Something is amiss in Fisheating Creek. Countering a possible corporate & agency misrepresentation of channel dredging & drainage of Cowbone Marsh, Ellen Peterson documented normal to high water levels in Fisheating Creek and Cowbone Marsh on Aug 29. [Details]

Since removal of the Ceitus Lift, waters in Matlacha Shores are being polluted with greater sediment loads, as shown in aerial photos. Residents assert that oyster beds & sea grasses are being destroyed as a result of the sediments & other loads. [Pic1] [Pic2]

Although Florida leads the nation in water reuse, the potential for reclaiming water goes untapped in many areas. To find out if reclaimed water is available in your neighborhood, look for purple pipes or purple fire hydrants. [Easyasone.Wordpress]

The SFWMD may be allowed to abandon a $700 million reservoir project in the southern Everglades Agricultural Area. A court-appointed Special Master said the Everglades would benefit more from the district's purchase of 27,000 acres from U.S. Sugar. [PalmBeachPost]

Shoreview Drive residents thank Ann Thomas for speaking at the CHNEP meetings and representing the interests/concerns of residents advocating the need to replace the Ceitus Boat Lift. CHNEP voted not to replace the barrier. [Ann Thomas]

Register soon for the Southwest Florida Regional Boating and Waterway Workshop! It is due on September 9-10, 2010 in the City of Punta Gorda. Innovative strategies to balance economic vitality with ecologically sound management will be discussed... [Announcement] [Flyer]

As Florida's human population increased during the 1960's and the water quality declined, the scallop populations crashed. Restoration projects however, have helped bay scallops back. In Pine Island Sound volunteers could discover many of them now. [NewsPress]

"Here in Southwest Florida, we are nothing and will have nothing without our precious water." Sam Bailey, a nearly 90 years old board member of PURRE, is devastated by the lack of interest the government is taking in the Lake Okeechobee problem. [Daily Breeze]

It was so nasty that people thought the BP oil spill had finally washed up on southwest Florida beaches. But it was just our annual attack of algal blooms fouling the shores, killing wildlife and chasing away tourists. [HeraldTribune]

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Clean Vessel Act grant program launched Pitch In - Pump Out, a new awareness campaign to decrease boater sewage. Sportsman Capt. Rick Murphy will advertise the message on TV and radio aids. [TradeOnlineToday] [Full Release]

The Eleventh Annual Charlotte Harbor Nature Festival is scheduled for Saturday, November 29, 2010 in Port Charlotte. This family-friendly event invites people to learn more about Florida's environment and offers many exciting activities. [Details]

A Leon County Court ruled SB 360 unconstitutional. The law favored developers by shifting burdens to local governments and taxpayers, including eliminating transportation concurrency requirements. [Announcement] [Background] [DCA Info] [Ralf Brookes]

River Coalition's filing against releases of polluted water from Lake O cite a 1909 case in which James B. Whitfield, then the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court, said riparian rights include “the right to have the water kept free from pollution.” [TCPalm]

Lee Commissioners may soon cut the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods (FYN) program budget severely. FYN works to improve water quality & conservation in our communities. Contact the Lee County Commissioners and tell them the FYN program is important. [FYN Program]

A Caloosahatchee research paper documents how striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) and pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) are more abundant along the river's mainstem, while snook (Centropomus undecimalis) and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) are more abundant. [Research Paper]

Join your Audubon friends and stoke your passion for birds and conservation at the 2010 Audubon Assembly on October, 22-23 in St. Petersburg. Learn about protecting Florida's precious nature, the effects of the gulf spill and join the field trips... [Assembly Schedule]

The Caloosahatchee Basin has received less rain in 2010 than in 2009, but destructive flows to the estuary at S-79 have been higher. The cause: greater water releases from Lake O at S-79 in 2010. Summer rain in the basin is below average. [SF Watershed Journal] [Flow] [Rain]

Once, the Cape Coral's freshwater canals provided a picturesque image and supported a variety of wildlife. Today, many of them are virtually lifeless and packed with aquatic weeds. The reason - excess nutrients from fertilizers and septic tanks. [NewsPress] [Pristine?] [Photos]

The University of Florida Institute of Food & Agriculture Science invites you to the 2nd Annual Clean Energy & Sustainable Technologies Conference, due on Oct 29 in Fort Myers. Information about research and innovative ideas can be shared. [Details] [Agenda] [SponsorshipForm]

On Aug 24 FDEP conducted a dye tracer test in the Cape Coral North Spreader Canal to check the validity of computer modeling of the Cape's Environmental Management Agreement (Ceitus Boat Lift) project. The discolored water is not harmful. [NewsPress]

Shoreview Drive neighborhood residents attempted to advise the CHNEP Policy Committee to vote in favor of replacing the Ceitus Boat Lift barrier on the Cape Coral Spreader Canal system. Shoreview Drive is where the flow discharges to Matlacha Pass. [Email] [Map]

The 13th Annual Audubon/SWFCEE Environmental Breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, October 28th from 7-9am in Fort Myers. This year's featured program: A river runs through it. A Waterkeeper alliance for 2010? Reservations are required. [Announcement]

The August 2010 CRCA newsletter is available online. The archive provides an index to many of the newsletters dating back to 1995. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email. [August Newsletter] [Newsletter Archive]

You want to dwell in nostalgia about the old-time, unspoiled wilderness of Florida? On Babcock Ranch Preserve near Fort Fyers it is possible. Try not only nature trails and a swamp buggy tour - also visit the history museum and the snake exhibit... [Details]

Many politicians oppose Amendment 4 for different reasons - they have grown too myopic in office, don't trust the voters or shake the influence of lobbyists... Now Commissioner Joe McClash speaks his opinion, challenging opponents of Amendment 4. [Florida Hometown Democracy]

Phil Buchanan writes in opposition to the continued delays by Cape Coral and DEP in concluding the EMA process. What was to be a 1 year process is now at 2.3 years and counting. The outcome of the Ceitus Boat lift vote is known, but delays continue.
[Delay Protest] [Obfuscation Cartoon]

After an oil spill that dried up panhandle tourism, a Destin engineer is still against extreme action on water quality disasters. A military-dominated part of the state should recognize that fighting real threats builds, not degrades an economy. [Opinion] [Twisted]

Now it's the time for little baby alligators to wiggle out of their eggs... The Alligator Hatching Festival from Aug 22 - 31 gives guests the possibility to see the hatching of alligators. A great opportunity for children to learn more about nature! [NewsSun]

Some locals say creating a canoe trail through Cowbone Marsh in Fisheating Creek has resulted in lower creek levels and excess flows to Lake Okeechobee. Others say the project was limited to vegetation clearing and is not causing excess drainage.
[Halt] [Feasibility] [Memo] [Trail]

Bring your family for a fun afternoon - fish along the banks of the Caloosahatchee, kayak the river, hike the nature trails or swim in the pool. Food will be available for sale. The event is scheduled for September 6, 2010 in LaBelle. [Details]

"We will not allow this deal to end here without a fight to acquire all the necessary option land to restore." For PURRE the land purchase deal is a step to restore the historic flow through the River of Grass to Florida Bay, but it's not big enough. [CaptivaSanibel]

Doug Beard has been selected as the chief of the USGS National Climate Change and Wildlife Center. The NCCWSC is helping understand climate change impact on fish and wildlife. Current projects include studies of alterations in Florida's ecosystem. [USGS]

The next Bunnell public meeting is scheduled for August, 31 and September 1, 2010 at 1pm (Aug. 31) and 9am (Sep. 1). Location: Flagler County Commission Board Chambers, Government Services Complex, 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, Florida 32110. [Agenda (Aug. 24)] [Agenda (Aug. 31 & Sep. 1)] [Agenda (Aug. 26)] [Draft Reports]

SFWMD Governing Board approved a revised land purchase from U.S. Sugar for Everglades restoration. In addition to the initial 26,800 acres, the agreement provides options to buy another 153,00 acres. [SWF Online] [SWFMD] [Details]

The September CRCA Board meeting will take place in LaBelle on September 1 (the first Wednesday of the month), at 6:30pm in the Bridge Street Coffee Shop, 23 E. Thompson Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935. [Map]

Riverwatch has written a letter supporting the LaBelle Heritage Museum grant application to purchase the Jennings Hardware building on Bridge St. Relocation of the museum will help revitalize the downtown river district of LaBelle. [Details]

Local leaders have taken first steps in building a destination resort in Okeechobee County. The proposed Outdoor World Village would create more ecotourism and demands to protect the water quality of Lake O and thus the Calooshatchee River. [TCPalm]

The statewide alligator hunt begins an hour before sunset Sunday, August 15th. During four weeks hunters are given the possibility to seek a true trophy kill - an alligator more than 9-foot-long. The alligator population is in good shape this season. [TCPalm]

Lake Okeechobee is famous for its fishing, but the birds and wildlife are abundant and beautiful too. Cap. Mike Shellen sends out monthly reports on the current state of the lake and gives useful tips on bass fishing. [TCPalm]

In the end it was too much. Too much money, too much land to handle, too much fight with critics and the courts. Gov. Charlie Crist's dream to buy huge swaths of sugar company land for the Everglades restoration finally vanished into thin air. [NewYorkTimes] [Map] [Background]

The Rivers Coalition is disappointed that the state's newly reduced plan to purchase two properties in the Everglades Agricultural Area will not provide the needed flowway to move water from Lake Okeechobee into the Everglades to reduce discharges. [TCPalm] [River Coalition]

We all know that it's summer and a very hot one at that. We can't escape from the heat and humility of SW Florida. Of course hogs don't sweat, but we sure do. We sweat a lot. Here are some tips that deal with running in the hog days of summer. [Details] [How to Avoid Heatsroke] [How to Acclimate the Heat]

Although the purple martin is small bird, it inspires huge admiration among those who house them. Hendry Street in Fort Myers is a favorite haunt. The Bar Association's owner, Ron Kopko, now offers free bird whistles and a free drink to spectators. [NewsPress]

Mimi Drew has been appointed by Gov. Crist to become interim head of Florida Dept of Environmental Protection. Mike Sole resigned the post after many years of service. Drew was deputy to Sole. [Miami Herald] [TampaBay.com]

A majority of the 20 stakeholders have voted to reconstruct the Spreader Canal barrier: Andress, Audubon, Buchanan, Calusa Land Trust, GPICA, PURRE, RGMC, Riverwatch, SCCF, Snook Foundation and Watershed Council. [Details] [CLT] [SCCF] [Andress]

The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved a $6 billion Water Resources Development Act that authorizes about 300 water projects. The U.S. House WRDA bill does not include the C43 project due to lack of support by our local Congressmen. [Details]

A new U.S. Sugar land deal represents a shift from targeting sugarcane land for a southern flowway. The original 151,000 acres is now reduced to 26,800 acres. It is uncertain how the citrus land will be cost-effective for water storage. [Sun Sentinel] [SGC] [Map]

According to SCCF, the Conservancy, and other groups, the stated policy in the Adaptive Protocols for Lake Okeechobee Operations is unacceptable to the citizens of Southwest Florida. The Governing Board is requested to revise the document.
[SCCF to Gray] [SCCF to SFWMD Board] [Conservancy of Southwest Florida]

Area groups are asking Congressmen Connie Mack and Tom Rooney to restore the C-43 West Reservoir project back to the WRDA authorization list. Mack previously supported the project. The project can be added in House-Senate Conference. [Details] [Action] [The Process]

The Glades County Tourism Development Council is assisting Fisheating Creek Outpost with planning for their grand opening, The Call of the Creek, Saturday Sep 18 from 9am-1pm. Vendors and volunteers are wanted. Many activities will be offered. [Details]

On Aug 4 directors of CRCA-Riverwatch voted unanimously that the Cape Coral proposed NEBs were an insufficient substitute for a properly managed spreader canal system with a boat lift or lock near Ceitus. Upland water management is also essential.
[CRCA Letter]

After almost a decade of work, The Southwest Florida Feasibility Study has been downgraded. It is no longer the federal/state-funded component of CERP for SW FL; it is now just a list of good project ideas...suggestions really. [Details]

The next Rural Lands Study meeting Hendry County meets 3pm Aug 12 in LaBelle. Topics to be discussed are the status of rural and agricultural lands plan, issues raised by DCA, proposed revisions to goals, objectives and policy. [Agenda] [Element 1A] [Map 1] [Map 2] [Map 3] [Map 4]

The State of Florida's historic deal to purchase U.S. Sugar lands do restore the Everglades, the natural water system and the estuaries of South Florida has been looted. What once included 180,000 acres now is reduced to a number of 26,800 acres. [PURRE] [Website]

The Watershed Council meeting is Aug 19, 2-4 pm at the Royal Palm Yacht Club in Fort Myers. Featured speaker for the Water Wisdom Program is Kathie Ebaugh, Lee Co Planner, who will discuss the New Horizon 2035 Initiative. [Details] [Agenda]

According to the Florida Governmental Utility Authority the $55 million purchase of the North Fort Myers Utility Inc. System has been completed. From now on customers will have to pay on average $20 a month more for purchase, upgrades and operations.
[Details]

After being removed by the Bush administration a few years ago, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has restored the Everglades' proper place on the "in danger" list of World Heritage Sites. [Details] [Background]

Rep. Trudi Williams appears to refudiate EPA's efforts to create water quality standards for the Caloosahatchee. Williams said that the river has always been brackish, but EPA now wants it clear. (Yes, the reporter confirms that is what she said.)
[Farmer & Rancher] [Website]

A blue-green algal bloom has spread out in the Caloosahatchee River. High water temperatures and a low salinity support the growth of the bacteria causing the bloom that looks like algae. If the extent increases, many fish could be killed. [Details]

The 2010 Water Resources Development Act was introduced by Chairman Oberstar. Four CERP projects had the chance of being included. However, the C43 Reservoir project report was pulled by Congressman Rooney as part of an earmarks political dispute. [T&I] [Oberstar] [Facts] [Bill]

Big Polluters are trying to stop the new pollution limits that the EPA plants to implement in October. These limits would help reduce sewage and fertilizer pollution in Florida. Contact your congressman today to keep these limits. [Sierra Club] [Take Action]

The DEP says that no water escaped from the Everest plant but that the inaccurate readings came from a computer glitch. There will be no fines or enforcement actions since nothing actually happened. Employees must now manually check readings. [NBC-2]

From July 23-August 6, the target of Lake O releases will be raised to 2000 cfs. Increased precipitation and changes in inflows to the lake have led the Corps to this decision. The goal of this increase is to restore the storage capacity. [Caloosa Belle]

On July 16, scientists and volunteers planted 150 mangrove trees. They plan to plant 60,000 trees by the end of the summer. When Clam Bayou was closed from the Gulf of Mexico, oysters and mangroves died. The Bayou is now open and growth is starting. [NBC-2] [Flyer] [Video]

Jeff Burns, a Sanibel and Captiva native, has joined the PURRE Board of Directors. He is very involved in community events and last year he helped plan the PURRE event Evening in Italy. He presently works as a realtor with The Burns Family Team. [PURRE]

On September 10, the FSA will be hosting a training seminar for stormwater managers and consultants. Low impact development techniques and best management practices will be discussed...and probably opposed, given FSA's record. [FSA] [Register] [Sponsor]

The U.S. House Appropriations Committee's Interior and Environment Subcommittee met on July 22. They decided not to vote on the Multiple Peril Insurance Act of 2009 which would include coverage for windstorms. [CWN] [Summary Table] [Earmark List] [Chairman's Statement]

A tip from an operator at Everest Parkway sewer plant in Cape Coral claims officials attempted to hide evidence from DEP of a 2009 discharge into the Caloosahatchee of 3.5 million gallons of treated wastewater. Such discharges were common years ago. [News Press]

At 1.93°F (1.07°C) above the 20th century average of 55.9 °F (13.3°C) land temp, June 2010 was the hottest June on record. The first half of 2010 was also the hottest since 1880. [Global Warming House Committee] [Blog]

Two CERP projects have been constructed: the Kissimmee ASR and Hillsboro ASR. Summer excess water can be stored underground in freshwater bubbles then pumped out again in the dry season for use. ASR is still being tested for broader use. [SFWMD]

A stormwater computer model was revealed on July 23 at NC State University. This model predicts runoff impacts from development. Although this model was built for North Carolina and surrounding regions, it can serve as a blueprint for other areas. [NC State University]

James Oberstar, House transportation and infrastructure chairman, plans to mark up a Water Resources Development Act reauthorization as early as July 26. He told Republicans Members that he plans on ignoring their earmark requests. [Roll Call]

The SCCF has six sensors that have been monitoring the Caloosahatchee River. Since the releases from Lake Okeechobee began, the salinity of the Calosahatchee dropped to zero and remains there today. The Corps will reevaluate conditions on July 23. [NBC-2] [Video] [Readings]

The Florida Legislature doesn't think the BP oil spill is a good enough reason to add an offshore oil drilling ban constitutional amendment referendum to the November ballot. This makes Crist's break with his former party complete. [SCCF] [Audubon] [Cartoon] [House] [Senate]

The July 2010 CRCA newsletter is available online. The archive provides an index to many of the newsletters dating back to 1995. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email.
[July Newsletter] [Newsletter Archive]

It appears the Federal Government may be seeking to nationalize hurricane insurance by adding it to the federal flood insurance program. This would set us up for even more improper development...and future costly bailouts. [American Rivers] [Take Action]

The government purchased 26,000 acres of ranchland for $89 million. This land includes Fisheating Creek which runs through Glades County. Fisheating Creek also flows into Lake O to the Caloosahatchee and out to the Gulf. [News Press]

The government reported that oil began seeping into the Gulf again on July 19. The oil is leaking more slowly than before the cap was put in place July 15. This leak came after days of warning that the cap might result in new leaks. [AP]

Legislators are meeting in Tallahassee from July 20-23 to discuss a constitutional amendment banning oil drilling off the Florida coast. An initiative must be submitted by Aug 3 for it to appear on the November ballot. Your action is needed! [SCCF]

This Webtool assists in determining the costs and benefits of source water protection activities. In addition, the user can identify options for pollution reductions, identify omissions and distortions, and can compare results to stakeholder beliefs. [Webtool]

Enviro-News is a great resource for a variety of individuals, ranging from scientists to librarians. It is an Internet distribution site where subscribers receive news relating to environmental issues. [USDA] [Subscribe]

Audubon asserts that SFWMD adaptive protocols for managing Lake Okeechobee do not meet their stated goals. The AP5-50 protocol leaves the Caloosahatchee Estuary releases at significant harm levels while not limiting irrigation uses in the watershed. [Audubon]

Now that the BP well is finally capped, America can begin its real clean-up...of the waters, shores, and its governance. These catastrophes don't just happen...they typically have a cause rooted in failed policies, regulations, and enforcement. [CBS] [NYTimes] [Washington Post] [Cartoon]

Johnny Jones was a true environmentalist who passionately cared about his local surroundings. One of his greatest accomplishments was securing the restoration of the Kissimmee River. His notable work also involved the Everglades and Big Cypress.

After protests by Tea Party activists, SFWMD governing member and Florida House candidate Pat Rooney, Republican, has resigned from his SFWMD seat, thus avoiding a vote on the U.S. Sugar lands purchase. [Sun Sentinel] [The Deal]

Floating gardens are being tested as scrubbers for algae in Jacksonville. Retention ponds have been built around the city to lessen the amount of nitrogen & phosphorus going into the St. Johns River; however, these ponds can only remove 35 percent. [The Florida Times-Union] [Plant Nutrition Uptake]

Seeming to mock its mission statement, "improve water quality through enhanced stormwater management practices" FSA helped lead the charge to redefine and degrade Florida water use classification standards to avoid the requirement to clean our waters [Florida Tribune] [Florida DEP] [Kurt Spitzer Petition]

Attorney General candidate Dave Aronberg is questioning the influence of BP in Florida politics and calling for a permanent ban on Florida offshore drilling. Aronberg calls on a real renewable energy policy as the solution.
[Naples News] [Aronberg Opinion]

Click on the link below and learn about the Okeechobee Waterway with this interactive PDF map. Clicking on the map stars will take you to the Corps website where you can view more information about the structure or feature. [Okeechobee Waterway]

At the July 14 meeting of SFWMD, about 100 activists rallied to oppose the purchase of U.S Sugar lands in the EAA, which Gov. Charlie Crist unveiled in 2009 as part of a plan to save the Everglades & south Florida estuaries. [Palm Beach Post]

After years as CRCA Treasurer, Vicki Barnhorst is headed for California. Shown in photo from left to right are Mary Ruth Prounty, Linda Mattos, Marti Daltry, Annette Snapp, Gloria Saigo, Ron Zimmerly, Vicki Barnhorst, Wayne Daltry, & Ashley LaVela.

There were 901 events worldwide in 37 countries. 797 of these were in the USA, spanning over 537 cities. Over 1000 people participated in the SW Florida region. The pictures linked below are from the Barefoot Beach event. [Picture] [Picture] [Picture] [Picture] [Video]

The Corps awarded $24 million to reconstruct another 3.4 miles of the Hoover Dike around Lake O. With 17 miles of the 134 total now being reconstructed at a cost of ~$7 million per mile, it will only take 10 more years & $1 billion to finish. [TCPalm]

Four of the 19 stakeholders have already submitted their final votes on the Ceitus issue. The dissents of the GPICA and Phil Buchanan are provided below. Eleven of the 19 say they will vote against the Cape plan and reconstruction without a lock. [E-mail] [GPICA Dissent] [SWFWC Letter] [Phil Buchanan Dissent] [SCCF Letter]

The 180,000 acres south of Lake Okeechobee that U.S. Sugar is willing to sell will allow the restoration and prevention of damage to the waterways. However, some feel that the deal will consume all the money that would be used for restoration.
[Sun Sentinel] [Ray Judah Editorial]

An e-mail leak revealed that scientists at the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit failed to share data with critics. Although they withheld information, a report found their research to be credible. [MSNBC]

Tea party groups plan to protest the US Sugar deal supported by Charlie Crist when the SFWMD meets on July 14. One chairman of the South Florida Tea Party is encouraging people to join the protest at noon outside the SFWMD headquarters. [Sunshine State News]

Riverwatch would like to take the time to sincerely thank John and Gillian Paul who are both sponsors and members of the association with a $450 contribution. Riverwatch greatly appreciates your support and your interest in local water issues.

Showerheads have been added to WaterSense's list of efficient products. In order to make the list, the products must be at least 20 percent more efficient than standard models. In 2009, their list saved consumers $267 million in water & sewer bills. [EPA]

Canals have a diverse history in SW Florida. They have been used by both farmers and tourists alike. Lee County has 283 square miles of inland waterways. Although the canals are old, they still need proper management. [News Press]

Harsh weather has nearly cut the population of monarch butterflies in half. Turning your backyard into a Certified Wildlife Habitat will benefit monarchs and other wildlife as well. Enjoy the beautiful scenery while helping to restore their numbers. [NWF] [Certified Wildlife Habitat]

Snook are plentiful in the mangrove swamp of Jack Island State Park. Mangroves produce an abundance of mosquitofish which feed the snook every year. Mangrove forests provide a cheap way to restore snook and tarpon populations after a hard winter. [Snook Foundation]

Trash is a big problem for local canals and rivers. Since the canals are not regularly maintained, the job frequently falls upon concerned citizens who volunteer to cleanup. Littering affects the economy since dirty water does not attract tourists.
[News Press] [Video]

The LaBelle Drawbridge over the Caloosahatchee will be going through electrical, mechanical and structural repairs. This $5 million project began on June 1 and will continue through August with delays carrying over into 2011. [SWFlorida Online]

Lake O's releases will be gradually reduced from an average of 756.2 million gallons per day to zero on July 9-10. Some believe the 10-day cutback is a step in the right direction but stopping the releases permanently would be the real solution. [TCPalm]

Mosaic Fertilizer and the Army Corps of Engineers received a restraining order over the new phosphate mine permit. The plantiffs, including the Sierra Club, claim it violates the Clean Water Act and will affect the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor. [Court Order]

Lake O now has 3 webcams focusing on spillways. The cameras broadcast 24 hours per day. Two of the spillways, Moore Haven west into the Caloosahatchee and Port Mayaca east into the St. Lucie. These are two major outlets for releases. [TCPalm] [Live Webcam]

Each year 500 to 600 metric tons of phosphorus enter into Lake Okeechobee. The goal is to reduce the phosphorus levels to 75 parts per billion once both phases of Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area are completed. [TCPalm]

Audubon’s Lake Okeechobee expert, Dr. Paul Gray, attended the groundbreaking on June 18, 2010, for the Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area (STA), located on the northeast shore of Lake Okeechobee. [Audubon of Florida News Blog]

Big profits trump environmental concerns. Some hope comes from the U.S. Sugar deal which can help provide a flowway from Lake Okeechobee. This would end the freshwater releases that are harming the nearby estuaries. [TCPalm]

The SFWMD is looking for new ways to deal with the water from Lake Okeechobee, lessening the releases that flow into the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries. The SFWMD also wants to find long-term solutions for water storage. [SFWMD]

The 10 most endangered rivers for 2010 are: Upper Delaware River, Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, Gauley River, Little River, Cedar River, Upper Colorado River, Chetco River, Teton River, Monongahela River, and the Coosa River. [National Parks Traveler] [American Rivers]

On June 16, U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (R-FL) was appointed to the House Agriculture Committee. Florida's 16th district, where Rooney presides, is one of the largest agricultural producing areas in the country. Florida's ag concerns will now be heard.
[Congressman Rooney]

Judge Alan Gold will hold a contempt hearing in October against EPA and Florida for failing to comply with phosphorous limits in the Everglades. Florida and Congress are circumventing the EPA using the term "science-based" to again slow the process. [Miami Herald] [Science Cartoon]

Bubba Wade, VP of U.S. Sugar & former SFWMD Govering Member, disputes Wedgworth's claims regarding Everglades restoration as misrepresentation. He states that US Sugar land provides benefits of restoring a flow path to the Everglades. [News-Press] [Wedgworth Editorial]

President Obama's address on June 15 focused on the oil spill and the need for energy legislation. However, he had a minimal effect on Congress. Powerful Congressmen, like Joe Barton of Texas, are determined to maintain the status quo on energy. [Reuters] [Rep. Barton] [Protests] [Address] [Video]

Map Modernization will help fix the many flood maps in the nation that are out-of-date. The SWFMD ranks as the highest risk district in Florida. Florida has over 1.8 million flood insurance policies which is 41 percent of the U.S. total. [Eco-voice] [SFWMD]

The 2010-11 CRCA Board of Directors was elected at the annual membership meeting on May 2. Wayne Daltry joins the list of long-serving directors.

Local Tony Chatowsky feels that blaming the release of waters from Lake O into our rivers and estuaries for the decline in fish is too simplistic. Instead, he feels that development plays a large role. Development is permanent unlike water inflows. [TCPalm]

Officer elections were held on June 2. Congratulations to: Annette Snapp, President; Margaret England, Vice President; Vicki Barnhorst and Marti Daltry, Co-Treasurers; John Capece, Recording Secretary; and Linda Mattos, Corresponding Secretary.

The scientific case to support water quality action is the water. The EPA proposed standards in Jan. to protect the water which would prevent harmful algae blooms. However, an amendment by Congressmen Boyd and Crenshaw may block any real standards.
[Miami Herald] [Action] [April Hearing]

Manatees suffered greatly this winter because of the cold weather. Death rates for these creatures were at record highs this year. The Lowry Park Zoo was able to treat and release one manatee into the wild who was suffering from "Florida frostbite." [ABC-7] [Video]

Algae blooms have been spotted in the St. Lucie River since the end of May. The algae is harmful to animals and humans. If no more water from Lake O is added, then the estuary can begin to heal since blooms cannot live in saltwater. [TCPalm] [Health Concerns]

A 9-4 vote on June 9 by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council banned red snapper fishing until Dec 5. A 2008 report listed red snapper as an overfished species. An estimated 83 percent reduction in catch is needed to end overfishing. [Florida Today] [South Atlantic Red Snapper 13 MB]

On June 12 at 9 am, Cape Coral locals will continue to move towards their goal of planting 1,800 trees this year. A pizza party will follow at 11:30 am. E-mail RussR @ RinglandConstruction.com if you would like to volunteer. [Photos]

George Wedgworth of the Sugar Cooperative comments on the US Sugar buyout. He criticizes the cost and lease-back plan, instead advocating SFWMD focus on the Acceler8 projects, including the C-43 Caloosahatchee reservoir. Bubba Wade disagrees. [NewsPress] [Wade Editorial]

A SFWMD report found that nests of wading birds have more than quadrupled between 2008 and 2009. The report estimated 8,169 nests around Lake Okeechobee which is the fourth highest count since the surveys began in 1957. [Surfbirds News]

PSC Corporate College has created the ABTI, which will focus on homeland security, agricultural safety and water management. Programs will start in July and will provide education for agricultural workers from executives to migrant workers.
[Polk County Democrat]

The focus on the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is causing people to ignore another serious issue. Lake O is releasing large amounts of fresh, nutrient-filled water into the Caloosahatchee. If nothing is done, conditions may be similar to 2005. [Island]

If elected governor, Attorney General Bill McCollum plans to focus on finding alternative water sources. Creating a water commission is a main item on his agenda. His administration would likely focus on resource exploitation aspects, not ecological. [Orlando Sentinel]

At the Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) meeting on June 3, Calvin J. Neidrauer, P.E., Chief Engineer, SFWMD Operations Department made a presentation about Adaptive Protocols for Lake Okeechobee Operations. [Link]

FWS researchers have documented smalltooth sawfish moving 35 kilometers upstream the Caloosahatchee. Unlike other species, sawfish are reluctant to leave even when salinity levels change drastically during summer storms or spring drought. [Sun Newspapers]

Locals of Glades and Hendry Counties can look forward to upcoming paddling and hiking trips, thanks to a new sub-chapter of the FTA. On June 6, members took a 7-hour paddling trip. The next meeting is in September with trips beginning in October. [SW Florida Online]

Cartoon frogs may say “ribbit, ribbit,” but in Southwest Florida, they’re just as likely to grunt like hogs, bleat like goats or chirp like birds. And now, as rainy season begins in earnest, is the perfect time to catch their quirky music. [News Press]

Florida jumped 20 places to rank 12th in the nation among the most bicycle-friendly states, according to the League of American Bicyclists. Rural Hendry and Glades county are some of the more bicycle friendly local areas. [SW Florida Blogspot]

SFWMD promised Sanibel that it would provide 450,000 acre-feet of temporary water storage so that the next time we had unusual rains they would not have to to force the Corps to release so much damaging water into the Caloosahatchee. Where is it? [Captiva Sanibel]

In 2006 the National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has prepared a Draft Smalltooth Sawfish Recovery Plan. The population is currently at a level less than 5% of its size at the time of European settlement. [Plan]

Cape Coral did not take the EMA process seriously. The NEBs package submitted to Lee County is the maximum they say they will support. It is not supported by many of the non-profit environmental stakeholders to the EMA. [Letter]

A presentation by K. R. Reddy, M. Clark, J. Mitchell, E. Dunne, A.Cheesman, and Y. Wang from the Univ. of Florida describes Phosphorus Management in the Okeechobee Basin: Legacy Phosphorus – Implications to Restoration and Management. [Presentation]

Sanibel Vice Mayor Mick Denham said at a city council meeting June 1 that he has had enough of the Caloosahatchee taking much more than its share of estuary-killing water from Lake Okeechobee. Strong actions, including legal, are being planned. [PURRE]

Bacteria counts are high in the St. Lucie River estuary and the possible source of infections. Causes of high fecal coliform bacteria can be municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent, septic tank seepage, & livestock waste contamination. [Text]

U.S. Rep. Rooney sent a letter to the Jacksonville District Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers urging the Corps to consider the environmental and economic ramifications of fresh water discharges from Lake O into the St. Lucie Estuary. [Big News]

The Environmental Regulations Commission (ERC) today is a rubber stamp for DEP and the polluters it represents. They don’t even try to create an appearance that they care about hearing both sides. DEP is seeking to sidestep EPA water quality rules.
[ERC Members] [Clean Water Network]

Joseph Thomas, President of the LaBelle Heritage Museum, was the speaker at the CRCA Annual Member Meeting. He presented the history of the Caloosahatchee River between the 1840s and 1950s. See some pictures he showed in his presentation. [Picture 1] [Picture 2] [Picture 3]

Palm Beach County commissioners approved moving the site of a proposed "inland port" industrial distribution center to ease environmental concerns while trying to hold onto thousands of potential jobs. [Sun Sentinel]

If a hurricane threatens the Lake Okeechobee area, experts say there's a 1-in-6 chance the dike would collapse and a 50-50 chance of it failing in the next few years. There is a clear threat to lake residents if water levels get too high.
[Palm Beach Post]

PURRE Chairman Michael Valiquette appeared live on Fox-4 Rising to discuss the water releases from Lake Okeechobee. The Army Corps needs to fix the Herbert Hoover Dike, Mike stressed. [PURRE]

In preparation for the final NSEMA Stakeholder Group meeting, the facilitators released the final set of reports, documenting the proposal on each side of the debate. Not much changed regarding what each side was ready to accept. [Coverletter and Agenda] [Materials] [Base Text]

Chesapeake Bay settlement has EPA agreeing to enforce pollution reduction goals. The Environmental Protection Agency will be legally bound to clean the soiled waters of the Chesapeake Bay after reaching an agreement to enforce tough new standards. [Washington Post]

Algal blooms which are called 'Green Monster’ are returning to St. Johns River. Reports came of parts of the river south of Jacksonville once again turning a sickening green. See also YouTube Videos about the 'Green Monster'.
[Jacksonville.com] [Links to Videos]

USACE's is to begin a 10-day pulse release to the St. Lucie Estuary with 1,800 cfs average, measured at S-80; the pulse will be repeated until further notice depending on system conditions. [USACE]

Martin Co. Health Dept urged residents to avoid contact with St. Lucie River near the Roosevelt Bridge after testing revealed high levels of enteric bacteria. Lake O releases combine with local runoff and sewage plants to create bad conditions. [TC Palm]

The issue of providing and protecting habitat for the smalltooth sawfish seems is being raised for all construction projects in the Cape Coral canals. This could be used as a reason to avoid reinstallation of Ceitus Boat Lift in the Spreader Canal. [DEP]

Local fertilizer ordinances are safe - for now. Both the Senate and House bills that threatened local fertilizer ordinances failed to win passage in the closing moments of the 2010 Florida Legislative session on Friday. [PURRE]

The Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival has been selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events for 2010. The annual canoe and kayak festival this year will happen Oct 29 – Nov 7 in the greater Fort Myers area and beach communities. [Blueways Festival]

Southwest Florida Watershed Council has for years focused on securing a low flow reservation for the Caloosahatchee River. Their April meeting addressed this topic with many decision makers attending to discuss water set-asides for salinity balance. [Watershed Council] [Slide Set]

EPA issued a revision of its proposed numerical pollution limits rule for Florida waters. EPA defends its science & holds firm on its numbers, but invites FDEP to come forward with better data and science...if it is sincere in seeking clean water. [Apr 15, 2010 EPA Doc]

Annette Snapp, spoke in support of numerical pollution limits on behalf of Caloosahatchee River Citizen Association during the recent EPA hearings and submitted written comments. She explained that much more needed to be done to clean up our waters. [Details]

U.S. District Judge Alan S. Gold threatened the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with contempt of court in a ruling Wednesday that accuses the agency of ignoring Clean Water Act requirements in Florida's Everglades. [Sun Sentinel]

New varieties of sugarcane have the potential to tolerate flooded conditions for up to two weeks. But it will take years of new farming systems development to create methods that farmers can effectively implement to grow cane and store more water. [Science Daily]

CRCA members Linda Mattos, Marti Daltry & Mary Ann Parsons spoke on the radio and during the EPA numeric pollution limits hearing. In a dramatic gesture, Linda delivered a jar of dirty Caloosahatchee water to EPA officials at the hearing. [Naples News]

Over the last 18 months of regular and subcommittee meetings, Bill Byle, Environmental Specialist, concluded that most of the stakeholders who support leaving the dam out of the Spreader Canal are basing their position on two very flawed premises. [Details]

Bowing to criticism from state environmental officials, business & farming industries, EPA will delay adopting their proposed limits on water pollution and seek a third party review of the science behind the limits. [The News Service Of Florida]

Direct from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: The Chief's Report for the Caloosahatchee(C-43) West Basin Storage Reservoir has just been signed. This makes the reservoir project eligible for funding if included in the next WRDA bill from Congress. [News Alert]

Reversing two prior board decisions, Riverwatch directors voted on Mar 3 to empower Rae Ann Wessel to vote in favor of the NEB projects plan, if assurances of implimentation are provided at the March 5 EMA meeting. [Mar 2010 - YES (conditional)] [Jan 2010 - NO] [Oct 2009 - NO]

Thousands of the nation’s largest water polluters are outside the Clean Water Act’s reach because the Supreme Court has left uncertain which waterways are protected by that law, according to interviews with regulators. [New York Times]

Once the pollution interests and DEP succeed in thwarting the EPA proposed nutrient limits, roles will switch and DEP will be on the receiving end from the anti-cleanup lobbies. Final outcome...nothing gets cleaned and things get worse.
[DEP objections to EPA] [Cartoon]

In 2008 the SFWMD Storm Water Treatment Areas (STAs) did better at removing phosphorus from drainage waters than in 2007. The 2009 report will be released in March. On average, 80% of phosphorus is removed. [Salinity] [Results] [Report] [2008 Graph]

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]

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]

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]

Caloosahatchee artist Caroline Krieger Comings uses her art to promote Riverwatch efforts to protect the River. Visit the Showdown link, view her latest works, & support her efforts to enhance public awareness through art. Art makes for great gifts. [Art Showdown]

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. The controversy continues. [Draft Settlement] [Web page]

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]