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.
Community engagement
A core value of the Environmental Protection Office is to make community-based decisions that allow for a holistic, more informed view of ecosystems and how best to protect them. This process enables tribal members to protect and conserve areas within tribal lands. The Environmental Protection Office also strives to raise community awareness on all reservations of environmental impacts and/or concerns. We strive to achieve this through multiple community events, including ecological youth programs, educational workshops, climate awareness outreach, departmental collaborations, quarterly open houses, and many other opportunities to participate in community events actively.
Alyssa Osceola, Community Engagement Coordinator
Joseph John, Community Engagement Coordinator
Sharing the EPO Story
Through a new documentary project, EPO is telling the story of the Tribe, from its history in the Everglades to its modern efforts in environmental stewardship. Using powerful multimedia, EPO shares how the Tribe honors its heritage while safeguarding the land for future generations.
Operations Support
Samantha Rivera, Grants Management Analyst
Grants and Contracts oversee the strategic acquisition, management, and compliance of grants.
leadership
Dr. Paul Backhouse, Senior Director of Environmental Protection
Krystle Bowers, EPO Assistant Director
Kalani Bankston, WEP Program kalanibankston@semtribe.com
Key sections
Protecting the Tribe’s community, environment, and economy from the effects of climate change
Supporting the operations of the departments under EPO through GIS technology and analysis
Protecting the tribal community and the environment from various hazards and emergencies
ADMINISTRATIVE support
Debbie Carter, Administrative Services Manager
The Administrative Services Program provides high level administrative and office support services to EPO Departments. A key function is to establish, oversee, and maintain EPO files, databases, records, and other documents.
Karlyne Urbina, Administrative Assistant
Carolina Fernandez, Administrative Services Manager
EPO: Photos/Highlights
The EPO Core Team.
Krystle Bowers, Assistant Director, presents to EPO during a departmental fair.
The GIS Team shares their expertise and products with the community.
The Core Team participates in a larger meeting focused on parternship.
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