana Waters punta gorda, FL
Please deny Permit Application No. SAJ-2026-00341. That land provides essential habitat for the federally endangered Florida panther and numerous other imperiled species. PLEASE STOP taking their land. Thank You
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Paul Saulo Naples, FL
Save the land
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Karime A Naples , FL
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Laura Akins Sun city center, FL
Enough is enough with the building! The animals,are loosing their habitats
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Kathy Anderson Glendale, AZ
Love of God's created.
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Michelle Stafford St Petersburg , FL
Stop Hyper Club development in Florida Panther habitat
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Michele Merced St. Petersburg , FL
Save the panthers land
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Pat Windecker Titusville , FL
Save our wildlife
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James Cochran Sheffield, AL
I care deeply for wildlife.
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Kristen Downey Indialantic, FL
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Catherine Hunt Minneapolis , MN
I was a long time resident of Florida and love the natural beauty of Florida. That includes saving it's ecosystems.
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Stanley Harris Dover, FL
We need to protect all the remaining wildlife we have left in Florida, especially the panther! We need to stop the over development and save some of the land that is left in Florida!
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Theresa Levy Melbourne , FL
Destruction of panther and other species is a National disgrace
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maureen remington cape coral, FL
we need to protect the wildlife, we have a surplus of houses
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Alejandro Correa Davenport, FL
Environmental protection is vital to our future generations
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Ayesha Bajwa Naples, FL
We don't need this, you just built a bunch of houses on the panther habitat.Now you wanna do a racetrack
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Barbara Peterson Manhattan , MT
As a past 35 year resident of Florida and active in local environmental issues, I realize the fragility of natural world. Please protect the Florida Panthers!
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Meredith Alper Naples , FL
Please stop the building into ecosystems and destroying the habitats for many animals including the almost extinct Florida panther!!
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John Isaacs Tallahassee , FL
Save Wild Florida from over development Protect the Florida Panther
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Elaine Otero DeBary , FL
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Maria isabel De leon Ave maria, FL
We need to protect our animals
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Judith Dukeshire Cape Coral , FL
I want to stop the over developing of this beautiful state. I want the wildlife protected.
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Callie Sharkey Lake Worth , FL
Living in Florida over the past 3 decades, development MUST become more responsible.
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Molly Diblin Gainesville, FL
Preserve the Florida panthers last remaining habitat to protect Florida panthers!
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Ady Haek Jupiter, FL
This is awful
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Sandra Washio Boca Raton, FL
By earth beneath me, sky above, By rivers, roots, and creatures I love, I call upon the forces of balance and care, To protect this place, its life, and its air. May hidden truths be brought to light. May every decision be weighed with sight. May those who hold power act with wisdom, And may harm be stopped before it is done. Where greed seeks to take without regard, May the path forward become difficult and barred. Where destruction is planned and concealed, May compassion and justice be revealed. May those who have the power to choose Understand the lives they risk and lose. May the voices of the land be heard, Through every person, action, and word. Let protection surround this place. Let awareness grow. Let accountability follow every choice made. May what is meant to be preserved remain. May what is meant to heal be strengthened. May balance return. With respect for the earth, With intention for protection, With harm prevented and justice restored. So mote it be.
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Kristine Hishinuma Miami, FL
Concern for endangered panther habitat
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Arlanna Spencer Bunnell, FL
We're running out of wildlife in Florida not houses.
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morgan cox land o lakes, FL
to protect our Florida panther habitats
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Nico Carcamo Naples, FL
As Floridians we should be protecting the habitats for our wildlife, we to protect the already declining panther population in the state of Florida. We don’t need a random race track in the middle of crucial wildlife for a random boys club because they have nothing better to do on a Saturday than drive their cars. Do the right thing and protect these precious animals.
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Kim Roszkowski Switzerland , FL
Panthers, wetlands and our fargilenlans need to be protected from this type of development. No to filling in wetlands. No to endangering panthers and other wildlife. No to more sprawl
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Jackie McCool Sarasota, FL
The Florida panther is on the verge of becoming extinct. We need to preserve whatever natural habitat they have remaining in order to give them a fighting chance to repopulate.
