Riverwatch has cancelled its planned picnic at Fisheating Creek on July 4. Recent rains have flooded the reserved campsites. Rains have pushed the water up from 4.5 to 6.5 ft and from 350 to almost 1800 cfs. We will try again on July 25.
FWC has added an additional and final public non-motorized boating community listening session to be held in the southwest region of the state in Punta Gorda.Join us Monday, July 27th, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Conference Center. [Session Notice]
Gov. Crist has signed into law Senate Bill 2080, relating to water resources. The law gives powerful permit granting authority to the 5 executive directors of the water management district, taking the governing members out of the process. [Tampa Bay]
The Florida Park Service has raised state park day-use entrance fees for vehicles with two to eight people an average of $1 to $3. Single-occupant vehicle fees has gone from $3 to $5 statewide. Annual passes, individual and family, went up a 50%. [News-Press]
As summer vacation goes on, and temperatures go extremely hot, children are defeating the heat (and boredom) with the good company of River Caloosahatchee. [News-Press] [News-Press ]
On June 21, the 24-foot electric-hybrid family pleasure boat, Endeavor Green, left home port in Tampa bay several days earlier, and stopped at rivers Edge motel in LaBelle, and River Forest Yatching center in Ortona. [Caloosa Belle]
Laura O'Brien Church passed away Saturday, June 27. Laura was a CRCA founder & its lead educational projects organizer in the group's early years. Laura was an inspired teacher who cared deeply about her students and the environment. [Memories] [Services] [News Press]
The 11th Court of Appeals ruled that the SFWMD wouldnt need special permits to backpump polluted waters into Lake O. Although that is bad, it will be good if more attention were paid to farmland and suburban runoff coming from north of the Lake. [News-Press Editorial]
On July 25, Save Our Creeeks will start their meeting at 12:00pm at the Fisheating Creek Campground screen room. Charles Sobczak will the guest speaker. Also, the Settlement Agreement Advisory Board will meet from 10am-12pm. [SOC and SAAB Meeting Details][Save Our Creeks]
3 of the 9-people SFWMD board are leaving their seats. Potential new candidates include Mary Ann Martin, owner of an important Marina; Roger Hatton, from a venerable ranching family; Richard Pettigrew, former House Speaker; Tom Bausch and Nat Roberts [Palm Beach Editorial]
The June 2009 CRCA newsletter is available online. The archives provides an index to many of the newsletters dating back to 1995. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email. [June PDF Newsletter][June HTM Newsletter][Archive]
The American Clean and Security Act passed the House floor with a 219-212 vote. Now it heads to the Senate. Please show your support for this important piece of legislation, contact your Senators and let them know that we need this bill into law! [Reuters.com][Contact your Senator][Full Bill Text]
Governor Crist may have the final say whether an inland port transportation & shipping hub is placed in the muck regions of the EAA or in a more ecologically benign location. Politics rather than ecological/economic considerations might be first. [Palm Beach Post]
The proposed Total Maximum Daily Loads for the Coral Creek watershed (including Sanibel & the North part of the Cape Coral Spreader Canal System) will be discussed at a meeting July 6 at 2pm, 2201 Placida Rd., Englewood. [TMDL Report for Coral Creek]
The Federal District Court has lifted the injunction against a bridge on Tamiami Trail. If the bridge is done, the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie esturies will benefit by having the excess Okeechobee waters going south into ENP. [SCCF News] [Court Decision][Coalition]
On July 24, Colonel Alfred A. Pantano, Jr. will assume command of the Jacksonville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His prior service includes Executive Officer of the 1st Armored Engineer Brigade in Baghdad. [Pantano Bio]
The Environmental Working Group's National Tap Water Database compiles EPA data about water utilities through 2003. The AWG data is useful for historical, but not current issues. DEP also posts utility data to the web. [DEP Data][Tap Water Database]
John Folks of the Florida Office of Ag. Water Policy describes the constraints faced by farmers in meeting environmental regulations. He outlines criteria that must be met for a solution to be viable for farmers. [Lessons Learned Paper]
On June 29, SFWMD Governing Board Members & senior staff members, including Deputy Exec. Director Ken Ammon, will be discussing LOSA Water Availability, Rule/Consumptive Use Permit Renewals, Caloosahatchee Basin, Reservation Rule Status, and more. [Details]
More than 100 conservation leaders from all over the country were in New Orleans to launch the Restore America s Great Waters campaign. Their purpose is to get congressional authorization for individual projects and funding. [TheTimes-Picayune]
The practice of spreading wastewater plant residuals on farms is controversial. It can provide crop fertility with less potential for nutrient runoff. But there is also the issue of heavy metals that vary based on the wastewater source. [Fact Sheet] [Biosolids Rules] [Sentinel][DEP]
The U.S. Senate Environment & Public Works Committee passed an amended version of the Clean Water Restoration Act. They also passed the Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2009 and the Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know-Act. [CleanWaterNetwork]
Triclosan - a bacteria killing agent used in personal care products - is accumulating in rivers, estuaries, harbors and a lagoon from South Carolina and Florida. 31-23% of aquatic animals are contaminated with it. [EnvironmentalHealthNews][Journal]
The 5th EPA webcast in the green infrastructure series, that include Funding and Incentives, and Brownfiedls Redevelopment will be about how to deal with stormwater without it coming into contact with contaminated or compacted soils. [EPA Flyer][Registration]
Divers have been collecting algae 14.8 miles southwest of Redfish Pass as part of a study to answer questions about massive algal blooms that pile up on the beaches of Lee County. The study is also looking at sea urchins in the control of algae. [News-Press]
Congress will soo vote on groundbreaking legislation that would decrease greenhouse gas pollution and protect communities and natural resources from climate change. Global warming has the potential to deveastate our shorelines & estuaries. [Petition][RiverAlert]
The East County Water Control District revenues are lower than in previous years. The District protects water reserves through drainage, conservation, mitigation, and other methods in Lehigh Acres and the western portion of Hendry County. [News-Press]
The SFWMD, Army Corps of Engineers, and representatives of the landowner agreed on the restoration of the lake and swamp. A total of 19.08 acres will be placed in a permanent conservation easement and made available for passive recreational use. [Eagle Quest Opinion]
The CVA will provide money to 28 states to help keep their waterways clean. The funds will help with the construction and installation of sewage pumpout facilities and floating restrooms, to purchase pumpout boats, and provide educational programs. [Joshua Winchell]
Even though the most expensive land conservation plan of Floridas history will be taking place during 2010 fiscal year (1.4 billion budget), SFWMD expects property prices not to drop more than 12%, therefore it won't need to raise its taxes. [Palm Beach Post]
The ceremony for the 578-acre preserve was held on June 10. This State and Federally-funded project will improve water quality, aquifer recharge, and flood protection in the Orange River & Caloosahatchee watersheds. [News-Press]
While most attention focuses on nutrient pollution, pharmaceuticals also pollute our waters. These chemicals can interfere with biology via the endocrine systems of fish and humans alike. More control on pharmaceutical disposal is crucial. [Palm Beach Post]
Lee County developers are planning on a new 79-acre housing Estate project on the Caloosahatchee. 58 houses would be built, with well and septic systems, and even a new bridge and roads off of River Road 78 for private access. [Letter from Deb Arnason]
The Environmental Voice of Southwest Florida has launched www.Eco-Voice.org. It is a great tool to stay informed on local, regional, and national environmental issues and events. The site complements the successful email list. [New Eco-Voice Web Site][Link to EVSWF List]
Join CRCA-Riverwatch this 4th of July to celebrate Independence Day and our beautiful rivers! Picnic is at Fisheating Creek (7555 US Highway 27 North,FL 33944) at 11:00am for all CRCA members & their guests. [More Info][Fisheating Creek Resort]
Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation sent a letter to Governor Crist urging the veto of SB 2080. If you would like to contact the Governor, his e-mail is Charlie.Crist@myflorida.com; tel:850-488-7146; fax; 850-487-0801. [SCCF letter]
Lee County Commissioners are contemplating connecting Waterway Estates to the N Ft Myers Utilities or Cape Coral system to stop wastewater discharges into the Caloosahatchee River. The solution won't be cheap. [News-Press]
On Tuesday, June 16 the 24ft Endeavour Electric Hybrid will set off for a seven-day cruise. The 250-mile journey will use less than $2 per day of electricity. Proceeds from Endeavour Greens voyage will be donated to What About Blue. [Endeavour Green][What About Blue]
Higher than normal amounts of white manatee grass has been accumulating in the shores of Sanibel and Captiva beaches. Although the grass itself might not represent any serious problem to the water, some people wonder about the cause. [NaplesNews] [SCCF][Manatee Grass Info]
Governor Crist seems to be dumping his green credentials in favor or catering to potential big donors for his upcoming Senate campaign. He approved legislation that will promote sprawl development throughout the state. [NewsJournalOnline]
Attention all environmental concerned citizens and children on summer vacation! June is National Rivers Month! Here is a great opportunity to spend time in the outdoors, and give back to our environment. [Announcement][American Rivers]
Dr. Annette Snapp, FGCU Professor & Colloquium Coordinator, was elected as the new CRCA President at the June 3 board meeting in North Fort Myers. Congrats to Annette and a sincere thank you to our past-presidents, Marti Daltry & Mary Ruth Prouty. [New Board]
The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals overruled a 2006 Miami District Court decision requiring SFWMD to get special NPDES permits before backpumping farmland polluted waters into Lake Okeechobee. [Miami Herald] [WTPV] [The Ledger]
The 2007 destruction of Willow Lake was the biggest environmental atrocity of Pine Island history. Unfortunately, restoration enforcement by Lee County and SFWMD officials has not been very effective...or taken seriously. [SFWMD Update] [News Press]
Road traffic and water supply were the two primary hurdles developers faced in proposing new subdivisions. With Crist removing the road criteria only water supply can limit unchecked sprawl. [Palm Beach Editorial]
Some power boaters think that they are battling kayakers for area waterways. The fact is boating regulations are designed to protect wildlife (fish, manatees, etc.) and plant life that these wildlife require to live. It is not about kayakers. [Power Boater Letter]
Despite a pledge to toughen anti-pollution enforcement, the DEP under Governor Crist has not properly enforced regulations or collected fines, according to Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER).
[PEER Press Release]
If confirmed, Sonia Sotomayor would replace Justice Souter on the US Supreme Court. Souter joined Ginsburg and Breyer in supporting a ruling by Sotomayor in the 2007 Riverkeeper v. EPA case. Six justices voted to overturn the ruling. [About.com] [Overruling decision]
Salinity levels are dropping in the upstream portions the Caloosahatchee Estuary. Heavy rains are helping beneficial freshwater species, such as tape grass, to increase in numbers and temporarily reduce the potential for oxygen depletion. [News-Press]
The Supreme Court nominee knowledge and service as a federal trial and appellate court judge, provide invaluable perspectives for deciding environmental protection and related issues, as reflected in her 80-page Riverkeeper v. EPA opinion. [Sotomayor Opinion] [Georgetown Blog] [Earthjustice]
The City of Cape Coral would have to build large reservoirs or filter marshes to protect the northwest waterways from canal discharges. Environmentalists had met with city, county and state officials to replace the Ceitus Boat Lift and dam. [News-Press]
The Lake Okeechobee Protection
Program is considering an alternative plan to restore Lake Hicpochee water storage wetland capacity. The H1B project has three modifications. H1B-Mod3 seems to be the most promising and cost effective. [Evaluation of Alternatives]
Steve Rawl who learned to crew on the Caloosahatchee at Alva recently traveled with the Yale University Crew team for a regatta preceding the Dragon Boat Racing Festival in Chengdu, China. [Yale Bulldogs] [News-Press]
Switching Lehigh Acres residents from septic tanks to central sewers may be good for water quality in the Caloosahatchee watershed, but it's hard on the wallets of Lehigh residents. [News Press]
With the onset of this year's rainy season obervers watch to see if we will revisit what is becoming another annual tradition - algae bloom season. Algae thrive when the weather warms & rains wash nutrients into the river. [Photo 1] [Photo 2]
Rick Tulley & Cindy Bear have announced that the Lee County K-12 Environmmental Ed program has lost its funding. The program is well known for accomplishments such as the Monday Group, its classroom programs, & field trips. [Tulley & Bear] [History] [News Press]
A first draft of the report has been released on the removal of the Ceitus Boat Lift on the Cape Coral Spreader Canal system. Janicki Environmental produced the study. The report will be discussed at the next NSEMA Stakeholders meeting. [Draft Report]
The Caloosahatchee River Citizens Assoc. elected its 2009-2010 board of directors at its May 2 annual meeting. Officers will be elected at the first board meeting on June 3 in Ft. Myers. Mary Ruth Prouty has served as co-president with Marti Daltry. [Photo Gallery]
Member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Joe Frank, received a recognition award from Riverwatch at the CRCA annual meeting in appreciation of his service to the organization. CRCA thanks Joe & the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc. [Award][Photo Gallery]
After the conclusion of business and food at the annual meeting of the Caloosahatchee River Citizens Association, Cowboy Poet Hank Mattson entertained the group with his stories and artifacts of Florida history. [Photo Gallery]
Despite the drought now broken, Corps of Engineers and SFWMD managers continued the Lake Okeechobee water flows to the Caloosahatchee Estuary. In past years the estuary was denied these essential salinity-balancing waters. The new policy is welcome. [Flow Calculations] [Graph]
Governor Crist needs to veto a bill passed by the Florida Legislature that would put the power to approve wetlands destruction in the hands of WMD executive directors. JD Alexander added the amendment to create this authority. [St. Pete Times]
The SFWMD board seat made vacant by the resignation of Bubba Wade has new nominees, including Lee County Smart Growth Director Wayne Daltry. Other new names are Roger Hatton, Bruce Hendry, Joanne Semmer, Greg Stuart, & Robert Wilson. [List]
For information on Caloosahatchee River drawbridges policies, contact the LaBelle (SR 29) bridge tender at 863-674-4664 or the Ft. Denaud (SR 78A) bridge tender at 863-675-2055. Lock operations information is available from the Corps of Engineers. [Moore Haven Lock] [Ortona Lock] [Franklin Lock]
SFWMD Governing Board approved a new strategy to acquire lands from the U.S. Sugar Corporation with unprecedented restoration opportuni- ty for the Everglades. About 73,000 acres of lands would be initially purchased, in the south of Lake O. [Mail SFWMD.gov]
Senators Nelson and Martinez have not yet signed on as co-sponsors to the Clean Water Restoration Act. We need their support on this very important federal legislation that affects Florida. The Riverwatch board has officially endorsed the CWRA. [Mail Clean Water Act]
The Rivers Coalition (St. Lucie River) sent a presentation by Dr. Paul Gray to Governor Crist. The presentation highlights the challenge of reducing nutrients flowing into Lake Okeechobee and other state waters. [Rivers_Coalition_Presentation]
The NSEMA Stakeholders will meet to discuss the Ceitus Boat Lift (Cape Coral Spreader Canal) issue on May 26 at 8:30 AM in the SFWMD office at 2301 McGregor Blvd in Ft. Myers. [NSEMA Message] [Map]
Agencies and farmers are beginning to experiment with water ranching. But they also need to include, long-term storage contracts, conservation easements, & market valuation of water so many can participate. [Article Highlands Today]
New Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) legislation introduced in the US Senate last week by Sen. Nelson & others would support HABs research, forecasting and monitoring. It will also help people detect, control and mitigate coastal HABs and hypoxia events. [Mail_Purre_090506]
Dry conditions have led to low ground water levels and an overly saline Caloosahatchee River. User groups want the water "just right" having the right mix of fresh and salt water, writes Lee County Commissioner Tammy Hall. [News_Press_090506]
On Apr 21 the Hendry County Rural Lands Com. discussed how to retain & redistribute development density contained in lands purchased by the state & federal government. On May 5 they discussed water ranching & other topics. [Apr 21 Minutes] [May 5 Minutes]
After a tree-pllanting project to mitigate the water quality impacts, DEP allowed Ortona residents to remove a weir holding back stormwater runoff and blocking their boat access to the river. [Caloosa Belle]
CH2MHill completed a study of nitogen removal methods for the Ortona Boma Grove to treat Caloosahatchee waters. They recommend a diversified set of wetland & agricutural treatment systems. [CH2MHill Report] [Agricultural System]
PBS recently broadcast a Frontline documentary titled Poisoned Waters. The
show investigates how pollution is killing fish, mutating frogs, and
threatening human health.
[PBS Website]
Lisa Jackson, head of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency told all EPA
staff to adopt new guiding principles for the EPA - transparency and
openness. The memo outlines how staff should implement the many aspects of EPA
duties. [Memorandum]
On Apr 24 the Florida Legislature acted to dilute the growth management laws in a effort to help developers tired of the recession. The action was part of a general initiative in the Legislature to gut growth regulations. [The News Press]
On Apr 25 CRCA members participated in various Earth Day events, including an educational festival in LaBelle at Barron Park and the Sierra Club Earth Day festival at the Koreshan Center in Bonita Springs. [Photo Gallery]
Water Management Districts (SWFWMD & SFWMD) are considering reservoirs as a cure for all that ails us. Skeptics say that it won't solve anything, and all our water storage problems stem from society's destruction of Florida's wetlands. [Herald Tribune]
In seeking a new redevelopment plan for downtown Fort Myers, some are suggesting moving the river a block farther south. (Actually it's just building a long inlet from the shore to Bay St.) But who would pay for such a project is unknown. [News Press]
Sid Kitson plans a solar-powered city at Babcock Ranch. Babcock was where Kitson sold the state lands that should have been excluded from development anyway. The state thus subsidized sprawl. Is this solar pitch sincere or another sprawl scam. [New York Times] [Time][Promo Video]
Port LaBelle Marina, Inc. announced on Mar 31 that their Glades County application for land use change has been approved by the state Department of Community Affairs. New housing and commercial projects are planned. [SW Florida Online]
While some say the scaled-back US Sugar land purchase looks more like a corporate bailout than an Everglades restoration, others point out that the targeted lands are consistent with a version of the "Rocking Chair" flowway west of Miami Canal.
[Sun Sentinel] [Purchase Map][Rocking Chair]
In a 20 to 1 vote, the Cape Coral Spreader Canal stakeholders group adopted the recommendations of Phil Buchanan and will apply for permits to replace the Ceitus Boat Lift. However a final decision on construction is months away. [Analysis by Buchanan]
An application to NOAA for federal stimulus funds may help oxbow restoration. Since the project began in 1996, only one oxbow (#24) has been restored with public funds. Other oxbows are ranked by priority. [Oxbow 32] [Oxbow 24][Nature Park Oxbow][Map][Ranking]
DEP has proposed 9 million pounds per year as the Caloosahatchee pollution limit for total nitrogen, a 23% reduction below the current TN pollution loads. Other estimates say the limit should be 7 million pounds TN per year. [CHNEP] [Doering][2005][SWFFS]
On Mar 12 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Quality of Investment Act of 2009, to help close the $3.2 billion to $11.1 billion annual gap between wastewater infrastructure needs. It also protects public health. [CWN]
The U.S.Army Corps of Engineers and the SFWMD are cooperating on the Southwest Florida Feasibility Study/ Watershed Plan. SWFFS's goal is to produce a regional restoration plan for watersheds in SW Florida. A second scoping letter invites comments. [Mail]
The Caloosahatchee Estuary could grow dramatically in size by 2100 if new sea level projections prove true. Scientists are now predicting more than 3 feet of rise in the next 90 years. This dwarfs all current environmental concerns. [Tampa Bay]
The Supreme Court of Florida has declined to take up CRCA appeal, ruling that Riverwatch lacked "standing." This may end The Vue case, a 27-story residential tower planned to be built on Centennial Park land, illegally transferred to the developer. [Supreme Court]
Rock Enterprises Inc. co-sponsored the Riverwatch cruises at the Swamp Cabbage Festival. Rock Abujacude and David Rolls participated in the cruises & CRCA would like to thank them both for their support. Their engineering company is based in LaBelle.
Gulf Citrus Growers Association was a co-sponsors of the 2009 Swamp Cabbage Festival Cruises. CRCA would like to thank GCGA, the trade association representing the citrus growers of SW Florida. [Website]
The Swamp Cabbage Cruise would not have been possible without co-sponsorship of Sierra Club Calusa Group. Their aim is to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources. CRCA would like to thank them. [Website]
A recent release by Pittman and Matthew Waite called Paving Paradise, is an expose of state and national wetland protection laws. Chapter 9 explains how no net loss works and its failure, or how to protect the nation's wetlands by illusions. [Florida Trend]
Watershed Council was a sponsor of the Swamp Cabbage Festival cruises. CRCA would like to thank them for their donation. The mission of the council is to preserve the land and water resources of the Caloosahatchee and SW FL. [Website]
Collier County Audubon Society, represented by Pete Quasius, co-sponsored the Riverwatch cruise at Swamp Cabbage Festival. CRCA thanks Audubon them for their support. Audubon is dedicated to preserving the quality of life in Collier County. [Website]
CRCA would like to thank Maria Quasius of Audubon Society of SW FL for their co-sponsorship of the Riverwatch Swamp Cabbage Cruise. The association is heavily involved in the conservation of the rural lands and habitat. [Website]
Dr. Greg Tolley, Coastal Watershed Institute, and Dr. Rebecca Totaro, Dept. of English, both from Florida Gulf Coast University, participated in the cruise. Riverwatch would like to thank the University for their event co-sponsorship. [FGCU CWI]
Wilson Miller helped Riverwatch make the Swamp Cabbage Festival cruise possible, thanks to their donation. David Wilkison and his wife participated in the cruise discussion. Wilson Miller specializes in planning, designing and engineering. [Wilson Miller]
CRCA would like to thank Bob Howard from Agnoli Barber and Brundage for their cruise co-sponsorship and for inviting SFWMD officials. AB&B specializes in surveying, engineering and planning. [AB&B Website]
Bob Mulhere and Patrick Vanasse participated in the Swamp Cabbage cruise. Both are from RWA, which provides solutions for land planning, civil engineering or surveying. The Cruise wouldn't have been possible without their support. [RWA Website]
Thank you to the PURRE Water Coalition, which works daily to defend South Florida's Waterways. CRCA appreciates their donation to help make the Swamp Cabbage Festival cruise possible again this year. [Purre Website]
Rae Ann Wessel from presentation during Saturday cruise in which she has explained the U.S. Sugar land project. SCCF which main goal is to preserve wildlife and habitats around Sanibel helped Riverwatch building the cruise event. [Website]
State Senator Dave Aronberg addressed the Riverwatch Swamp Cabbage cruise group on Sat, Feb 21. The Senator still wants to endorse the U.S. Sugar lands purchase but he has some concerns about protecting the workeres and economy of the region. [Photo Gallery]
During Swamp Cabbage Festival, Riverwatch held a boat cruise for leaders to discuss regional issues, including the U.S. Sugar land purchase. CRCA along with many other groups had a very constructive exchange of views and information. [Photo Gallery]
Riverwatch will receive a $250 micro-grant from the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program to help support educational programs on the Caloosahatchee River. The grant will be used for expenses, including Swamp Cabbage cruise printed materials.
Riverwatch signed an Everglades Foundation letter to Gov. Charlie Crist calling for economic assistance to rural communities affected by the planned U.S. Sugar lands purchase. [Letter]
Caloosahatchee Cookbook invites you to share your favorite recipes, including picnic & boating favorites. Include your culinary secrets in the fundraiser cookbook. The sooner you submit, the better your chances of being included. [Form][Online Form]
The 24th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference held Jan 9-11 in Miami included a presentation by John Capece on the science and social issues of biofuels production on sugarcane lands to be purchased from U.S. Sugar Corporation by SFWMD. [Capece on Biofuels] [Program] [Conference Highlights]
Mary Ann Parsons of Cape Water Action, Mary Ruth Prouty, CRCA-Riverwatch and Marti Daltry, Sierra Club wrote a letter to City of Cape Coral Mayor and Council Members srongly urging them to vote “yes” in adopting a strong fertilizer ordinance. [Letter]
Now that the U.S. Sugar vote is behind him, will Governor Crist finally name a Lake O region representative to the SFWMD Governing Board? Candidates are: Mary Ann Martin, Joe Collins, Edward Elkowitz, Robert Hatton, & Joe Spratt. [The Ledger][Naples News]
Caloosahatchee artist Caroline Krieger Comings uses her art to promote Riverwatch efforts to protect the River. Visit the Showdown link, view her latest works, and support her efforts to enhance public awareness through art. [Art Showdown]
Senator Bob Graham has mobilized his Center for Public Service at UF to draft the National Water Restoration Act, which seeks to separate out water quality restoration projects from general WRDA projects. [PalmBeachPost][Graham Center]
Dead Zones in coastal waters - regions of ocean so deprived of oxygen that most marine life cannot survive - are spreading worldwide at an alarming pace. This decade alone, dead zones have increased by about a third to 405. [Rueters]
Information related to the Ceitus boat lift removal in Cape Coral has been posted for public access and review. The documents include consent orders and amendments, water quality studies, reports and surveys, and others. [Draft Settlement][Web page]
Riverwatch officers and members paddled Fisheating Creek with the CRCA canoes and other kayaks. Other trips and BBQ outings will be planned in coming months. Watch the newsletter for announcements. [Photos][Fisheating Creek][Concession]
Government spends up to $350 per pound of phosphorus removed and per acre-ft of water stored. The time has come to start privatizing the lucrative nutrient removal and water storage industries to rural workers & keep taxable lands. [Caloosa Belle]
Attention has been focused on the Caloosahatchee after its naming to the 2006 Ten Most Endangered Rivers list. Learn more and watch a special student video documenting the problems. [Endangered Web Page][Endangered Video]
Riverwatch has cancelled its planned picnic at Fisheating Creek on July 4. Recent rains have flooded the reserved campsites. Rains have pushed the water up from 4.5 to 6.5 ft and from 350 to almost 1800 cfs. We will try again on July 25. 
FWC has added an additional and final public non-motorized boating community listening session to be held in the southwest region of the state in Punta Gorda.Join us Monday, July 27th, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Conference Center. 
The Florida Park Service has raised state park day-use entrance fees for vehicles with two to eight people an average of $1 to $3. Single-occupant vehicle fees has gone from $3 to $5 statewide. Annual passes, individual and family, went up a 50%. 
As summer vacation goes on, and temperatures go extremely hot, children are defeating the heat (and boredom) with the good company of River Caloosahatchee. 
On June 21, the 24-foot electric-hybrid family pleasure boat, Endeavor Green, left home port in Tampa bay several days earlier, and stopped at rivers Edge motel in LaBelle, and River Forest Yatching center in Ortona. 
Laura O'Brien Church passed away Saturday, June 27. Laura was a CRCA founder & its lead educational projects organizer in the group's early years. Laura was an inspired teacher who cared deeply about her students and the environment. 
The 11th Court of Appeals ruled that the SFWMD wouldnt need special permits to backpump polluted waters into Lake O. Although that is bad, it will be good if more attention were paid to farmland and suburban runoff coming from north of the Lake. 
On July 25, Save Our Creeeks will start their meeting at 12:00pm at the Fisheating Creek Campground screen room. Charles Sobczak will the guest speaker. Also, the Settlement Agreement Advisory Board will meet from 10am-12pm. 
3 of the 9-people SFWMD board are leaving their seats. Potential new candidates include Mary Ann Martin, owner of an important Marina; Roger Hatton, from a venerable ranching family; Richard Pettigrew, former House Speaker; Tom Bausch and Nat Roberts 
The June 2009 CRCA newsletter is available online. The archives provides an index to many of the newsletters dating back to 1995. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email. 
The American Clean and Security Act passed the House floor with a 219-212 vote. Now it heads to the Senate. Please show your support for this important piece of legislation, contact your Senators and let them know that we need this bill into law! 
On July 24, Colonel Alfred A. Pantano, Jr. will assume command of the Jacksonville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His prior service includes Executive Officer of the 1st Armored Engineer Brigade in Baghdad. 
The Environmental Working Group's National Tap Water Database compiles EPA data about water utilities through 2003. The AWG data is useful for historical, but not current issues. DEP also posts utility data to the web. 
On June 29, SFWMD Governing Board Members & senior staff members, including Deputy Exec. Director Ken Ammon, will be discussing LOSA Water Availability, Rule/Consumptive Use Permit Renewals, Caloosahatchee Basin, Reservation Rule Status, and more. 
More than 100 conservation leaders from all over the country were in New Orleans to launch the Restore America s Great Waters campaign. Their purpose is to get congressional authorization for individual projects and funding. 
The U.S. Senate Environment & Public Works Committee passed an amended version of the Clean Water Restoration Act. They also passed the Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2009 and the Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know-Act. 
Triclosan - a bacteria killing agent used in personal care products - is accumulating in rivers, estuaries, harbors and a lagoon from South Carolina and Florida. 31-23% of aquatic animals are contaminated with it. 
The 5th EPA webcast in the green infrastructure series, that include Funding and Incentives, and Brownfiedls Redevelopment will be about how to deal with stormwater without it coming into contact with contaminated or compacted soils. 
Divers have been collecting algae 14.8 miles southwest of Redfish Pass as part of a study to answer questions about massive algal blooms that pile up on the beaches of Lee County. The study is also looking at sea urchins in the control of algae. 
Congress will soo vote on groundbreaking legislation that would decrease greenhouse gas pollution and protect communities and natural resources from climate change. Global warming has the potential to deveastate our shorelines & estuaries. 
The East County Water Control District revenues are lower than in previous years. The District protects water reserves through drainage, conservation, mitigation, and other methods in Lehigh Acres and the western portion of Hendry County. 
The SFWMD, Army Corps of Engineers, and representatives of the landowner agreed on the restoration of the lake and swamp. A total of 19.08 acres will be placed in a permanent conservation easement and made available for passive recreational use. 
Even though the most expensive land conservation plan of Floridas history will be taking place during 2010 fiscal year (1.4 billion budget), SFWMD expects property prices not to drop more than 12%, therefore it won't need to raise its taxes. 
While most attention focuses on nutrient pollution, pharmaceuticals also pollute our waters. These chemicals can interfere with biology via the endocrine systems of fish and humans alike. More control on pharmaceutical disposal is crucial. 
The Environmental Voice of Southwest Florida has launched www.Eco-Voice.org. It is a great tool to stay informed on local, regional, and national environmental issues and events. The site complements the successful email list. 
Join CRCA-Riverwatch this 4th of July to celebrate Independence Day and our beautiful rivers! Picnic is at Fisheating Creek (7555 US Highway 27 North,FL 33944) at 11:00am for all CRCA members & their guests. 
Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation sent a letter to Governor Crist urging the veto of SB 2080. If you would like to contact the Governor, his e-mail is Charlie.Crist@myflorida.com; tel:850-488-7146; fax; 850-487-0801. 
Lee County Commissioners are contemplating connecting Waterway Estates to the N Ft Myers Utilities or Cape Coral system to stop wastewater discharges into the Caloosahatchee River. The solution won't be cheap. 
Governor Crist seems to be dumping his green credentials in favor or catering to potential big donors for his upcoming Senate campaign. He approved legislation that will promote sprawl development throughout the state. 
The 2007 destruction of Willow Lake was the biggest environmental atrocity of Pine Island history. Unfortunately, restoration enforcement by Lee County and SFWMD officials has not been very effective...or taken seriously. 
Road traffic and water supply were the two primary hurdles developers faced in proposing new subdivisions. With Crist removing the road criteria only water supply can limit unchecked sprawl. 
Despite a pledge to toughen anti-pollution enforcement, the DEP under Governor Crist has not properly enforced regulations or collected fines, according to Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER).
The Supreme Court nominee knowledge and service as a federal trial and appellate court judge, provide invaluable perspectives for deciding environmental protection and related issues, as reflected in her 80-page Riverkeeper v. EPA opinion. 
Steve Rawl who learned to crew on the Caloosahatchee at Alva recently traveled with the Yale University Crew team for a regatta preceding the Dragon Boat Racing Festival in Chengdu, China. 
Switching Lehigh Acres residents from septic tanks to central sewers may be good for water quality in the Caloosahatchee watershed, but it's hard on the wallets of Lehigh residents. 
With the onset of this year's rainy season obervers watch to see if we will revisit what is becoming another annual tradition - algae bloom season. Algae thrive when the weather warms & rains wash nutrients into the river. 
Rick Tulley & Cindy Bear have announced that the Lee County K-12 Environmmental Ed program has lost its funding. The program is well known for accomplishments such as the Monday Group, its classroom programs, & field trips. 
A first draft of the report has been released on the removal of the Ceitus Boat Lift on the Cape Coral Spreader Canal system. Janicki Environmental produced the study. The report will be discussed at the next NSEMA Stakeholders meeting. 
The Caloosahatchee River Citizens Assoc. elected its 2009-2010 board of directors at its May 2 annual meeting. Officers will be elected at the first board meeting on June 3 in Ft. Myers. Mary Ruth Prouty has served as co-president with Marti Daltry. 
Despite the drought now broken, Corps of Engineers and SFWMD managers continued the Lake Okeechobee water flows to the Caloosahatchee Estuary. In past years the estuary was denied these essential salinity-balancing waters. The new policy is welcome. 
Senators Nelson and Martinez have not yet signed on as co-sponsors to the Clean Water Restoration Act. We need their support on this very important federal legislation that affects Florida. The Riverwatch board has officially endorsed the CWRA. 
The Rivers Coalition (St. Lucie River) sent a presentation by Dr. Paul Gray to Governor Crist. The presentation highlights the challenge of reducing nutrients flowing into Lake Okeechobee and other state waters. 
The NSEMA Stakeholders will meet to discuss the Ceitus Boat Lift (Cape Coral Spreader Canal) issue on May 26 at 8:30 AM in the SFWMD office at 2301 McGregor Blvd in Ft. Myers. 
New Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) legislation introduced in the US Senate last week by Sen. Nelson & others would support HABs research, forecasting and monitoring. It will also help people detect, control and mitigate coastal HABs and hypoxia events. 
Dry conditions have led to low ground water levels and an overly saline Caloosahatchee River. User groups want the water "just right" having the right mix of fresh and salt water, writes Lee County Commissioner Tammy Hall. 
On Apr 21 the Hendry County Rural Lands Com. discussed how to retain & redistribute development density contained in lands purchased by the state & federal government. On May 5 they discussed water ranching & other topics. 
CH2MHill completed a study of nitogen removal methods for the Ortona Boma Grove to treat Caloosahatchee waters. They recommend a diversified set of wetland & agricutural treatment systems. 
PBS recently broadcast a Frontline documentary titled Poisoned Waters. The
show investigates how pollution is killing fish, mutating frogs, and
threatening human health.
Lisa Jackson, head of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency told all EPA
staff to adopt new guiding principles for the EPA - transparency and
openness. The memo outlines how staff should implement the many aspects of EPA
duties. 
On Apr 24 the Florida Legislature acted to dilute the growth management laws in a effort to help developers tired of the recession. The action was part of a general initiative in the Legislature to gut growth regulations. 
Water Management Districts (SWFWMD & SFWMD) are considering reservoirs as a cure for all that ails us. Skeptics say that it won't solve anything, and all our water storage problems stem from society's destruction of Florida's wetlands. 
Sid Kitson plans a solar-powered city at Babcock Ranch. Babcock was where Kitson sold the state lands that should have been excluded from development anyway. The state thus subsidized sprawl. Is this solar pitch sincere or another sprawl scam. 
Port LaBelle Marina, Inc. announced on Mar 31 that their Glades County application for land use change has been approved by the state Department of Community Affairs. New housing and commercial projects are planned. 
While some say the scaled-back US Sugar land purchase looks more like a corporate bailout than an Everglades restoration, others point out that the targeted lands are consistent with a version of the "Rocking Chair" flowway west of Miami Canal.
In a 20 to 1 vote, the Cape Coral Spreader Canal stakeholders group adopted the recommendations of Phil Buchanan and will apply for permits to replace the Ceitus Boat Lift. However a final decision on construction is months away. 
An application to NOAA for federal stimulus funds may help oxbow restoration. Since the project began in 1996, only one oxbow (#24) has been restored with public funds. Other oxbows are ranked by priority. 
On Mar 12 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Quality of Investment Act of 2009, to help close the $3.2 billion to $11.1 billion annual gap between wastewater infrastructure needs. It also protects public health. 
The U.S.Army Corps of Engineers and the SFWMD are cooperating on the Southwest Florida Feasibility Study/ Watershed Plan. SWFFS's goal is to produce a regional restoration plan for watersheds in SW Florida. A second scoping letter invites comments. 
The Supreme Court of Florida has declined to take up CRCA appeal, ruling that Riverwatch lacked "standing." This may end The Vue case, a 27-story residential tower planned to be built on Centennial Park land, illegally transferred to the developer. 
Rock Enterprises Inc. co-sponsored the Riverwatch cruises at the Swamp Cabbage Festival. Rock Abujacude and David Rolls participated in the cruises & CRCA would like to thank them both for their support. Their engineering company is based in LaBelle. 
Gulf Citrus Growers Association was a co-sponsors of the 2009 Swamp Cabbage Festival Cruises. CRCA would like to thank GCGA, the trade association representing the citrus growers of SW Florida. 
The Swamp Cabbage Cruise would not have been possible without co-sponsorship of Sierra Club Calusa Group. Their aim is to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources. CRCA would like to thank them. 
A recent release by Pittman and Matthew Waite called Paving Paradise, is an expose of state and national wetland protection laws. Chapter 9 explains how no net loss works and its failure, or how to protect the nation's wetlands by illusions. 
Watershed Council was a sponsor of the Swamp Cabbage Festival cruises. CRCA would like to thank them for their donation. The mission of the council is to preserve the land and water resources of the Caloosahatchee and SW FL. 
Collier County Audubon Society, represented by Pete Quasius, co-sponsored the Riverwatch cruise at Swamp Cabbage Festival. CRCA thanks Audubon them for their support. Audubon is dedicated to preserving the quality of life in Collier County. 
CRCA would like to thank Maria Quasius of Audubon Society of SW FL for their co-sponsorship of the Riverwatch Swamp Cabbage Cruise. The association is heavily involved in the conservation of the rural lands and habitat. 
Dr. Greg Tolley, Coastal Watershed Institute, and Dr. Rebecca Totaro, Dept. of English, both from Florida Gulf Coast University, participated in the cruise. Riverwatch would like to thank the University for their event co-sponsorship. 
Wilson Miller helped Riverwatch make the Swamp Cabbage Festival cruise possible, thanks to their donation. David Wilkison and his wife participated in the cruise discussion. Wilson Miller specializes in planning, designing and engineering. 
CRCA would like to thank Bob Howard from Agnoli Barber and Brundage for their cruise co-sponsorship and for inviting SFWMD officials. AB&B specializes in surveying, engineering and planning. 
Bob Mulhere and Patrick Vanasse participated in the Swamp Cabbage cruise. Both are from RWA, which provides solutions for land planning, civil engineering or surveying. The Cruise wouldn't have been possible without their support. 
Thank you to the PURRE Water Coalition, which works daily to defend South Florida's Waterways. CRCA appreciates their donation to help make the Swamp Cabbage Festival cruise possible again this year. 
Rae Ann Wessel from presentation during Saturday cruise in which she has explained the U.S. Sugar land project. SCCF which main goal is to preserve wildlife and habitats around Sanibel helped Riverwatch building the cruise event. 
State Senator Dave Aronberg addressed the Riverwatch Swamp Cabbage cruise group on Sat, Feb 21. The Senator still wants to endorse the U.S. Sugar lands purchase but he has some concerns about protecting the workeres and economy of the region. 
Riverwatch will receive a $250 micro-grant from the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program to help support educational programs on the Caloosahatchee River. The grant will be used for expenses, including Swamp Cabbage cruise printed materials. 
Riverwatch signed an Everglades Foundation letter to Gov. Charlie Crist calling for economic assistance to rural communities affected by the planned U.S. Sugar lands purchase. 
Caloosahatchee Cookbook invites you to share your favorite recipes, including picnic & boating favorites. Include your culinary secrets in the fundraiser cookbook. The sooner you submit, the better your chances of being included. 
The 24th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference held Jan 9-11 in Miami included a presentation by John Capece on the science and social issues of biofuels production on sugarcane lands to be purchased from U.S. Sugar Corporation by SFWMD. 
Mary Ann Parsons of Cape Water Action, Mary Ruth Prouty, CRCA-Riverwatch and Marti Daltry, Sierra Club wrote a letter to City of Cape Coral Mayor and Council Members srongly urging them to vote “yes” in adopting a strong fertilizer ordinance. 
Now that the U.S. Sugar vote is behind him, will Governor Crist finally name a Lake O region representative to the SFWMD Governing Board? Candidates are: Mary Ann Martin, Joe Collins, Edward Elkowitz, Robert Hatton, & Joe Spratt. 
Senator Bob Graham has mobilized his Center for Public Service at UF to draft the National Water Restoration Act, which seeks to separate out water quality restoration projects from general WRDA projects. 
Information related to the Ceitus boat lift removal in Cape Coral has been posted for public access and review. The documents include consent orders and amendments, water quality studies, reports and surveys, and others. 
