A Lykes official told Highlands County commissioners that he "didn't want to be the skunk at the church picnic." & he didn't want to be "a Jeremiah," referring to the Old Testament prophet, but he did want DCA to allow more development. [Highlands Today]

Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson says that the decision not to pump phosphorous rich water into Lake O will deprive growers of irrigation water and depress yields. Thom Rumberger of the Everglades Trust challenges this. [TBO.com]

Fishing in the Caloosahatchee River is improving. Fish are starting to come back up the river from the Gulf. Trout are returning and the ones that were left have spawned and their offspring are growing. Redfish have their ups and downs. [News-Press]

A map of the ecological restoration needs of Southwest Florida won't emerge until the end of 2009, nearly 5 years past its original due date. In addition, the cost of the long-awaited feasibility study has gone up from $12 million to $17 million. [NaplesNews]

Fort Myers SFWMD has acted on the Willow Lake case. The office requires restoration of the six acres and penalties/fees of $40,000. The land owner has until mid-February to come up with a proper restoration plan. [SFWMD] [NewsPress]

Start planning now to join the North Port Parks and Recreation “Second Nature” Environmental Festival on Saturday, January 19, 2008 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at The Garden of the Five Senses 4025 Pan American Blvd. [Flier] [Vendor Form]

Regulators seem to be searching for ways to avoid making a fundamental decision regarding irreparable exploitation of potentially restorable Everglades lands. Neither SFWMD nor FDEP seems interested in taking on the question of mining in the EAA. [PBP]

Manatees are extremely cold sensitive, they can die from what scientists call “cold stress” & when water temperatures drop to 68 deg., they move to warm-water refuges such as canals of Matlacha Isles & the discharge from FPL plant on Orange river. [News-Press] [NP1]

Residents allege that Willow Lake, a 6-acre, natural, seasonal freshwater lake that was home to a host of wildlife & plant species, was filled in illegally by owner & developer, who with his business Treeco plans to eventually start a palm tree farm. [News-Press.com] [Guest Opinion]

As the rainy season ends, Oct Lake O water levels are extremely low (3 feet below historic low), setting up south Florida for a record drought this coming dry season. But other parts of the U.S. Southeast are in worse condition. [Lake O] [Drought Map]

A rare bacteria has appeared again in FL coastal waters attacking people whose minor cuts come in contact with it. The most recent incident in Martin was result of Vibrio Vulnificus. [TCPalm]

Local kayakers captured the opening 4-mile recreational race in the annual Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival on Sat morning but Olympic-caliber kayakers from Tampa & Deerfield Beach dominated the 10-mile competitive race. [News-Press] [Photo]

Either extreme outcome is scary - ecological death and destruction from bad water management and unsustainable economics OR worsening poverty, unemployment, and private land losses from termination of government support for agriculture. [Cartoon] [Letters] [BNews]

There are two public hearings for the Babcock Ranch Preserve Conceptual Management Plan (CMP), on Nov 28 from 6 to 9 pm at the Tringali Recreation Center, Charlotte County & on Nov 29 from 6 to 9 pm at the Buckingham Community Center. [Letter] [Lee Agenda] [Charlotte Agenda]

On Nov 2 President Bush vetoed WRDA, the Water Resources Development Act, an important bill for Everglades restoration and Lake O safety. Both Republicans & Democrats in Congress will join in an override attempt. [Crypt] [Joint Statement] [NYT] [PBP]

The annual Holiday Meeting will be held on Wednesday, Dec 5 at 6:30 pm at the historic Capt. Hendry House in LaBelle. Like years past, CRCA will provide the meat and everyone bring a dish to share or a beverage. RSVP ASAP.
[Hendry House Map] [RSVP]

Lee Co. Commissioner Tammy Hall will hold a town hall meeting to discuss the consultant’s report regarding the Waterway Estates Waste Water Treatment Plant on Monday Dec 17, 6-8pm in the Commission Chambers in downtown FM. [More Info.]

Florida Consumer Fertilizer Task Force will meet again on December 17th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in Apopka. Attend the meeting of Task Force and voice your concerns in person. Public comments are tentatively scheduled to begin at 3:00 pm. [More Info.] [Web site]

Some people who've lived on the Caloosahatchee for much of their lives say the river has changed for the better since the disasterous fouling of recent years. But, this improved state still respresents a river degraded from past decades. [News Press]

Volunteers are needed for the 5th Annual River Roots Run on Sunday, Jan 6, 2008 at Caloosahatchee Regional Park, SR78. The proceeds of this run are divided among the groups that volunteer, so this helps CRCA's treasury. [Letter] [Website]

Southwest Florida is bracing for what are expected to be the most stringent water restrictions ever imposed on the area. The SFWMD is expected to propose Phase III restrictions to its governing board in West Palm Beach on Wednesday meeting [NP] [PBP]

The November 2007 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. [November Newsletter] [Newsletter Archive]

Florida Yards and Neighborhoods (FYN) Master Gardener Angela Sachson met with Okeechobee Rotarians to discuss about the importance of creating Florida-friendly landscaping and how this helps the environment. [NewsZap.com]

Start planning now to join the 7th annual Big O Birding Festival on Saturday, Jan 26, in the clubhouse at Glades Resort RV Park and Marina. The festival includes group tours, free admission to the arts & crafts festival and the keynote lectures. [NewsZap.com] [Web site]

Audubon Society President Pete Quasius addressed the Glades County Commissioners. He informed the county about the continuing progress of the Kissimmee project and the Caloosahatchee River basin pollution treatment plans. [NewsZap.com]

Mark your calendars for the traditional Trial Trail Run on Saturday, December 15th. This practice run is open to all, registered or not. The group will meet at 11:00 am at the Caloosahatchee Regional Park campground parking lot. [Details] [Web site]

Everglades restoration is at a standstill, ready to become the centerpiece of the president's harmful environmental legacy. The federal government has failed to do its part in what was supposed to be a 50-50 restoration partnership. [PalmBeachPost.com]

Florida Yards & Neighborhoods will hold its 2nd Annual Conference on Feb 9. “Protecting Our Water Thru Living Green” is the conference topic. ‘Ask the Expert’ sessions, trade displays and silent auction are also planned. Register now! [Conference Brochure]

SFWMD board member Melissa Meeker encourages commissioners to attend the Dec 12 governing board workshop on how the district can pay for the projects planned to improve water quality in Lake O, the Everglades, & the St. Lucie & Caloosahatchee river. [TCPalm.com]

The 2nd meeting of the Lehigh Acres WRT to find the solutions to the issues discussed has been rescheduled for Nov 19 at 6:30 pm at the Lee County East Regional Library Meeting Room 1 at 881 Gunnery Rd.

An EPA official was reassigned after overheard saying, "Once again, we're routing dirty water" in opposition to a Corps proposal to pipe Lake O water to Miami canals. The agency is intolerant of revealing a history of acquiescence to flawed programs.
[St. Pete Times] [Miami Herald] [Orlando Sentinel]

This holiday season choose gifts from Riverwatch. Artist Caroline Krieger Comings has offered RIVERWATCH oil painting images for notecards and prints for sale. All profits support the continued efforts of CRCA.
[Note Cards]
[Gallery] [Email for Gift Purchase]

CRCA commends Ft. Myers Councilmember Warren Wright and former Lee Commissioner Charlie Bigelow for funding the public interest lawsuit opposing selling public park land for a misplaced waterfront tower. Unfortunately Ft. Myers is pressing ahead. [Appealed] [Letter to NPS] [Funding]

As part of its National Estuary Days events, Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park is sponsoring a paddle through the Caloosahatchee/Charlotte Harbor Estuary at Matlacha Pass. Check out all the Oct 7 - Nov 18 events! [Announcement] [Full Schedule]

The 11th Annual Caloosahatchee River Ride is the morning of Sunday, Nov. 18. Over 100 riders participated in 2006 and we expect more this year. Join us for this always enjoyable Riverwatch tradition. Contact us for details. [Sponsors] [More Sponsors] [Auto Email] [Registration] [Flyer]

SFWMD has released a Northern Everglades draft technical plan to protect and restore the Lake O watershed and improve the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie watersheds. The public comment period will conclude on Dec 13, 2007. [News Release] [Technical Plan 2.2MB] [Post Comment]

The 2007 Southwest Florida Water Resources Conf. and AWRA meeting will be held at FGCU on Nov 16, 2007. Sign up early as a sponsor, exhibitor, or attendee. [Conference Website] [Sponsorships] [Registration]

SLAPP law suits are intended to silence citizens from speaking out on public issues. Freedom of speech advocates are supporting anti-SLAPP legislation in Tallahassee.
[Letter] [Background]

Commissioner Ray Judah expressed dismay to Stu Applebaum that the Corps may be intentionally derailing consideration of a Lake O flow way by only evaluating an unreasonable elevation of 12ft instead of using a more logical 15.5ft spillway level. [Summary] [Transcript] [News Press]

The fledgling Everglades Agricultural Area reservoir is intended as an environmental flagship project. SFWMD intends to go on to build similar facilities on the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers to hold and clean discharges from Lake O. [News-Press.com]

As if we needed any reminder that water quality problems are not exclusive to south Florida, the New York Times has recently reported on the staggeringly serious water problems of China & the repression suffered by their activists. [Full Report] [NewYorkTimes]

On Oct 18, CWA is celebrating its 35th birthday. This landmark occasion comes at a time when the safeguards for the nation waters are under unprecedented threat. Congress needs to act now to preserve the gains in water quality made by Act. [Act Now!]

Rep. Tim Mahoney is pressuring Bush to sign the Water Resources Development Act that includes projects for the Everglades, Indian River Lagoon, Lake O cities drinking water plant & dike repairs. [Release] [PB Post] [TCPalm] [Caloosa Belle] [Send Email] [Photos] [Audio]

SFWMD is negotiating to purchase 1773-acres of mainly orange grove land in Glades County just east of Ortona Lock to use as a nitrogen removal facility for Lake Okeechobee waters. Lee County is contributing $10 million to the deal.
[Map 1] [Map 2] [NewsPress]

Dr. Thomas Van Lent, Senior scientist with the Everglades Foundation and leading expert on South Florida hydrology will lead a compelling discussion on "The Essentials of Everglades Restoration" on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. [Details]

Ft. Myers Council opposes the FL Hometown Democracy amendment to the FL Constitution that would empower voters to decide all changes to a city or county comprehensive plan. The city also wants to appeal The Vue vs. CRCA lawsuit ruling. [More Info.] [RGMC] [CRCA]

On Nov. 11, the State of FL applauded actions taken by Congress to override a veto of the long-awaited WRDA 2007. After successful override votes by both the House of Representatives & Senate, WRDA 2007 immediately became law. [Wakulla.com]

"The hydrology of the river has been altered so significantly that we can't recreate the original river now," says Bill Hammond, a retired professor of environmental sciences at FGCU. "It's operating as a series of lake pools with weir structures." [Article]

When Gov. Crist recently approved more than $1 billion in state budget cuts, he chose not to veto Senate Bill 24-C, which will drain $30 million from the state’s Water Protection & Sustainability Program Trust Fund. [TCPalm.com]

It's not easy to intimidate the business community in Florida, but big business seems truly terrified of the Florida Hometown Democracy ballot initiative that may be headed to voters in November 2008. [St. Petersburg Times]

John Arthur Marshall presented a rebuttal to SFWMD of prior agency dismissals of the Plan 6 flow way. After listening, Charles Dauray encouaged Marshall saying, "Stay the course, John! Keep telling us."
[Marshall Presentation]

A new Government Accountability Office report to Congress cites the Acceler8 program (including the C-43 reservoir project) as among the very few projects actually moving ahead for the overall Everglades Restoration initiative. [Highlights] [GAO Report]

When DEP spent $350 million to buy tracts of agricultural land and undevelopable wetlands, casual observers at the time concluded that the state's appraisals of Babcock Ranch were high due to presuming land use change approvals. Others disagree.
[AP Story] [Rebuttal]

A real-time data web site for the Telegraph Creek monitoring station is now operational. Parameters include water level, flow velocity, salinity, and temperature. Check out the link! [NWISWeb]

The proposed The Vue high-rise condominium, which would loom over Centennial Park on the Fort Myers waterfront, has just been knocked back by a court ruling to where it was more than three years ago. Its fate falls to the National Park Service. [Editorial] [Blog]

Supporters of a measure to limit growth don't know if they'll collect enough signatures to get it on the November 2008 ballot. But landowners are flooding state & local agencies with plans that would guarantee them the right to develop their land. [St. Petersburg Times] [map]

Riverwatch will again exhibit at the Charlotte Harbor Nature Fesitval on Nov 3 (10am-3pm) at the Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Rd. (S.R. 776) in Port Charlotte. It's always a great event with thousands of people and activities for all ages. [Announcement]

The October 2007 Riverwatch 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. [October Newsletter] [Newsletter Archive]

The rescue of FL Everglades, largest & most expensive environmental restoration project on planet is flatering. 7 yrs into what was supposed to be a 4-decade, $8 bn effort to reverse generations of destruction, federal financing has slowed to trickle [NewYorkTimes]

People like William P. Mitchell hopes a workshop with city leaders set for Dec 10 will lead to a plan to bring those crowds downtown every week along 3 blocks of redeveloped riverfront that will offer nearly 10 acres of retail shops & restaurants. [News-Press.com]

Local industries are still feeling the impact from the water shortage. With the emphasis being on conservation, some businesses that rely on the water supply are hurting, including the sugar industry. [Newszap.com]

U.S. Sugar has drawn a line in the sand regarding rights of landowners to mine limestone from beneath the muck. Critics say it should be prohibited. These lands were once native Everglades prior to south Florida Drainage. [Robert Coker]

The U.S Senate passed $20 billion for U.S. water projects, including many in Florida. However, the compromise version with the House lacks the reforms to the Corps of Engineers asked for by the Senate. [Article] [Miami Herald] [Feingold Opposition]

Young and Howie, retired school teachers and fiber artists made mural banners to spread awareness of water quality problems. The green project is named "Blue Waters, Banners for a Better Environment". [NewsPress]

The FWC Commission is proposing setting up a fish research and hatchery station on Pine Island. There is a vivid possibility of the project to grow to 100 acres with an investment of some $20 million and include a visitor/educational center. [Article]

Bush says he will veto the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 that would provide $1.5 billion for Everglades & other south FL water projects. The Democratic Congress may try to override the veto & restore the projects. [Sun-Sentinel] [PBP]

On Oct 30 the Phase 3 ribbon cutting ceremony for the Great Calusa Blueway was held at Riverside Community Center in Ft. Myers. The event attended by area dignitaries, included kayak demonstration, and eco-information. [Photos]

Commissioners of both counties met on Oct 31 in Fort Myers to discuss two options: a bridge over the river near the Lee/Hendry line that would connect County Road 78 & State Road 80; or a bridge about two miles east of the county line. [News-Press]

There are lots of FYN events in next four months like: Mangroove Cafe, FYN Introductory Workshop, FYN Rain Barrel Workshop, FYN Neighborhoods Conference, etc. Check out the schedule! [More Details]

The Phase 3 ribbon cutting ceremony for the Great Calusa Blueway will be Oct 30 at Riverside Community Center in Ft. Myers. The free event is 4-6 p.m. & includes kayak demonstration, eco-information, area dignitaries, refreshments and more.
[Details] [Website] [Blueway Festival]

On Tuesday, Oct 30, at the Harborside Center in Ft. Myers, State Senator Burt L. Saunders will host a public meeting on state and local efforts to protect and preserve the Florida Everglades, Lake O, & Caloosahatchee River Basin. [Invitation] [Details] [Agenda]

The National Research Council's Committee on Independent Scientific Review of Everglades Restoration Progress meets November 14-16. Check the agenda and the registration form! [Agenda] [Registration Form]

Lee County beaches report acceptable or good swimming conditions with the exception of Bowman's Beach, which rates a "no swimming" safety warning due to enterococcus bacteria. [Advisory] [All Beach Conditions]

The big race day (Sat, Oct 27) is approaching! Register now for the Midpoint Paddle Sprint Race. Both recreational and competitive events are planned. Also, volunteers are needed to help staff the event. Contact Karen for details. [Register by mail] [Race Details] [Contact Karen]

The Kayak Shack at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, is now open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and on selected holidays including Nov. 12, Dec. 26, Dec. 27, and Dec. 28. [News-Press] [Map]

A new citizens’ action group, Cape Water Action, will have a kick-off meeting on Saturday, Nov 17, 2007 at the Rotary Park in Cape Coral. All residents of Cape Coral are invited to attend this free meeting. [Press Release]

The Corps of Engineers hasn't released water from Lake O in eight months and thus the Caloosahatchee water is clear right now. Estuary expert Peter Doering says just because the river is clear, doesn't mean it's better. [NBC-2.com] [Graphs]

The Sugar Cane League has announced its intention to file suit to require that all SFWMD pumps, culverts, and spillways meet the same NPDES permitting requirements as a judge ruled applies to ag water pumping into Lake O. [Business Journal] [Intent to Sue] [Miami Herald]

A report entitled "Evaluation of Current Stormwater Design Criteria in Florida" will play a major role in the development of the statewide stormwater treatment rule. Learn more about it and offer your comments to DEP. [Cover Letter] [Comments Letter] [Download Reports]

In an effort to conserve water, the SFWMD Governing Board announced the awarding of 17 grants, valued at $400,000. The grants will go to support local water conservation retrofit projects under the Water Savings Incentive Program. [Local10 News]

The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation has submitted public comment on the permitting of rock mining in the EAA. The comments dispute SFWMD/COE claims that mining would not affect future water management options. [Marshall Comments] [PalmBeachPost]

Pray for rain. That's the only major remedy water managers could offer for South Florida's record-breaking drought, which they now expect to last at least until the 2008 hurricane season. [PalmBeachPost]

On Sep 13 water managers agreed to let polluted storm water that washes off farms flow into Lake Okeechobee, with the hopes of boosting water levels needed to irrigate drought-strained crops. [Sun-Sentinel]

On Sep 14 the Ten County Coalition for Responsible Management met to discuss Lake O, St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Estuaries problems resulting from low lake levels. Read about their discussions. [Newszap.com]

The FL Legislature's budget earlier in 2007 included $5 million for red tide research. But those funds may be cut. Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota had hoped it coul could count on a steady stream of state revenue to investigate red tide. [BonitaNews.com]

Federal scientists reported that toxic mercury, cattail-feeding phosphorus and other pollutants continue to plague the Everglades, despite the billions of dollars spent so far on cleanup and restoration efforts. [PalmBeachPost]

The Corps of Engineers has made the Project Implementation Report and Environmental Impact Statement (PIR/EIS) for the Caloosahatchee River Storage Reservoir Project available for public review. Comments are due by Oct 22. [Summary] [Complete Report]

On Nov 1, 2007 at 7pm City of LaBelle will hold the second public workshop concerning development of a park for passive nature-based activities on 176 acres leased to the City by the SFWMD. [More Details] [Map]

CRCA and other groups have submitted their comments to the Corps of Engineers regarding the proposed C-43 Reservoir project. [Audubon] [CRCA] [Watershed Council] [PURRE]

On Oct. 23, 1000 Friends of FL released a study identifying strategies to stem the dramatic loss of rural lands. This study says the amount of urbanized land in the State of FL will double by 2060 based on current rates of sprawl. [Friends of FLorida]

FWC will hold two public meetings on Nov 14 at 6:30pm at the Corps of Engineers Office & on Nov 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Okeechobee Civic Center to explain the proposed fishing rules changes and to hear public opinion. [TCPalm.com]

Riverwatch calls upon Lee County residents to contact their BOCC members in support of a strong fertilizer ordinance. CRCA President and other groups addressed the BOCC. [Coalition Letter] [Sample Letter] [Phone Comments] [Email BOCC]

On Oct 20 Congressman Tim Mahoney and other community leaders will host a rally and press conference in support of WRDA and the important Florida water projects it would fund. The event is at the Stuart Boardwalk along the St. Lucie River. [More Details]

According to an independent test report released on Oct 10, the bacteria-laden waters that have closed some of Sanibel’s beaches since Sep 27 were likely contaminated by nearby private sewer plants and septic tanks.
[News-Press.com]

Write or call to encourage the Lee County Conservation 20/20 program and BOCC to make possible a green learning center in Alva. It's a unique opportunity for Lee County to lead SW Florida towards greener homes. [Email BOCC] [News-Press Editorial] [The Concept] [The Andrys Design]

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, with its 3 new Crist appointees, is set to remove manatees from the endangered list and slash 90 positions from the division that enforces the boating speed zones designed to protect manatees. [St. Peterburg Times]

The EAA has been unsustainably draining and oxidizing away the muck soils for decades, making their fields more like slow strip mines than like real farms. Now landowners seek actual mining permits to harvest limerock for roads and houses in cities. [Palm Bch Post]

Parts of the estuaries are starting to recover because this summer's low rainfall levels have not generated massive nutrient discharges from the watershed or Lake O. Much of the estuary still is barren of seagrass, but some parts are clawing back. [BonitaNews.com]

In its court-ordered application for an EPA pollution permit for its pump stations, SFWMD states that an NPDES permit "offers Lake Okeechobee no additional protections." SFWMD also cites the millions being spent as evidence of the clean-up's success. [SFWMD Letter to EPA] [Permit Application] [PalmBeachPost]

Congressman Tim Mahoney said about an unsafe reservoir built by the Corps of Engineers, "...it looked to me like it was a group of people that were more interested in keeping their job than doing what was right for the taxpayers."
[Palm Beach Post] [PalmBeachPost1]

Pollution that flows off sugar cane and other agricultural fields decreased this year. The amount of phosphorus leaving the 500,000 acres of farms south of Lake O decreased 18 percent between May 2006 and April 2007 [Sun-Sentinel]

A new alliance is being formed by individuals who work, play & love local waters. Water resource professionals Mary Rawl, Nancy Dickmon, and Karen Bickford worked on the steering committee for Great Calusa Blueway and are forming the alliance. [Northfortmyersneighbor.com]

CRCA officers spoke at the Aug 8 SFWMD meeting encouraging government to reject old failed practices and embrace new approaches to restore the health of our estuaries and the life it sustains, both human and animal, for future generations. [Opinion] [Naples]

At a meeting on Aug 14, 2007 conceptional drawings were presented regarding the possibilty of establishing a community park on 176 acres north of LaBelle for passive recreation. This plan addresses acceptable uses, security, & other issues. [Analysis] [Plan Overview]

Riverside Retreat is hosting an event October 6, 10am - 4pm, as Riverfest at Riverside. We are partnering with the FPAN. It will be a day of fun & info. We plan to have nature hike, pottery, weaving & more. Charges $15 per booth without electricity. [More Details] [Retreat Web]

Democratic Senator Bill Nelson told the Lee County BOCC meeting, including chairman Mike Valiquette, that he is working with Republican Florida Senator Mel Martinez (and RNC Chairman) to mount an override if President Bush should veto WRDA. [News-Press] [Nelson]

Debate continues about the SFWMD decision not to reinitiate backpumping from the EAA into Lake O. Some say it's necessary for sugarcane irrigation water supply while others say it will continue the mass destruction of coastal water quality.
[Guest Opinion] [Reynolds Reaction]

The SFWMD WRAC (Water Resources Advisory Committee) meets on Sep 6 in Naples. Among the presenters will be the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force (SFERestore).
[WRAC Agenda] [SFERestore Presentation]

St. Lucie River activists have renewed calls for a marshy "flow way" south of Lake Okeechobee, a project they say would save money on Everglades restoration and improve the health of the St. Lucie Estuary.
[Palm Beach Post]

Senator Saunders office is to host an environmental event for constituents in Lee and Collier Counties on October 30th from 10 am to 12:30 pm at the Harbor Side Convention Center, Fort Myers. Updates on the way....

Despite the damage it has wrought on natural resources, some cling to old ways, while others seek change. A farmer, an activist, an environmentalist, the fish finders, the immigrants, and the berm buster, give their comments on water issues. [Comments]

FDACS has adopted a statewide Urban Turf Fertilizer Rule. It reduced phosphorus and nitrogen in fertilizers for urban lawns, but precludes local municipalities from implementing more stingent rules that would achieve greater environmental protection. [Rule]

On Sep 14 the County Coalition meeting deals with the health and welfare of our lakes, estuaries, and riverine systems - Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie & Caloosahatchee Estuaries, & Lake Worth Lagoon. Ray Judah is the group's new chairperson. [Bylaws]

MIT scientists Jamison and Vilotijevic have now demonstrated how a red tide toxin called brevetoxin can be synthesized in water, using a "cascade" of chemical reactions. This breakthrough will help scientists better understand how red tides happen. [NewsPress] [MIT News]

Utilities Director Douglas Meurer told attendees of a North Fort Myers Civic Association meeting that by the end of November, Lee County should deliver options for the Waterway Estates Waste Water Treatment Plant. [News Press] [Lee Plants]

A Cape Coral resident says that for the city to spend $56 million for ASR wells before a Corps of Engineers feasibility study and test well experiment is completed could turn into a very wasteful enterprise.
[News-Press]

Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral was named a Clean Marina for the 5th consecutive year by the FDEP. This program encourages marinas and boatyards to use eco-friendly practices by adopting environmentally conscious practices. [Tarpon Point Marina]

Hundreds of runners in a 5-kilometer race, bicyclists, kayakers, cars, journalists, politicians, and a regatta in San Carlos Bay — all on hand for the causeway’s grand opening.
[News-Press.com]

An ordinance that could potentially demonstrate that Lee County is serious about reducing water pollution from urban sources has been lobbied down by business interests to reduce its effectiveness. Let the BOCC know what you think. [Details] [Send Email to BOCC]

On Sep 10 officals said that the owners of some 12,000 properties in Lehigh Acres could be assessed $13,000 or more during the next five years for new water and sewer lines. Lee County or East County WCD may purchase the utility from FGUA. [News-Press.com]

Manatees remain on the endangered-species list for now, thanks to intervention by Charlie Crist. The governor continues to enjoy high public approval ratings, largely because his environmental positions differs from past Republican administrations.
[Orlando Sentinel]

Marti Daltry, Regional Community Organizer for Sierra Club, will deliver a special presentation about red tide issues on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 10 am at the Ft. Myers Unitarian Universalist Church. [Details] [NapleNews.com]

Everyone is invited to attend the Kick-off Meeting for the Caloosahatchee Research and Water Quality Monitoring Plan Development. It will be 1:30-4:00 PM on Sep 26 at the SFWMD service Center in Ft. Myers. [Invitation Letter] [Agenda]

On Oct. 16 Lehigh Acres Water Resources Taskforce will hold the first joint meeting of governmental and environmental agencies for the future of Lehigh Acres. This is a public meeting the citizens of Lehigh Acres are encouraged to attend. [Press Release]

The City of Sanibel is asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to extend the assignment of Col. Paul Grosskruger as head of the Jacksonville District office that oversees south Florida restoration. [Letter]

Snook are saltwater fish, but as winter draws near, many that have spent the summer on the warm, shallow grass flats will change their stripes, so to speak, and become freshwater species. The fish stay in this water for several weeks. [TBO.com]

The SFWMD Board held a workshop on Oct 10 to discuss the Lake O Regulation Schedule. Public comment was taken at the workshop. Most environmental groups endorse the TSP option over the past WSE option. [Details]

Ray Judah says that a wise amendment to Congress’s 2007 Farm Bill could help end the waste of taxpayers dollars that subsidize the sugar industry to the detriment of the economy and environment. [Guest Opinion] [NP] [Costs] [GAO Report] [Rebuttal] [USDA] [NewsPress.com]

Lee Co. Commissioner Tammy Hall abruptly exited a meeting to protest colleague Ray Judah's advocating a southern flow way out of Lake O as part of the long-term solution to Caloosahatchee's water quality problems. Riverwatch supports a flow way. [News Press]

CRCA has joined other groups is signing a letter to the Lee BOCC seeking a stronger fertilizer ordinance than currently proposed. It should include a total wet season ban on yard fertilization. [Letter] [Recommendations] [COS] [Watershed Council] [Naples News]

Is there an alternative to the ever rising cost of public lands purchases? Must taxpayers buy every parcel of environmentally sensitive land at premium prices in order to re-establish a healthy state ecosystem? [NaplesNews] [Opinion]

On Sep 14 at Rutenberg Park the Mangrow Gathering will blend information & entertainment into an evening that goes beyond consciousness raising, to give long-time and newly made friends a chance to share a vision for a better Southwest Florida. [Details]

Dr. Ed Hanlon of UF-IFAS will moderate a Watershed Council program to provide updates on BMP implementation in SW Florida on Sep 20. Topics include stormwater, landscaping, nursery operations, project Greenscape, and Naples Bay. [Agenda]

The September 2007 Riverwatch 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. [Sep 2007] [Newsletter Archive] [Subscribe]

Commissioner Brian Bigelow has appointed Julio Chico Rivera and William A. Keyes Jr. to the Lee County Conservation 20/20 board that selects lands for public purchase. Bill Hammond was reappointed by Ray Judah. [NewsPress] [Reappointed] [Forum]

The 11th Annual Caloosahatchee River Ride is the morning of Sunday, Nov. 18. Over 100 riders participated in 2006 and we expect more this year. Plan now to join us for this always enjoyable Riverwatch tradition. Contact us for details. [Auto Email] [Registration] [Flyer]

Lee County Commissioners earmarked $10 million on Tuesday, Oct 2 for purchasing land to build a water facility for improvement of water discharged from Lake O into the Caloosachatchee River. [NewsPress]

A public meeting to identify water issues for Lehigh Acres is running into political waves. The meeting is called by community activists Robert Anderson and Keith Richter. Richter is a candidate for the state House of Representatives. [NewsPress]

According to Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency data, the EPA's pursuit of criminal cases against polluters has dropped off sharply during the Bush administration. [WashingtonPost]

Citrus trees in the SW Florida are dying. The USDA report covers seven counties including Collier, Lee and Hendry which suffered acreage loss of 4.1 percent in the past 2 years. Among them Hendry saw the most losses with decline of nearly 3 percent. [NaplesNews]

The SWFC's first report card evaluated 10 estuaries in the SW Florida basing grades on wildlife habitat and water quality criteria. Pine Island received the highest grades in Lee County. The second report card is due at the end of 2008. [NewsPress]

Charles Dauray of Estero, the SW Florida member of the SFWMD Governing Board, voted against Lake O backpumping at the Aug 9 meeting. Some were unsure if his vote would reflect water supply or water quality priorities. [Who Voted] [News Press] [Editorial]

River Forest Yacht Center in Stuart will expand with a second facility in Glades County as construction begins this fall on a River Forest Yacht Center near the Ortona Lock on the Caloosahatchee River. [Details]

Experts say consumers may get even hotter under the collar, when they have to dig deeper into their wallets for certain fruits, vegetables and possibly beef if Florida's prolonged drought continues to parch crucial growing areas around Lake O. [Article]

The water at American beaches was unsafe for swimming a record number of days last year, according to the 17th annual beach water quality report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). [Report]

As economists assess the potential impacts of a long-term drought in Florida on agriculture, individual farmers face decisions on whether they should plant crops this fall given the low level of lake and groundwater storage. [Economics] [Farmers]

Miami Herald's Carl Hiaasen voiced the concerns of many that Gov. Crist's recent appointments to the the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are poor choices. By contrast, SW FL groups offered Crist a better alternative - John Cassani [Miami Herald] [Naples Daily News]

Two environmental groups sued JEA this week, accusing the Jacksonville-owned utility of violating the Clean Water Act by discharging millions of gallons of raw sewage into the city waterway. Wastewater dumping is an issue almost everywhere. [Jacksonville.com]

Gator hunters will hit the swamps in record numbers for the statewide public waters alligator harvest. Alligator hunting has morphed from a strictly commercial enterprise to an almost totally recreational pursuit since 1988. [Details]

A new pollution penalty policy announced with much fanfare last month is really only a modest adjustment of previous policies with little impact unless the state starts employing existing powers it has long been afraid to use,acc. to a legal analysis [PEER Release]

A new report calls for scientists, policymakers and the public to “move beyond polarized debate” about the causes of red tide and instead find ways to reduce coastal pollution and red tide outbreaks. [Dr. Alcock Report] [Bonita]

David Y. Burr, 56 who made preserving SW Florida’s natural habitat his life’s mission died unexpectedly on Monday, September 27. Burr was the executive director of the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council. [News Press] [Riverwatch]

DECOMP is the de-compartmentalization of the connections between Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades, making it a self-regulating system with the pre-drainage ecological functions that reduces destructive high discharges. [Vision] [Comments 4MB] [SOFIA]

Lee County officials encourage residents to review plans for Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve. It is the first such project in Lee County that will provide recreational facilities on the preserve. [Article] [More Info] [CCP Plan 23MB]

Sep. 26, is National Clean Water Phone Congress Day. Passage of the CWRA in the House of Representatives is within sight, but time is running out! Let Congress know that all the waters of the U.S. need to be protected by calling on Wednesday! [Info]

Our coastal water bodies are looking better. But how much of this is the result of the current drought keeping pollution on the land? How much is simply a relative comparison to the long term downward trend and the severely bad recent years. [NaplesNews] [NewsPress]

UF-IFAS regional extension director, Dr. Charles Vavrina, sees the creation of an Alva Green Learning Center as an opportunity to demonstrate green building & living methods for water and energy conservation. [Concept] [Photo Map] [Corwin/Andrys Photo]

The major threat to our future water supply is continued sprawling development, experts warn. Without changes in the state's growth policies, Floridians will see "an almost continuous urban strip extending from eastern Fort Myers to West Palm Beach. [Article] [Expected growth]

CWA is a newly formed organization designed to be an educational public outreach to the citizens of Cape Coral and is affiliated with the CRCA-Riverwatch. CWA is conducting its first meeting on November 17,2007 from 13:00 to 15:00. [About CWA] [Meeting Details]

Senate and House conferees reached agreement Friday on the Water Resources Development Act authorizing Congress to spend about $20 billion for water improvement projects nationally, including several projects in south Florida. [Associated Press] [Rep. Tim Mahoney]

SFWMD held the Water Summit 2007 on July 30, bringing together all those concerned with water issues for a dialogue. Results were mixed and assessments varied. [Article] [Glades Co. Notes] [Naples Editorial] [Presentations]

Does it make sense to use standard food crops and their associated industrial farming systems for growing fuel crops? Scientists argue that the water quality and other natural resources impacts negate the potential benefits of agricultural biofuels. [More Information]

At its Aug 1 meeting the CRCA Board of Directors adopted a position statement in opposition to the practice of backpumping polluted waters into Lake Okeechobee. [CRCA Statement] [Fact Sheet] [Counterpoint] [Editorial] [Sun Sentinel] [SFWMD Agenda]

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation team, including Riverwatch founding member Rae Ann Wessel, will host the 2008 annual meeting of the Everglades Coalition - perhaps Florida's most significant annual environmental event. [Announcement]

Hendry County Planner Vince Cautero invites organizations and individuals to participate in a community visioning meeting on Sep 25 at 10 am at the Dallas Townsend Center in LaBelle.
[Announcement] [Map]

Scientists in planes search water bodies where manatees huddle and count the shadowy outlines that look like sea cows. The best data researchers get from the count is a minimum number of manatees that live in our waters. [NapleNews.com]

A telling event on the snook opener was the McFlats Inshore Invitational snook and redfish tournament out of Cape Harbour, won by the Who Cares/R&R Sprinkler team with a 10.4 pound snook and a 6.13 pound redfish.
[News-Press.com]

The Audubon of Southwest Florida Board of Directors meeting will start at 6 pm on Sep 7. An The agenda of meeting is on the way...

Pine Islanders are very grateful to the South Florida Water Management District staff for their recommendation of denial for a permit to build a huge floating marina over sovereign submerged lands in Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve off Bokeelia. [Letter to SFWMD]

Supporters of establishing a nature park on 176 acres on the north bank of the river are looking to form a coalition to help make their dream a reality. They hope to make the park part of connecting environmental corridor with greenways & waterways [Newszap.com]

Peace River Audubon Society sent a comments letter to Pandion Systems, the involved state & federal agencies, and Charlotte County Commissioners about their management recommendations for the Babcock Ranch Preserve. [Pandion Systems] [County Commissioners] [Group Members]

Florida Native plants are required by some municipal codes and are playing a greater role in our gardens and landscapes. On Oct 3 you will be acquainted the most popular native species and also introduced with less familar ones at Ft. Myers. [Schedule & Registration Form]

The University of Floida IFAS Extention Service will hold a Native Plant Identification day on October 3. The one day session will acquaint you with some of the most popular native species as well as introduce you to less familar [Itinerary & Registration] [Photos]

The latest newsletter from the Southwest Florida Watershed Council includes details of an FGCU study into nitrogen sources in San Carlos Park and the latest meeting attended by Charles Durray, the recently appointed governing board member of SFWMD. [WC Newsletter]

The Committee on Independent Scientific Review of Everglades Restoration Progress will be holding its 3rd meeting at the Hilton Miami Airport Hotel, 5101 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami,FL 33126 on Aug 29 from 8:30 to 5:00 pm & Aug 30 from 8:30am to 10:30am [More Details] [Agenda] [Registration Form]

Until drainage waters are cleaner, the practice of backflowing rivers and backpumping water from the EAA and other areas into Lake Okeechobee is a failed water policy that will prevent ecosystem restoration of the greater Everglades system. [Comments] [Guest Opinion]

Well-organized Alva residents rallied to convince Lee County commissioners on August 21, to block a 45-lot gated community in the small, rural community northeast of Fort Myers, arguing it would harm the rural life unique to the area for generations. [Protest Details]

Other parts of the nation are creating stormwater calculators to help homeowners, developers, designers, and contractors see how their changes can improve water quality and protect local and coastal waters. We should have the same tools in SW FL! [Check Out!]

The PURRE Water Coalition submitted comments on Revised Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact statement for LORSS. It includes comments on the draft SEIS & comments submitted by gov & non-gov entities in the Caloosahatchee River & estuary area. [Comments]

Donate $10 (or more) to the beautification of the LaBelle Hendry House. Riverwatch will be planting new landscaping following the IFAS Florida Yards & Neighborhoods(FYN) designs that feature native plants, low fertilizer inputs and water conservation [Hendry House FYN] [Donate]

Many groups have submitted comments on the revised Draft Supplement Environmental Impact Statement, with regards to Lake O water release scheduled to be implemented in December. [Watershed Council] [Audubon of Florida] [SCCF Letter] [Impact Statement] [PURRE]

Area organizations, including CRCA, are supporting a proposal for the Lee County 2020 program to purchase the Corwin property with the help of the Lee County BOCC. Area residents are encouraged to write emails to Lee Commissioners. [AutoEmail] [Addresses] [Concept Outline]

The Watershed Council have submitted comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding the Lake Okeechobee Release Schedule Study (LORSS)Tentatively Selected Plan. The schedule is to be implemented by December. [Letter] [Schedule] [Impact Statment]

EPA has proposed a total phosphorus limit of 77 ppb (parts per billion) in the Okeechobee watershed. This is a 50% pollution reduction in most of the basin. DEP & SFWMD may oppose the EPA solution. [Sources] [Worst of the District] [Map]

Nat Reed, long-time environmental activist comments on the history of the SFWMD and his time as a governing board member as well as his hopes for a better future for the agency and for Florida.
[TCPalm Editorial] [Nat Reed Background]

Florida's increased development leads to more pollution from lawn fertilizer, which like agriculture, contributes to excess phosphorous and nitrogen in runoff to the Everglades. Instead of solving the problems of agriculture, the trend may be to replace it with a greater problem - sprawl. [Article]

Gov. Charlie Crist signed a new law providing millions of additional dollars for cleanup efforts and granting the state new authority over pollution throughout the vast wetlands. This new law expands the scope of restoration to the entire Everglades ecosystem, starting south from Orlando. [Article]

Despite the SFWMD and Corps dismissing the Plan 6 flow-way as ineffective, the National Research Council (our nation's top scientific review panel) in a dramatic counterpoint to the agencies, established "restoration of flow in the EAA" as one of their top priorities. [NRC Comments] [NRC Publications]

A new LaBelle park in Glades County is under development on the north bank of the Caloosahatchee just east of Hwy 29.  Planning meeting is 7pm, Aug 14 in LaBelle Civic Center behind City Hall. [Caloosa Belle] [Aerial Photo Map] [Newszap]

Bonita Springs civic associations are petitioning Congress to investigate political interference in the scientific findings and duties of federal employees involved in endangered species assessments in SW Florida. [Intro] [New York Times] [Civic Assoc]

Starting the first week of July reports circulated in LaBelle of algae blooms in the Caloosahatchee. In mid June, Trichodesmium blooms had been reported on the coast. These persit as of the most recent observations in late July. [Report & Photos]

As algae problems start developing in other parts of the world, Florida serves as an example of extreme blue green algae bloom problems. Are the problems we have created in our area a harbinger of things to come globally? [Article] [Montreal]

With 3 Gov. Crist appointees to the SFWMD Governing Board voting to change the practice of pumping polluted drainage water into Lake Okeechobee, all eyes now turn to the 4th Crist appointee, SW Florida's Charles Dauray, who may be the swing vote. [Bonita] [Naples] [Palm Bch] [King]

Water managers could move Wednesday to declare a drought emergency that would activate the controversial practice of pumping farm water back into Lake Okeechobee. At 9.45 feet, the lake has risen about eight inches from last month’s historic low. [More Details]

Due to low water levels in Lake O, mariners are advised that effective Aug 8, 2007 and until further notice, lockages will conform to following schedule. Lock operations outside of these scheduled hours will not be available. [Schedule]

Gov. Crist has filled three open seats on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with a developer, an attorney and an earthmoving engineer. This disappoints SW FL environmentalist that endorsed John Cassani, a wildlife specialist. [News-Press] [St. Pete Times]

Fort Myers City Council have approved a new wastewater treatment plant expected to be built in the next three years to meet the demands of the city's expanding east side. [Details] [Map]

After contentious public input on Aug 8, the SFWMD Governing Board on Aug 9 voted 4-3 to not resume backpumping into Lake Okeechobee from the Everglades Agricultural Area, a practice that ended in 2001. [AP] [SFWMD Vote] [Sun Sentinel]

Riverwatch has sent Governor Crist a letter supporting the nomination of John Cassani to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. CRCA members are encouraged to do the same. [Auto Email] [CRCA Letter]

SFWMD is now demanding appropriate growth, with water sources that do not harm the environment, irrespective of cost. This may see the growth plans of rural Hendry County revised to address more stringent water & sewer requirements. [Article] [NW Hendry Map] [Objections] [County] [Palm Bch Post]

President Bush has threatened to veto a massive water resources bill that would authorize $1.8 billion worth of restoration projects in the Florida Everglades and projects on the St. Lucie River. Total national funding for WRDA is $20 billion.
[Article] [Letter] [Local Projects]

Riverwatch honored Caroline Krieger-Comings for her art contribution to Riverwatch. Her painting graces the Riverwatch "thank you" cards and her gallery provided the golf tournament prize. [Painting] [Card] [Gallery_1] [Gallery_2]

Even in this time of record low Lake O levels, there is discussion about what to do with excess water. Plan 6 would send it south to through portions of the EAA rather then discharging it west and east. [Details]

Cape Coral Mayor Eric Feichthaler has approached Governor Crist's office to request removal of the Chiquita Lock. This would increase discharge of nutrient pollution to the estuary. [Letter to Lt. Gov. Kottkamp]

Due to new developments and increasing pollution, there is urgent need for stronger stromwater treatment regulation so Act Now! Contact SFWMD governing board members to express your support for the Southwest Florida Basin & Lake Okeechobee and Estuary Watershed Rules! [Details]

CCA has requested a congressional investigation into permitting practices in SW Florida. The request asserts “the disregard for the enforcement of existing laws has become commonplace among governmental bodies at the federal, state and local levels.” [Details]