The die-off of sponges and tunicates in Matlache Pass at the mouth of the North Spreader Canal may or may not be result of changes in salinity brought about by removal of the Ceitus Boat Lift. [Dr. Tom Fraser ]

Cape Coral's removal of the Ceitus Boat Lift has caused a sand bar to form, blocking boat traffic. Riverwatch opposed removal of the lift. Putting it back would alleviate the sedimentation and solve this and other problems.
[News Press]

If you've decided its time to get rid of a boat, car or other large item then consider a donation to Riverwatch. CRCA now has a program that makes it easy. We handle pickup and you get a maximum value tax deduction.
[Contact Us To Donate]

Featured speakers on the Riverwatch Leadership Cruise at 1pm on Feb 27 will include SFWMD Executive Director Carol Wehle. Others, including SFWMD Governing Members Charles Daurey and Kevin Powers will also attend.

Curious about the Caloosahatchee, its history, oxbows and wildlife? Get your tickets early & come take a ride on the Swamp Cabbage Festival guided cruise on Sat, Feb 27 at 2:30pm at the new LaBelle Docks behind Barron Park Pavillion. Tickets are $20.

On Feb 27, from 1:00pm to 2:30pm, Congressman Tom Rooney will be Riverwatch special guest for its leadership cruise at the Swamp Cabbage Festival. He will chat and answer questions one-on-one. Riverwatch thanks him for his participation.

The Riverwatch board and members will meet at 6:30 pm on Wed, Feb 3 at the Bridge Street Coffee Shop in LaBelle. The West Hendry Comp Plan will be discussed as will the proposed EPA numeric nutrient limits. Cruise & raffle tickets will be available.

Want to win a canoe? Come to the Riverwatch exhibit at the Swamp Cabbage Festival on Saturday or Sunday (Feb 27-28) and sign up to win a Mad River Adventure 14 Canoe. $2 for one chance ticket. 3 for $5. [email for tickets] [Canoe Poster]

Second place in the canoe contest is a guided kayak tour for 4 people on Estero Bay valued at $140, courtesy of Estero River Outfitters. The Outfitters also provided a $230 discount on the price of the first place prize canoe from $780 to $550. [Web Site]

Once again the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc. has made a generous donation to Riverwatch covering costs to buy a Mad River Adventure 14 Canoe from Estero River Outfitters. Special thanks to Tribe member Joe Frank for arranging the donation.

Judge Lynn J. Bush of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington ruled pollution in the St. Lucie Estuary caused by the discharges do not amount to a “taking” of riparian rights from the 22 landowners on whose behalf the coalition filed the lawsuit.
[TC Palm] [Edittorial]

Are you supporting the Riverwatch Swamp Cabbage Festival activities? If so, your donations can now be accepted online using PayPal secure transaction with credit card or PayPal account. Thank you...and see you at Swamp Cabbage! [Make your donation online]

Gov. Charlie Crist used the opening of new visitor facilities at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Preserve on Jan 23 to announce his push for new environmental funding in next year's state budget.
[News Press]

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers started freshwater pulse releases on Jan 27 from Lake Okeechobee to the Caloosahatchee Estuary. During the dry season, water managers release fresh water to maintain the balance between salt and fresh water. [News Press]

The Environmental Protection Agency in mid-Januray proposed new standards for "nutrient" pollution in Florida's waterways. The EPA is now asking "those who are knowledgeable of Florida waters" to review the proposal. Some are for, some are against. [The Suwannee Democrat]

The 1st SustainabLEE Community Partnership Meeting will be held Feb. 16 in Ft. Myers. The intent is to serve as a catalyst to transition to sustainable policies on the belief that the health of our environment, economy, and community go hand in hand. [Details] [Agenda]

Lee County Natural Resources will present the latest draft report to the Board of County Commissioners on Feb 1 at the Commission Chambers in Ft Myers. Natural Resources Director Mr. Ottolini will give a PPT recommending acceptance of the NEBs. [PPT] [Ottolini] [Buchanan]

The January 2010 CRCA newsletter is available online. It gives information on the Swamp Cabbage Festival on Feb. 27, CRCA raffle and public cruise. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email. [Newsletter]

EPA holds two public hearings on Feb 18 in West Palm at 1pm and 7pm at the Holiday Inn Palm Beach Airport (1301 Belvedere Road) to discuss its proposed numerical nutrient limits. It promises to be crowded so register in advance if you can. [Announcement] [web site]

The depate rages (or should we say the rage debates) over the proposed EPA numeric nutrient limits. Opponents of EPA will probably: (1) fight rules with political money, (2) claim a constitutional right to pollute, (3) challenge the science.
[Daytona Editorial] [Readers Debate]

Alan Fargo waxes eloquent on land use abuses and how both the Miami and Naples sides of the state look like every other place in Florida nurtured by the crack cocaine of the building boom. [Counterpunch]

EPA Construction Stormwater Rule takes effect on Feb 1. The rule for the first time imposes, among others, an enforceable numeric limit on stormwater discharges from large construction sites. [Marten Law Group]

Dr. Joe Thomas, adjunct professor of history at Edison State College, will provide his perspectives on the Hendry County region for guests on the Riverwatch Cruise at the Swamp Cabbage Festival on Feb 27 from 2:30 to 4 pm. Cruise tickets are $20.

In response to public comments on the proposed revisions to the surface water classification system, the Department of Environmental Protection has decided to extend the public comment period on the proposed revisions to Feb 4. [DEP]

The 7th annual RRR goes into the record books with the largest number of registered runners despite the cold! 308 took part at the relay and and another 120 for the Fun Run. Runners came from 22 states, Canada and Bavaria. [Details] [Photos]

Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park published is February Programm. Guided nature walks and a kayak trip are still open to registration. Contact Kelly Williamson for subscritions and more information. [Details]

The Rivers Coalition representing concerned citizens in the St. Lucie River region published their January newsletter. The Coalition is calling for strong new laws against damaging nutrient pollution. [Newsletter]

Under a $5 million demonstration project led by the World Wildlife Fund, eight landowners are using their land to store and clean water that flows into Lake Okeechobee from the north. The idea is to trap water before it gets down to lake O. [Palm Beach Post]

Starving manatess head south. A mass migration is underway on the Orange and Caloosahatchee Rivers in Lee County, prompting boaters and kayakers to take to the waters to see the hundreds of manatees heading downriver to feeding grounds. [Naples News]

The Rural Lands Committee completed their Rural & Agricultural Land Study on Jan 1. They established a policy framework as a recommendation for the committee. One of the main goal is to uphold the County’s unique rural character and quality of life. [Report]

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has released a Q&A Fact Sheet discussing the recently-released EPA proposal for numeric nutrient standards. Nutrients are one of the top causes of degradation in U.S. waters. [Fact Sheet]

Featured speakers on the CRCA educational river cruise at 2:30pm on Saturday, Feb 27 will be historian Joe Thomas, master naturalist Margaret England, and SCCF public policy director Rae Ann Wessell. Cruise tickets are $20. Call 863-674-0695.

To protect three of Florida’s valuable fisheries, FWC has acted quickly with a direct, to-the-point executive order prohibiting the taking and/or harvesting of snook, bonefish, and tarpon. Under the order, these species are protected as of Jan 16. [Snook Foundation]

Cold fronts have brought a high number of manatees to the Orange River and other portions of Lee and Collier counties. Patrols'll be using radar guns to make sure everyone is obeying the law. Violators will get at least a $50 ticket. [ABC7]

EPA released their proposed numeric nutrient standards for Florida’s freshwaters and signed the proposed rule addressing lakes and flowing waters on Jan 14 per the terms of a consent decree. Public hearings will be held to provide comments. [EPA] [EPA]

Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program is looking for boaters & kayakers in Charlotte & Lee Counties to help map the plants & structures along the estuary shores in order to restore & protect the natural beauty, habitats & organisms. [Details]

EPA released proposed numeric nutrient water quality criteria for lakes & flowing waters, including canals. For the Caloosahatchee, EPA's limits of 1.205 mg/L total nitrogen and 0.107 mg/L total phosphorus are 30% and 8% less than DEP limits. [EPA Report] [Numerical Limits] [Lakes] [Canals] [Comnpare Limits] [EPA Web Site]

Since Jan 11, complaints have flooded SWFWMD offices about wells gone dry after nights of heavy pumping around strawberry fields caused water levels to plunge. Farmers have 72 hours to get water to the affected residents. [Tampa Bay Online]

Riverwatch organized a session at the Everglades Coalition Conference (Jan 7-9, 2010) focusing on ideas to maintain agriculture in the EAA while also achieving Everglades restoration and estuary protection goals.
[Session Poster] [Concept Poster] [CRCA Poster] [Session Presentations]

A session at the Everglades Coalition Conference on Jan 9, 2010 explored ideas for new farming systems that incorporate Ecosystem Services income to farms as part of an overall sustainable Everglades region. [Intro] [Concept] [Energy] [Sugarcane] [Soils] [EcoServices]

The Army Corps of Engineers on Jan 12 began an 11-day round of lake releases, scheduled to drain an average of 650 cfs to the Caloosahatchee River. This decision doesn't meet South Florida farms interests but helps the estuary. [Sun Sentinel]

A Water forum will be held on Jan 16 at St. Columbkille Parish in Fort Myers. The goal is to raise awareness of water issues localy and globaly. After an opening mass given by Bishop Dewane, water issues will be presented by various professionals. [Flyer]

According to Rick Roberts, executive director of the Snook Foundation, the freeze of January is going to go down in history; reports are coming in from all areas of the state of thousands of fish of all varieties dead or dying. [CNN iReport] [News Press]

The importance of South Florida's estuaries was highlighted at the 25th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference on Jan 9. Estuaries are very important for the ecosystem and need to be figured into every phase of Everglades restoration. [News Press]

On Jan 16, Fort Myers will celebrate the Anniversary of downtown Fort Myers River District. An exibition will show the evolution of the city and the plans for the future. The development of the riverfront is a must. [News Press]

Panthers now number only about 100 in Florida, Darrell Land said at the 45th annual gathering of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association in Punta Gorda last fall. But fundraising efforts are under way to build panther numbers to at least 200. [Chattanooga Times Free Press]

At it's 25th Annual Conference, the Everglades Coalition released its 2020 vision for Everglades restoration. Among the goals are continued land purchases for the restoration, sufficient fresh water for the Everglades and South Florida estuaries. [News Press] [2020 Vision] [Press Release]

Up-and-down water levels has all but wiped out the Lake Okeechobee's apple snail population - the primary source of food for the snail kite whose population dropped from about 3000 birds to 700 during the past 15 years. [Sun Sentinel]

A former ranchland is being converted into a 2000-acre wetland that will clean stormwater runoff bound for Lake Okeechobee. A new S-650 pump station in Martin County will supply the STA, largest north of the Lake. [Ripple Effect]

Randy Brown is chairman of the Southeast Florida Utility Council that is asking the FL Legislature to reverse the SFWMD year-round lawn watering rules. Utility income depends on people wasting water, so utilities oppose SFWMD conservation rules.
[TC Palm] [SE FL Utility Council]

Rebuilding of the Ceitus Boat Lift will not be of significant environmental benefit; however, it is better than a sham agreement so watered down as to be of even less environmental value than the Barrier. So says activist attorney Phil Buchanan. [Final Document Assessment] [Dec 09 Report]

The world's largest empty pool, a massive 26 mi2 reservoir to reduce Lake Okeechobee excess estuary flows, sits high and dry in the Everglades, after taxpayers invested $280 million building it. SFWMD blames lawsuits but there are other reasons. [Orlando Sentinel]

The formation of a new Florida Trails Association (FTA)sub-chapter is in its early stages and you are invited to join them. An orientation meeting is being held Feb 6 in Moore Haven. The advantages of joining FTA will be introduced. [FTA]

The December 2009 CRCA newsletter is available online. It highlights the recognition of Keith Kibbey for creating the River Ride in 1996. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email. [PDF Newsletter] [Newsletter Archive]

Last week, PURRE Chairman Michael Valiquette addressed the Lee County Legislative Delegation at Edison State College. His message was one of both gratitude to local legislators for progress that’s been made and a request for help. [PURRE Water Coalition]

East coast cities are looking to keep water in Lake O for east coast drinking water and crop irrigation. West coast interests want enough freshwater from the lake to keep sea grasses and coastal estuaries healthy. A balance has to be found. [Naples News] [News Press ]

The death of a Florida panther on Dec 17 on Interstate 75 — the 14th panther roadkill in 2009 — is prompting concern from state wildlife officials. Drivers should be on the lookout for the endangered cats, especially at sundown. [Naples News]

DEP is allowing City of Marco Island residents to convert old septic tanks into water supply cisterns. The tanks are first cleaned, sterilized then sealed. Other design modifications allow the tanks to augment home water supplies. [Cistern Design] [Policy] [Lamplight Letter] [Info] [Valve] [Max Valve]

The NSEMA Stakeholder Group outome report (Finding and Conclusions) is now available for review. It's the result of a year-long process of meetings and discussion over the Ceitus Boat Lift issue. A final decision may still be months away. [NSEMA] [Report]

2009 has been the worst year on record for FL manatees with 419 deaths. Lee Co leads the way in deaths of the endangered mammals with a total of 56 - 18 from boats & 38 from other causes. A very high number of young manatee died in 2009 - 114. [News Press]

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has received many useful comments and suggestions regarding revisions to the surface water classification system. A public workshop is planned on Jan 7 in Tampa Bay for the rule revisions. [Details]

A red tide bloom that is strong enough to cause fish kills and cause coughing among beachgoers has been detected off the coast of Sarasota County, near Nokomis beach. Boaters, beachgoers and lifeguards have yet to spot any fish kills. [Herald Tribune]

The Caloosahatchee Estuary needs fresh water to survive. On Dec 9 the Governing Board of the SFWMD summarily dismissed the opportunity to make critical releases to the Caloosahatchee. Lee County Commisioner Tammy Hall voiced concerns for the river. [Tammy Hall] [News Press Editorial]

The Clean Water Network unveils the launch of the Clean Water Network's new and improved website. CWN now has a much more user-friendly and attractive site, an improved members-only section where information can be found on workgroups and much more. [Stormwater] [Web Site]

The Clean Water Network of Florida and the Conservancy of SW Florida, along with other organizations, is writing to request that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection consider alternatives to the proposed designated use changes. [FDEP Letter] [SCCF Letter]

Rivers Coalition presented its case against discharge pollution in a hearing in Washington, on Dec 16. Although no decision was made, pivotal arguments were narrowed down in the Rivers Coalition Defense Fund’s riparian rights. [TCPalm]

The SFWMD seeks scientific references on the ecology, water quality and public uses of canals in South Florida. This request is part of an on-going effort to gather the best available science to aid in the development of numeric nutrient criteria. [Eco Voice]

President Obama’s Ocean Policy Task Force released its Interim Framework for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning on Dec 14 for a 60-day public review and comment period. It offers an integrated approach to managing uses and activities. [Details]

An almost day-and-night biological change met passengers on Dec 11 as the pontoon boat entered the restored section of the Kissimmee River from the C-38 canal. So far, the largest river restoration project in history is working. [News Press 12.11] [News Press 20.11]

A drier than usual start to the November-to-May dry season prompted renewed regional squabbling over how to divvy up water stored in Lake Okeechobee — South Florida's primary backup water supply. [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

The governing board of the South Florida Water Management District gave the final nod on Dec 10 for the construction of a pump station at the future Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area, that will help clean up Lake Okeechobee. [TCPalm]

On May 21 to 24, Snowbird, Utah will play host to the 11th National River Rally. It's a national training on water issues that will bring together federal and state resources, grassroots needs and community ingenuity. [River Network] [Website]

John Cassani is the recipient of 2010 Everglades Coalition Kabler Award to be presented on Jan 9. He receives this prestigeous award in recognition of his vision and commitment to retoration efforts in the Caloosahatchee and Big Cypress watersheds. [Kabler Award ] [Details]

The Snook Foundation considers stopping fertilizer application from June 1 through September 30 to be the backbone of meaningful, effective fertilizer management. It supports a strong fertilizer ordinance for Cape Coral. [Snook Foundation]

On Dec 8, an alliance representing more than 30 organizations came together with lawmakers from across the nation to launch America’s Great Waters Coalition, representing 9 of the largest water ecosystems in 27 of the lower 48 states. [National Wildlife Federation] [Waters Coalition]

A new exotic species could be crawling its way across Southwest Florida. It’s the Chinese mystery snail — and the biggest mystery about them is what their spread could mean for native ecosystems. So far there have been no reports of the snail in Collier County’s estuaries. [Naples News]

An $81 million project to restore fresh water flows to the Everglades beneath Tamiami Trail began on Dec 4. The one-mile long elevated roadway will be the largest construction project in the history of the National Park Service.
[News Press] [The Miami Herald]

On Dec 6, CRCA members and friends enjoyed a holiday season party. Keith Kibbey was awarded a certificate of appreciation for creating the River Ride in 1996 and his continued organizing of this successful annual event. [Photo Gallery]

The December Florida Panther Update is now available on-line. See photos of and read about the first two panthers captured this season in BCNP's Addition Lands. [Newsletter]

A new website devoted to the “matters of Everglades” has been launched. It is intended as an information source, particularly focusing on technical and scientific aspects of Florida Everglades where knowledge has markedly developed since 2000. [Website]

The state is negotiating tougher Everglades pollution standards with federal agencies, but insists it is making progress on cleanup. At the same time, they're urging a federal judge overseeing the progress not to declare them in violation. [The Miami Herald]

Nov 20, the Lee County Conservation 20/20 Program acquired 428 acres in the Density Reduction/Groundwater Resource Area (DR/GR). Keeping this land as open space protects a groundwater recharge area and preserves a wetland system that purifies waters. [Eco Voice]

The United States Army Corps of Engineers published the pulse release schedule for the Lake Okeechobee release for the Caloosahatchee estuary. It starts on November 25. [Pulse Release Schedule]

NOAA research found that a type of bacteria provides a necessary element for the algae that cause red tide to blast into a frenzy of reproduction. In the distant future, the discovery may point to a way to stop a bloom or diminish its effects.
[The Tampa Tribune]

DEP is attempting to skirt federal law by creating new water designated uses without developing associated water quality standards. The Clean Water Act states EPA cannot approve new designated uses without these pollution limits. [Clean Water Network] [Naples News]

The Rivers Coalition and the Army Corps of Engineers are gearing up for a hearing Dec 4 in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., to determine the course of billions of gallons of water in South Florida. [TCPalm]

The November 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. [PDF Newsletter] [Archive]

Speaker-designate Dean Cannon says that the state must recognize and plan for future water demand, but that's something that the state has shown no desire to do and it's something unlikely to begin now.
[The Florida Times-Union]

Efforts along the Kissimme river and in Southwest Flordia, where 55,000 acres of former wetlands known as the Picayune Strand are being restored, allowed an immediate rebound of wildlife. To build on these successes, the next steps must be taken. [Opinion Jacksonville]

Florida manatees are on the move, seeking warm-water sites to spend the winter. That means boaters must be cautious. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) changes seasonal speed zone signs in mid-November on many waterways.
[Wink News] [WZVN-HD]

The climate bill won’t come to the full Senate until after health care and financial reform legislation, said Sen. John Kerry, who is trying to negotiate a bipartisan compromise on the cap and trade proposals. [Politico]

On Nov 16 a federal judge in Tallahassee approved a historic consent decree which requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set legal limits for the widespread nutrient pollution that triggers harmful algae blooms in Florida waters. [Common Dream]

Nov 9, the Federal government announced the outlines of a new effort to help restore the seafood and wildlife in the nation's largest estuary: the Chesapeake Bay. It targets the root causes of the trouble: runoff, especially from farm. [NPR]

Research results released recently by the University of Maryland and SCCF was published in the Gulf Of Mexico Alliance (GOMA) newsletter (p.6). Lyngbya is a "hairy looking" Harmful Algae Bloom that remains toxic even after it dies. [GOMA Newsletter]

Nov 12, opponents of federal water quality standards for nutrients in Florida waterways raised their level of opposition. They don't want to pay more taxes. Earthjustice responds to their attack on clean water for florida citizens. [Florida Environment] [Earthjustice]

Stakeholders met in early Nov to address the concerns of some industry representatives regarding SB 494, the landscape fertilizer bill signed by Governor Crist in June. Attendees voiced the needs for more stringent fertilizer management stantards. [Sierra Club] [Naples News]

Nov 13, the South Florida Water Management district voted unanimously to enact three-day-per-week watering restrictions the year-round standard. They gave up the initialy planned twice-a-week watering, convinced by oponents of this proposition. [Sun Sentinel] [Naples News]

ECWCD is wisely planning for Lehigh Acres water management needs to protect residents and the Caloosahatchee. But some residents are reluctant to pay the cost. The East County Water Control District (ECWCD) respond to the critics. [Lehigh Acres Citizen ]

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) conducted an alternatives public workshop for the new S.R. 29 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study Nov 5, 2009 at the LaBelle Civic Center. The State solicits your comments until Nov 16.
[Southwest Florida Online] [Details]

An average of 42.16 inches of rain falls at Page Field during the wet season; this year’s wet season total was 33.42 inches, 8.74 inches below average. Nonetheless, Southwest Florida water supplies are in good shape. [News Press] [News Press]

The City of Cape Coral this year recycled all of its wastewater, Public Works Supervisor Chuck Pavlos said. The city has come close in the past, but this is the first year the city has reused all of its water. [News Press]

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District has released a Draft Decomp Physical Model Environmental Assessment (EA) & Design Test Documentation Report (DTDR). It is now available for public review and comment. [Eco Voice] [Report]

The Palm Beach County Commissioners allow themselves to be used by large landowners and rock-mining interests. They are not qualified to determine where to draw the line between commerce and the environment. That requires a regional perspective, and only the state can provide it. [Palm Beach Post]

With the help of Forest Michael, landscape architect, the Moore Haven Main Street organization is planning a new Riverfront district with restored historic buildings. The city recently rebuilt its riverfront docks in the downtown area. [Sketch] [Web Site]

John Ruf won the 44-boat, open fleet contest over 2008 Paralympic Gold Medalist Paul Tingley (CAN) and 2009 IFDS Disabled Sailing World Champion Thierry Schmitter (NED). The 2.4 mR World Championship was held on the Caloosahatchee in Ft. Myers.
[US Sailing Team] [Previous posting]

Edison State College, the UF Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences, and Intelligentsia International received a nearly $1-million grant to investig biofuels in Hendry County. It will bring much economic development to the rural area.
[Naples News] [Project Poster]

Many Cape Coral canals are completely carpeted by aquatic weeds - the result of excess nutrients in the water. Cape Coral continues to drag its feet on enacting a fertilizer ordinance - a measure they should have adopted years ago. [Photo Gallery]

Nov 21, the "Charlotte Harbor Nature Festival: Connecting with Nature" will be held at Charlotte Sports Park at 2300 El Jobean Rd.(S.R. 776), Port Charlotte. It is a day to explore, learn and enjoy the natural environment of southwest Florida. [Details]

At their meeting, Nov. 3, CRCA board approved the motion to reinstall the boatlift on Cape Coral Spreader Canal and to maintain it. The alternative proposed by Cape Coral and DEP does not guarantee water quality. [Oct. 7 Minute]

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $53 million contract to begin the next phase of the Picayune Strand restoration in eastern Collier County. A groundbreaking ceremony is set for early Jan. 7, according to the Corps of Engineers. [US Army Corps of Engineers] [Naples News]

Oct. 23, the Hendry County Rural Lands Committee Meeting meet to discuss the Rural Overlay Map. Patrick Vanasse, from RWA Inc., presented overview and options for Sending Lands and Receiving Lands. [Oct. 23 Minute] [Previous Minutes]

The PURRE Water Coalition is concentrating its attention on the local level. “It’s time to focus our efforts on our own backyard, the Caloosahatchee watershed and estuary, particularly in Lee County,” said PURRE Chairman Michael Valiquette. [PURRE Water Coalition]

Dead fish haven’t started piling up on Lee County beaches, but counts of the red tide organism have reached lethal levels, and water conditions are favorable for increasing concentrations. Oct 30, samples had 300,000 cells/liter at Sanibel boat ramp. [Details] [News Press]

Audubon celebrates federal District Judge Jose Martinez's decision to revoke the wetland destruction permit for the Mirasol development, two golf courses and 799 homes, located in the Cocohatchee Slough which emanates from Corkscrew Swamp. [Audubon] [Naples News] [News Press]

A team of scientists is calling for improvements to a plan to protect the endangered Florida panther in eastern Collier County. Scientists say habitat loss continues to threaten the survival of the panther south of the Caloosahatchee River. [Naples News]

Drainage officials are taking tentative steps to work with Lee County to create a greenway for walkers and joggers along the Able Canal in Lehigh Acres. It would follow the district's right of way and be paid for with county impact fees. [News Press]

The 7th Annual River, Roots & Ruts Trail Run is scheduled for Jan 3 at Caloosahatchee Regional Park in Alva. Registration for the half marathon and 2-person relay is now open online. The run is limited to 300 persons to assure a good time for all. [Registration] [Details]

The Cape Coral North Spreader Ecosystem Management Agreement Stakeholders Group & other participants met Oct 9 in Ft Myers. The meeting report is now available. Next meeting is Nov 16 at the SFWMD Conference Room from 8:30 to 5:00. [Report]

The Port of Palm Beach board decided Wednesday to wait until Dec. 17 to make a decision, calling for the competing sites to submit business plans to show why they should be chosen. Those plans are due by Dec. 10. An opportunity for Hendry County. [TCPalm] [PalmBeachPost]

With the enactment of Ch. 2009-157, L.O.F., (HB 7157) the 2009 Legislature provided a property tax exemption for lands perpetually dedicated for conservation purposes. The report looks at how the Legislature could encourage land conservation. [Report] [Eco Voice]

Offshore oil is a sticky subject. Opponents speak of change of Florida’s image from the nation’s playground to its utility room. Proponents promise jobs, tax revenue and more. A petition can be signed to protect Florida's beaches. [News Press] [Petition]

The Hendry County BOCC would like a meeting to be held in the City of Clewiston at the John Boy Auditorium in regards to the South Florida Inland Port or Intermodal Logistics Center. The goal is for the State and Region to create a win-win! [Karson Turner Letter]

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida submitted a detailed comment letter on the Rural and Agricultural Land Study to the Hendry County Committee, Oct 16. Recommendations focus on the TDR (Transfer of Development Rights) program components. [RALS Meeting Minute] [Letter]

Colonel Alfred A. Pantano, the new District Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, was introduced to the Caloosahatchee on Oct 8 on a field trip with SCCF Natural Resource Policy Director Rae Ann Wessel. [Details]

Eliot Caple of the Naples Sailing Center was among the winners during the U.S. Junior Olympic - the River Romp - on the Caloosahatchee River, Oct 18-17. The second largest youth regatta in Florida and one of 22 Junior Olympic sanctioned events! [Naplesnews]

In a recent survey of registered voters conducted on behalf of the Everglades Foundation, results show that support remains strong for the state’s plan to purchase 73,000 acres of land from US Sugar for Everglades restoration. 75 % support it. [Everglades Foundation]

Join SCCF for a riverboat adventure on the Oxbow and Riverlore Cruise, to experience the historic Caloosahatchee. This guided monthly cruise explores the meanders of the historic upriver Caloosahatchee. [Details] [Agenda]

Commissioners for the Port of Palm Beach could vote as early as Oct 21 for the Inland Port project near Lake Okeechobee. While backers see a chance to create rural jobs, many in the shipping community wonder if the plan can work.
[Sun-Sentinel] [Oct 2009 posting]

A zip line ride for Caloosahatchee Regional Park in Alva could attract more visitors and promote conservation. Oct 20, a Lee County park advisory board voted 5-2 to recommend to the state a zip line attraction be allowed. [News Press Oct 20] [News Press Oct 21] [News Press Oct 28]

Naples resident Judy Sproul has established the Juliet C. Sproul Chair for Southwest Florida Habitat Restoration and Management at Florida Gulf Coast University. Cutting-edge research will positively impact the environment in Southwest Florida. [Details]

Following two presentations, the 10 County Coalition is interested in advocating for new SFWMD projects - Lake Hicpochee & Lake Clewiston, and is considering a draft resolution for their next quarterly meeting on Dec 4. [Memo] [Details]

At long last, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is agreeing to set legal, enforceable limits on the nutrients that are poisoning Florida’s public waters. Now the state’s biggest polluters are trying to get out of complying. [TCPalm] [St Petersburg Times]

Sea levels rose as much as 2 feet higher than predicted this summer along the U.S. East Coast, surprising scientists who forecast such periodic fluctuations. The immediate cause of the rise has been solved, but the underlying reason remains a mystery [National Geographic] [Gulf stream effect]

The Florida Legislative Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation released an interim report regarding water resources, Oct 15. The report reviews the history of Chapter 373, Florida Statutes, and makes recommendations. [Report]

A new bridge in or East of LaBelle is being planned. Options include Birchwood Pkwy in Port LaBelle, the existing SR 29 route through downtown LaBelle, or on Forrey Drive between the two. A public forum is scheduled for Nov 5. [News Press] [Florida DOT Project Site] [Meeting Announcement]

The mayor, whose removal of the Ceitus Boat Lift caused an uproar and legal action, says Cape Coral & DEP can fix the problem without replacing the lift. These are the same groups that claimed the lift removal would improve water quality. [Daily Breeze] [Former Mayor] [Response] [2008 posting]

Oct 15, EPA administrator announces plan to retool and reinvigorate Clean Water Enforcement Program. It seeks to improve the protection of the nation’s water quality, raise the bar in federal and state performance and enhance public transparency. [EPA] [Web Site]

Nutrient levels in Lake Okeechobee are 4 times the state's legal limit, affecting the Caloosahatchee. Lee County has two cleanup projects, one in North Fort Myers and one in San Carlos Park. They cost hundreds of thousands of $ in grants and taxes.
[2 News Online]

After a series of tests revealed no problems, the Chiquita Lock opened for business on Oct 14. The lock, which allows thousands of boats to pass through from the Caloosahatchee River to Cape canals each year, broke at the start of October. [News Press]

Oct-Sep Everglades Report gives the latest news and information on the noteworthy initiatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with many partners, to restore central and south Florida's natural environment. [Report]

The White House Press has released its Ocean Policy. An Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force (Task Force) has been created to better meet the nation's stewardship responsibilities for the oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes. [Details]

Robert V. Sobczak, National Park Service hydrologist at Big Cypress Nat’l Preserve, produces the quarterly technical report. Information and ideas presented are intended to illuminate the unfolding saga of south Florida’s water cycle. [Report]

Drought, freezing weather and a fatal disease have savaged Florida's $9 bil. citrus industry, causing output to drop to its lowest level in three years, the government and industry analysts said Oct 9. The second lowest output over the last decade! [Reuters]

U.S. Senator George LeMieux, upon learning of a $34 mil. cut to Everglades funding in the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water funding bill, highlighted the cut impacts on the ongoing restoration of the Indian Lagoon and the Site 1 Impoundment projects. [Eco-Voice] [CERP Projects]

Lee County commissioners don't want drilling offshore within 25 miles of the county’s beaches. They unanimously voted to oppose any effort to allow exploratory drilling, specifically opposing a bill in the Florida Legislature that would allow it. [Naples News]

Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and the University of Florida need assistance with a statewide largemouth bass research study.The public can help this year-long project. [Details]

On behalf of Ken Heatherington, executive director of the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, the public is invited to attend the FREE Creating a Green Region workshop and expo, on Oct 17, in Punta Gorda. [Invitation] [Details]

Politically powerful Florida Crystals Corp. was dealt a blow Oct 9 by state environmental regulators, who said the inland port the sugar company wants built on its land south of Lake Okeechobee would interfere with Everglades restoration.
[Palm Beach Post] [Map]

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) published their “Annual Report on the Research and Management of Florida Panthers: 2008-2009”. You can learn about the status of Florida panther from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. [Details]

Recently, PURRE Public Policy Director Dan Wexler has noticed an abundance of dead crabs and fish on the beach. He asked Rob Loflin, the Director of Natural Resources for the City of Sanibel, about this.
[PURRE Water Coalition] [web site]

The Highlands County Board of Commissioners denied the request by Southern Farms to change the zoning from Agriculture to Agriculture/Training Center PD. The Eagle Training Center has been stopped for at least six months. [Highland 1] [Highlands 2] [Highlands 3] [Details]

The Clean Water Network of Florida and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida oppose the prospective creation of new designated uses for Florida waters by the Department of environmental protection (FDEP). [Letter to the Commissioners]

The September 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. [PDF Newsletter] [Newsletter Archive]

You are cordially invited to the Friends of Inshore Fishing Charity Banquet, and Tournament in Punta Gorda, October 23-25. At the event you'll be able to get a T-Shirt or print of your own with the work above, signed by the artist, Rick Powers. [Details] [Web Site]

Gov. Charlie Crist's mammoth land deal with the U.S. Sugar Corp., a $536 million bid to restore the Everglades, is headed to the state Supreme Court due to an appeal by the Miccosukee Tribe and Florida Crystals sugar company. [Palm Beach Post]

As SW FL heads toward tourist season, water managers are concerned the area has received below-average rainfall during the rainy season. Page Field received 25.7 inches of rain from May to Aug - 5 inches below normal. Lake O is also below last year. [New Press]

A state-appointed group of local government officials, experts and environmental activists are now drafting a binding agreement that aims to protect the city’s canals and surrounding estuaries after failure of the Ceitus Boat lift and spreader canal. [New Press]

On Sep 25 Forest Michael, Landscape Architect presented his concept for marsh and lakes restoration at a meeting of the 10-County Coalition, attended by commissioners of Glades, Hendry, Lee and other south Florida counties. [SW FL Blogspot]

The “adaptive protocols” to manage Lake O water levels are critical to the Caloosahatchee, which suffers from insufficient water during the dry season & too much water during the wet season, both conditions fail to sustain healthy seagrasses. [More Info...]

A petition has been filed with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity calling for the protection of 4,860 square miles of panther habitat – roughly 3 million acres, much in the Caloosahatchee watershed. [Press Release] [Habitat Map]

Water pollution in Lake O has reached new record levels and threatens to get worse, according to EPA data cited by Ann Hauck, president of the Council of Civic Assoc. & Jerry Phillips, director of PEER. [PEER Press Release] [Email Report] [xls] [2006 Release] [2009 Release]

Dan Wexler, water issues lobbyist for PURRE, reported on a Congressional hearing of House Science & Technology Subcommittee on Energy & Environment to draft new legislation titled The Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 2009. [Wexler/PURRE Report]

Land development speculation along with citrus canker and citrus greening outbreaks is transforming land use patterns in Hendry County. Citrus acres declined 4% from 2008 to 2009. Hendry County still ranks 1st in number of trees. [The Ledger]

The Florida DEP is sponsoring its first ever green tip contest as part of National Pollution Prevention Week 2009, Sep 21-27. Tell DEP how you help protect Florida's environment at home, at work or at school. [More Info...]

The USGS has documented the rivers where endocrine-active compounds are creating sexually-confused fish. A large percentage of male bass have acquired feminine characteristics. They suspect industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals are the culprit. [Daily Green] [FWC Bulletin]

World sugar prices, normally well below US prices, are now close to US prices, partly due to the diversion of corn syrup and sugarcane to ethanol production. Will this affect appraisals of EAA sugar lands for future purchase plans for the Everglades? [Palm Beach Post]

Two possible locations for a new bridge over the Caloosahatchee are being discussed as a replacement for the old Ft. Denaud swing bridge. One option is on the Hendry-Lee County line and the other farther east. Deadline for input is Sep 25. [Details]

The New York Times recently published a series titled Toxic Waters. The 3rd article in the series focuses on animals wastes contaminating drinking water supplies. The series shows how water quality issues are very similar throughout the USA. [Article 3] [Series Link] [Article 1] [Article 2]

Autumn tides, always the strongest of the year, are slightly higher than normal tides in the region’s waterways, causing water to stack up along marinas and seawalls. The tides are nearly a foot above normal and the culprit is the moon [TC Palm]

Today, the Florida Cabinet can affirm that growth at any cost is the wrong policy for this overbuilt state. At issue is a case that would have allowed a Marion County landowner to build 20 times the number of homes allowed on 400 acres NW Ocala. [Palm Beach Post]

Nobody has an accurate idea of how many alligators are in Florida, but they have more than recovered from being an endangered species, as they were in the 1950s after years of uncontrolled harvest. [TBO]

On a drizzly Saturday morning, about 50 volunteers fanned out through the trees along Billy’s Creek armed with heavy work gloves and large plastic trash bags to pick up garbage that has accumulated in and around the creek over the decades. [News Press]

Jennifer Hall-Massey knows not to drink the tap water in her home near Charleston, W.Va. Her youngest son has scabs on his arms, legs and chest where the bathwater — polluted with lead, nickel and other heavy metals — caused painful rashes. [New York Times]

For decades, many people have relied on the popular weed killer atrazine to protect their crops, golf courses and manicured lawns. But atrazine often washes into water supplies and has become among the most common contaminants. [New York Times]

Environmental concerns are growing for plans to expand rock mining almost 600 additional acres west of U.S. 27 in southwestern Palm Beach County, an agricultural area targeted for Everglades restoration. [Orlando Sentinel]

Highlands County Commissioners agreed to spend $3.2 million to purchase land owned by caladium farmers east of lake Placid during a meeting of the Special Districts last Tuesday. This affects Lake O and Caloosahatchee waters. [News Sun]

The NSEMA Stakeholders will continue work on the consensus report at their Oct 9 meeting. The report looks at alternatives to reinstallation of the Ceitus Boat Lift in Cape Coral with the goal of mitigating the failing spreader canal system. [More Info...]

FDEP has not given up trying to protect Florida’s polluters. They are at it again with a slightly sneakier approach. They are proposing new categories such as “fishable/splashable” and “fishable/unswimmable”...in an effort to avoid cleanups. [Clean Water Network]

South Florida water managers approved a $1.5 billion budget plan that avoids a property tax increase next year while including a half-billion-dollar Everglades restoration land deal with U.S. Sugar Corporation. [Sun Sentinel]

In Wisconsin several dog deaths in 2008 were due to blue-green algae poisoning, according to Kent Van Horn, DNR migratory waterfowl biologist. Potential algae is present in lakes, marshes, ponds and ditches across the U.S., particularly in FL. [Natural Res. Mag.]

The Snook Foundation is working to reclaim 10% of our lost juvenile gamefish habitat in 10 years, and stopping the loss of any additional habitat, such as natural tidal creeks, mangrove shield and seagrass beds.
[Navionics Solution Info]

Lake Okeechobee's water is no longer being dumped out to sea, although the floodgates on South Florida's backup water supply may be reopened if it continues to swell. [Palm Beach Post]

Lake O water levels were at 14.2ft on Sep 4 compared to 14.4ft a year ago. To keep the lake between 12.5 & 15.5ft and because of insufficient storage capacity, the Corps of Engineers releases water down the Caloosahatchee & St. Lucie rivers. [NEW-PRESS]

Florida needs to go back to school when it comes to living up to the federal Clean Water Act. The state was given a D+ on the network’s “Clean Up Your Act!” report card grading the five Gulf of Mexico states. [Detailed Info...]

It is a stimulus project aimed at stimulating oysters. Over the years, Lake Okeechobee water releases killed the oysters. The project will be dropping oyster shells for another year. The goal is to get the waters back to what they were. [CBN12]

The Sawfish Rule becomes effective Oct 2. It requires federal agencies consult NOAA Fisheries Service before approving activities such as dredging or dock building, that may adversely affect sawfish critical habitat. [News Press]

Citing a need for more legal briefs, a federal judge has postponed a hearing on the Rivers Coalition Defense Fund's federal lawsuit seeking to stop polluted discharges into the St. Lucie estuary. [Detailed Info...]

Martin County wrote to the Federal Government as a reponse to the Rivers Coalition lawsuit to stop the Army Corps of Engineers discharges from Lake O, stating that Federal government & Martin County both need to protect waters. [More info...]

A consent decree signed last week by the EPA and Florida Wildlife Federation will require farmers and cities to tightly monitor the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus that run into lakes, creeks, rivers and the ocean. [More Info...]

Lee County has adopted a fertilizer ordinance. But do the ordinances really help reduce phosphorus pollution? A Univ. of Michigan study says that fertilizer restrictions can have a beneficial effect on water quality. [More info...] [Storm Water] [Report]

A federal court hearing on the Rivers Coalition’s lawsuit over discharges from Lake Okeechobee has been postponed to give lawyers more time to research issues. The Coalition is sueing the Corps of Engineers over degradation of coastal estuaries. [More info...]

Land acquisition Strategy (LAS) is critical to South Florida Ecosystem restoration efforts. Its purpose is to describe the land acquisition needed for ecosystem restorations that are Federally and/or Non-Federally funded.
[LAS Draft Report] [Mitigation Map]

At a time when the United States it citizenry engageed in ecological and other issues, Bob Graham has authored America, the Owner's Manual gives a road map on what it takes for individuals to influence the political system.
[B. Graham Interview] [Book Content]

DEP is changing its Designated Uses and Classification System that establish minimum water quality standards for water bodies. Some fear that it is an effort to lower standards to avoid clean ups. [Detailed Info...]

The coalition, a group of Treasure Coast environmental groups, fishing clubs and homeowners associations, is behind a suit filed by 22 waterfront property owners claiming the discharges have polluted the estuary and the Indian River Lagoon. [Explanation]

Celebrating 50 years of Audubon conservation work, the Hendry-Glades chapter now delivers their regional plan & vision through an electronic newsletter. More and more chapters are taking advantage of this medium, thereby saving paper, time & money. [Newsletter.pdf]

Gov. Charlie Crist's controversial land deal with U.S. Sugar cleared a major legal hurdle Wednesday -- but with a spending cap that could make it difficult for water managers to buy more sugar fields in the future. [More info...]

START is pleased to announce Dr. Michael Parsons, Associate Professor at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in Ft. Myers and member of the START Bonita Springs/Ft. Myers Beach chapter, has been elected to serve on the National HAB Committee. [More Info]

A reality check for those who believe that an inland port would produce jobs to save the Glades communities comes in state objections to a proposal by Florida Crystals. The Palm Beach Post and DCA question the project. [More info...]

The US EPA has agreed to limit how much nutrient pollution is allowed to foul Florida's waterways, a move likely to change everything from how suburban lawns are fertilized to how stormwater runoff and sewage are treated. [TampaBay.com]

Luziola subintegra, an aggressive aquatic grass from Mexico, Central and S. America and Caribbean, was discovered in Lake O in 2007 and then in the Caloosahatchee River in Aug 2009. Is this the start of a new infestation? [News-Press] [News Press 2]

The fight to control fresh water releases into our estuaries hit a snag. The C-43 construction project has not even started. Plans for a water reservoir are set to go, test cells have been built, but there is no money to move further. [More info...]

David Lindsay, manager of the East County Water Control District explains the role of the district and what effect their work has on the lives of the citizens of the area through issues of water quality. [Lehigh Acres Citizen] [ECWCD Home]

The Florida House of Representatives filed HB 73 - Working Waterfront Property, specifying the various different requirements for this kind of property. Because of its effect on coastal areas, waterfront tax exemption has been of interest to many. [Original Filed Version]

Eric Draper announced that he will end his campaign for state agriculture commissioner after raising over $35,000 in the first month of his campaign. He will now focus on his work with Audubon, one of the largest environmental groups in Florida. [Postonpolitics] [TampaBay]

Visitors & residents in and around Bonita Springs will have a new access points to launch kayaks or canoes for tripd on the Imperial River. SFWMD and the City of Bonita Springs agreed on the respective leasing contract. [News-Press]

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently initiated measures to improve the system for establishing water quality standards. To inform interested people about the complex issue, DEP also started a series of workshops. [Detailed Information]

Lake Okeechobee may be at its best in the last 10 years. In the NW shallows, population of different species of animals and plants grows and algae forms the base of a complex food chain. A good Lake O is a step toward a better Caloosahatchee. [News-Press]

Dr. George J. Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Assoc. Dean spoke at the Aug SWF Watershed Council meeting. He described lawn health and nutrition. He showed research demonstrating how fertilizer blackout periods can create unintendent water quality problems. [More Info] [Dr. Hochmuth]

Funds collected by the Babcock Preservation Partnership will assist Lee County with trail construction, signage and ranch management on the former Babcock lands, now called Bob Janes Preserve. [Article news]

SBDC held a town hall meeting in Clewiston to discuss economic indicators for Hendry and Glades counties in light of the water-quality-driven transformations to the region's agricultural economy. [Speakers and Details]

Facilitators have been working on reflecting the stakeholders' conclusions and putting together recommendations to deal with the Cape Coral Spreader Canal and Ceitus Boat Lift removal issue. [Cape Coral Mitigation] [Meeting Notice] [Information]

In a joint project between the SFWMD and Ft. Myers, a weir at Billy Creek is used to divert polluted water into a lake where sediments then settle to the bottom and pollutants are filtered by shoreline vegetation. Later the clean water moves back. [News-Press] [Billy Creek Map]

In its Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) UF-IFAS offers an education program for adults interested in increasing their knowledge on several subjects on Environmental Interpretation and Conservation Science. [Details and Registration]

Farmers in the agricultural land in the region southwest of lake Okeechobee, known as the C-139 drainage basin, failed to meet the phosphorus limits. In fact, the levels in the region are more than twice as high as they are allowed to be. [SunSentinel]

Due to best management practices (BMPs) and the use of green technologies in several Storm Water Treatment Areas, the phosphorus reduction levels for 2009 are again better than the 25% required by law. Monitoring results show a 68% reduction. [Sierra Club Archive] [Just The Facts]

Given the long delay in appointing Joe Collins to replace Bubba Wade on the SFWMD Governing Board, Florida legislators should consider setting a deadline for the Governor to fill important vacancies such as SFWMD positions.
[Palm Beach Post]

The Sep program at Hickey's Creek offers several opportunities to spend time outside. During guided walks for example, exotic wildlife which make Florida so unique can be discovered. There is also an Astronomy program for hobby astronomers. [Lee Co Parks & Rec]

The XTERRA TRIATHLON at Caloosahatchee Regional Park will be on April 18. Locals and visitors have a great choice of events and activities at the Park through May 2010. [XTERRA TRIATHLON] [Lee Co Parks & Rec] [River, Roots & Ruts] [Triathlon]

The Newsletter of the Snook Foundation provides necessary information to shape the future of many inshore species and maintain their habitats. Awareness of declining populations are of extraordinary importance. [The Snook Foundation] [What you can do]

In a guest opinion delivered to News Press, Sam Poole informs the readers about the pollution of Lake Okeechobee and the main sources of that problem which is not the backpumping of water from fields in the south but pollution from northern basins. [News-Press]

After a series of public meetings in regards of Cape Corals utility expansion, July 23rd was the final of them in which two of the three council members supporters voted No on the $281 million utility project. [News-Press] [Wink News]

On July 18, Marti Daltry organized a tour of proposed sites for the inland port facilities in Hendry County. Attending were representatives of Sierra Club, Audubon, Everglades Foundation, SCCF, the Collins Center, and Riverwatch. [Summary] [Naples Daily News] [Photo Gallery]

Strong dissent was voiced by residents at the second Cape Coral utility meeting concerning plans to provide North Units 1-8 with water and sewage pipelines. A final meeting is set for July 20. [News-Press] [Details] [More Info]

Bottled water is not necessarily better than filtered tap water. Actually the reverse might very well be true. Since bottled water is managed by the FDA, and tap water by the EPA, the degree of quality enforcement is lower for bottled water. [News-Press]

George Jones from the Indian Riverkeeper spoke to the SW FL Watershed Council on July ??. He explained the Riverkeeper prograam, history of the Waterkeeper Alliance. Various groups are working to create a Riverkeeper program for the Caloosahatchee. [Details]

Newsletter Volume 2, Issue 1 from the Watershed Network is already available. News about the budget for TMDL Water Quality Restoration, new Seepmeters for water quality on benthic sediments, and more info on the quality of our waters and watersheds. [HTML FDEP Newsletter]

Disposal of sewage sludge (biosolids) in the Lake Okeechobee watershed continues in spite of a policy of no phosphorus fertilizing of pastures. Biosolids can be less polluting than commercial fertilizers, but it still adds phosphorus to the soils. [Audubon]

A group of local governments had started a sue against Governor Crist and the Florida Legislature because of they had passed a growth-management law that opponents bash as a developer-relief act. [Tampa Bay]

Documents from PEER (Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility)look into history of the new Fish and Wildlife Services Head: Sam Hamilton. What was found is a dangerous record of placing developers over wildlife. [PEER]

The Caloosahatchee was patrolled on the July 4th weekend by Sanibel,Cape Coral and Ft Myers police depts., the U.S. Coast Guard and FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission who participated in a program on safety and FL boating law compliance. [News-Press]

Sanibel’s Biologist James Evans, confirmed that the algae found in Sanibel beaches is not red drift algae but a brown algae, Saggassum, commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico. It was probably brought due to strong northwest winds, not nutrients.
[PURRE] [Magnetic Newsletter]

Every two months, the Mangrove Gathering offers a nice place to socialize with live music, coffee and tea with delicious delicacies, wireless internet, informational displays and organizations, "green" market, and lots of current local information. [Details]

Drought-driven emergency water conservation actions have remained in place since March 2007. SFWMD has proposed making the limits permanent. However, in improperly designed utility systems, the consequences of stopping the pipe flow can be negative. [Sun Sentinel]

Starting July 1st, the Department of Environmental Protection will have to look into the water quality and sewage water facilities in a 1 mile radius of any beach affected by a no-swimming advisory..thanks to leadership by Sanibel Mayor Mic Denham. [News-Press]