MISSION STATEMENT
Ensuring responsible use of land and water resources for the community through guiding policy and conservation of natural resources.
The Environmental Protection Office (EPO) is a multi-departmental management tool for the Executive Operations Office (EOO) that brings together a talented team of professionals to protect the Tribe’s environment and way of life. Operating Tribe-wide with an eye towards the Tribe’s ancestral lands that extend beyond the boundaries of today's Reservation, the Office consists of a Water Resource Department, Environmental Resource Department, External Environmental Compliance Department, and the Department of Conservation. The Office is supported by a core set of programs that includes Climate Resiliency, Grants and Contracts, Environmental Geographic Information System, Environmental Safety and Emergency Management, and Administration who serve the EPO Departments and look for opportunities to support and collaborate with our sister departments across the Tribal Government.
Highlights in the Seminole Tribune
Click through the highlights below from the Seminole Tribune to learn more about the Environmental Protection Office.
New name, same mission as Environmental Protection Office debuts
August 2024
Since its inception, the Environmental Resource Management Department’s (ERMD) mission has been to protect, evaluate and conserve the Seminole Tribe’s land and water resources. The department, but not its mission, was recently reorganized as the Environmental Protection Office (EPO).
Brighton hosts Earth Day event
May 2025
The Environmental Protection Office (EPO) honored the planet April 22 with an Earth Day event that included information on what individuals can do to protect the Earth.
Tribe’s climate team featured in PBS station’s documentary
June 2025
Grappling with feelings about climate change, Ashley Stokes, filmmaker with WEDU PBS in Tampa, decided to take action with what she knows how to do – making a film. Her documentary, “Good Natured”, includes the Seminole Tribe of Florida and screened May 15 at Savor Cinema in Fort Lauderdale with about 20 people in attendance.
PECS students learn status of local wildlife
June 2025
Students may have been aware of the many species of wildlife on the Brighton Reservation, but thanks to a wildlife workshop presented by the Departments of Conservation and Environmental Resources, now they know which ones are protected, threatened and endangered.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICE
Dr. Paul N. Backhouse
Environmental Resources Department
Whitney Sapienza | Director
Department of Conservation
Dr. Craig van der Heiden | Director
External Environmental Compliance
Stacy Myers | Director
Water Resources
Alfonso Tigertail | Director
PHONE
(954) 966-6300
ADDRESS
1601 NW 136th Avenue,
Suite A100, Sunrise, FL 33323