Joe Collins, engineering manager for Lykes Brothers, Inc., has been appointed as one of the 3 new SFWMD Governing Members. He is experienced in design, permitting and operation of surface water management systems for agriculture. [Sun-Sentinel]

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gov. Crist has signed into law Senate Bill 2080, relating to water resources. The law gives powerful permit granting authority to the 5 executive directors of the water management district, taking the governing members out of the process. [Articles on Crist and SB 2080] [Madfloridian Journal]

The law gives 5 people (SFWMD Directors) authority over issuing state permits for wetlands destruction and water consumption. However the directors say they still want to keep the process public as before,although now that would be against the Law... [Tampa Bay]

Sink Positive, essentially a toilet-lid sink, conserves water and encourages hand washing. The device ensures clean water to run through a spigot before filling up the toilet, after every flush.
[Mursfreeboro Post]

The original $1.75 billion for 180,000 acres south of Lake O. has been downsized to a patchwork of 73,000 acres for $536 million. Although the protection of the Everglades is of national and international importance, the funding is still lacking... [Marco News]

The American Clean and Security Act passed the House floor with a 219-212 vote. Now it heads to the Senate. Please show your support for this important piece of legislation, contact your Senators and let them know that we need this bill into law! [Reuters.com] [Contact your Senator] [Full Bill Text]

On July 25, Save Our Creeeks will start their meeting at 12:00pm at the Fisheating Creek Campground screen room. Charles Sobczak will the guest speaker. Also, the Settlement Agreement Advisory Board will meet from 10am-12pm. [SOC and SAAB Meeting Details] [Save Our Creeks]

As summer vacation goes on, and temperatures go extremely hot, children are defeating the heat (and boredom) with the good company of River Caloosahatchee. [News-Press] [News-Press ]

A new U.S. government report shows an alarming rate of wetlands decline along the coasts. This raises concerns about habitat for birds, sea life and humans. 15,000 more wetland acres have vanished between 1998 & 2004. [The Miami Herald 1] [The Miami Herald 2]

Before the Everglades restoration program there was the Chesapeake Bay restoration program. It has failed after 25 years of voluntary compliance efforts. Experts now call for mandatory pollution reductions. [WTOP] [The Washington Post]

A recent report from the Florida Coastal and Ocean Coalition, praises Gov. Crist and Lawmakers for protecting Florida's beaches, rivers and waterways. The coalition wants him to name a "coastal and ocean policy" director in his office. [Florida Capital] [Report]

A FL House proposal of Mar 6, would transfer DCA functions to the Department of State. They would also allow local governments to use the alternative state review process on all plan amendments. Please call your Representative and defend the DCA. [Call]

On Mar 18, the World Water Forum focused on disputes over shared rivers such as the Tigris and the Euphrates, that could be resolved if nations stopped using rivers selfishly and try to cooperate together. [Reuters]

A soon to be announced plan is forecast to pay farmers not to sell their lands to developers. Building housing on farm property that is too near farmland has led to unreasonable complaints around the state about agricultural dust, smells and noise. [News Jacksonville]

A bill in the state legislature would ban applying lawn fertilizers that contain phosphorous unless a soil test determined a need for it. Homeowners dump thousands of pounds of fertilizer on their lawns and gardens every year. [SF Sun Sentinel]

As all South Florida is suffering from a severe dry season, Lehigh wants people to save water whenever possible. The sandstone aquifer under Lehigh is very low because of a multiyear drought. [The News Press]

University of Florida's "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods" (FYN) program (Lee County Extension Service) celebrated Earth Day by having a Rain Barrel Workshop at the Eco Living Center at Rutenberg Park. [Report]

The April 2009 CRCA newsletter is available online. The archives provides an index to many of the newsletters dating back to 1995. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email. [April PDF Newsletter]
[Archive] [April HTML Newsletter]

The WP Franklin and St. Lucie Locks initiated restricted lockage times on Apr 20 until May 5. This is due to low water conditions in Lake O. All mariners are advised to check current conditions if navigating the Okeechobee Waterways. [Notice]

The April NS-EMA Stakeholder Group meeting will be hold on Thu, Apr 30, at the S. FL Water Management District in Ft. Myers. Without request, there will not be conference phone available. [Agenda]

The May 2009 CRCA newsletter is available online. The archives provides an index to many of the newsletters dating back to 1995. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email. [May PDF Newsletter] [May HTML Newsletter] [Archive]

Governor Crist may have the final say whether an inland port transportation & shipping hub is placed in the muck regions of the EAA or in a more ecologically benign location. Politics rather than ecological/economic considerations might be first. [Palm Beach Post]

John Folks of the Florida Office of Ag. Water Policy describes the constraints faced by farmers in meeting environmental regulations. He outlines criteria that must be met for a solution to be viable for farmers. [Lessons Learned Paper]

The Federal District Court has lifted the injunction against a bridge on Tamiami Trail. If the bridge is done, the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie esturies will benefit by having the excess Okeechobee waters going south into ENP. [SCCF News] [Court Decision] [Coalition]

More than 100 conservation leaders from all over the country were in New Orleans to launch the Restore America s Great Waters campaign. Their purpose is to get congressional authorization for individual projects and funding. [TheTimes-Picayune]

Even though the most expensive land conservation plan of Floridas history will be taking place during 2010 fiscal year (1.4 billion budget), SFWMD expects property prices not to drop more than 12%, therefore it won't need to raise its taxes. [Palm Beach Post]

South Florida water managers agree on easing but not ending the watering restrictions imposed last month on sugar cane growers and other farmers.
[Sun-Sentinel]

The East County Water Control District revenues are lower than in previous years. The District protects water reserves through drainage, conservation, mitigation, and other methods in Lehigh Acres and the western portion of Hendry County. [News-Press]

The East County Water Control District will be holding a ceremony on June 10th, to celebrate the first Federal stimulus project in Southwest Florida. $350,000 are from a Florida State CBIR grant and $1.45M from the FDEP. [ECWCD Press Release]

The Environmental Voice of Southwest Florida has launched www.Eco-Voice.org. It is a great tool to stay informed on local, regional, and national environmental issues and events. The site complements the successful email list.
[] [New Eco-Voice Web Site]

While most attention focuses on nutrient pollution, pharmaceuticals also pollute our waters. These chemicals can interfere with biology via the endocrine systems of fish and humans alike. More control on pharmaceutical disposal is crucial.
[Palm Beach Post]

Attention all environmental concerned citizens and children on summer vacation! June is National Rivers Month! Here is a great opportunity to spend time in the outdoors, and give back to our environment. [Announcement] [American Rivers]

Higher than normal amounts of white manatee grass has been accumulating in the shores of Sanibel and Captiva beaches. Although the grass itself might not represent any serious problem to the water, some people wonder about the cause. [NaplesNews] [SCCF] [Manatee Grass Info]

On Tuesday, June 16 the 24ft Endeavour Electric Hybrid will set off for a seven-day cruise. The 250-mile journey will use less than $2 per day of electricity. Proceeds from Endeavour Greens voyage will be donated to What About Blue. [Endeavour Green] [What About Blue]

Lee County Commissioners are contemplating connecting Waterway Estates to the N Ft Myers Utilities or Cape Coral system to stop wastewater discharges into the Caloosahatchee River. The solution won't be cheap. [News-Press]

Join CRCA-Riverwatch this 4th of July to celebrate Independence Day and our beautiful rivers! Picnic is at Fisheating Creek (7555 US Highway 27 North,FL 33944) at 11:00am for all CRCA members & their guests. [More Info] [Fisheating Creek Resort]

Friends of Billys Creek will sponsor a free canoe/kayak trip June 20 at 9:00 am at the Creek pavilion at the Rock Lake Resort, 2937 Palm Beach Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33916.
[Billys Creek]

If confirmed, Sonia Sotomayor would replace Justice Souter on the US Supreme Court. Souter joined Ginsburg and Breyer in supporting a ruling by Sotomayor in the 2007 Riverkeeper v. EPA case. Six justices voted to overturn the ruling. [About.com] [Overruling decision]

Some power boaters think that they are battling kayakers for area waterways. The fact is boating regulations are designed to protect wildlife (fish, manatees, etc.) and plant life that these wildlife require to live. It is not about kayakers. [Power Boater Letter]

Road traffic and water supply were the two primary hurdles developers faced in proposing new subdivisions. With Crist removing the road criteria only water supply can limit unchecked sprawl.
[Palm Beach Editorial]

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals overruled a 2006 Miami District Court decision requiring SFWMD to get special NPDES permits before backpumping farmland polluted waters into Lake Okeechobee. [Miami Herald] [WTPV] [The Ledger]

Dr. Annette Snapp, FGCU Professor & Colloquium Coordinator, was elected as the new CRCA President at the June 3 board meeting in North Fort Myers. Congrats to Annette and a sincere thank you to our past-presidents, Marti Daltry & Mary Ruth Prouty. [New Board]

Governor Crist seems to be dumping his green credentials in favor or catering to potential big donors for his upcoming Senate campaign. He approved legislation that will promote sprawl development throughout the state. [NewsJournalOnline]

The 2007 destruction of Willow Lake was the biggest environmental atrocity of Pine Island history. Unfortunately, restoration enforcement by Lee County and SFWMD officials has not been very effective...or taken seriously. [SFWMD Update] [News Press]

Despite a pledge to toughen anti-pollution enforcement, the DEP under Governor Crist has not properly enforced regulations or collected fines, according to Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). [PEER Press Release]

Steve Rawl who learned to crew on the Caloosahatchee at Alva recently traveled with the Yale University Crew team for a regatta preceding the Dragon Boat Racing Festival in Chengdu, China. [Yale Bulldogs] [News-Press]

The Supreme Court nominee knowledge and service as a federal trial and appellate court judge, provide invaluable perspectives for deciding environmental protection and related issues, as reflected in her 80-page Riverkeeper v. EPA opinion.
[Sotomayor Opinion] [Georgetown Blog] [Earthjustice]

Salinity levels are dropping in the upstream portions the Caloosahatchee Estuary. Heavy rains are helping beneficial freshwater species, such as tape grass, to increase in numbers and temporarily reduce the potential for oxygen depletion.
[News-Press]

UF law student Kim Koleos helped draft the Water Resources Restoration Act with Ashley Henry, Richard Hamann, & Sen. Bob Graham. This might make Federal authorization for the C-43 West Reservoir easier. [WRRA] [Update] [Support]

A $3,000,000 project by SFWMD & Hydromentia attempted to remove phosphorus from Lake O water by growing and harvesting algae. The goal was to remove 4000 lbs of P, but only 150 lbs was achieved.
[Palm Beach Post] [2007 Kickoff]

On Jan 12 Bill Hammond and Greg Rawl presented concepts for restoring some of the historic functions of the Caloosahatchee River. These include restoration of Lake Hicpochee. [Presentation]

CWN and American Rivers organized a "webinar" on Jan 15 that dealt with water projects & the federal economic stimulus package. They explained the existing joint federal/state program that provides matching funds for utility & stormwater projects. [Details]

We will restore science to its rightful place,...We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. [Inauguration]

Those seeking a southern flowway from Lake O to the Everglades are targeting a Rocking Chair shaped set of lands for acquisition to complete the flowway path. Agencies are now embracing the flowway concept. [Details]

CRCA members L.Mane, M.R.Prouty, L.Mattos, C.Krieger-Comings, & M.Daltry were at the More Than Manatees exhibit Jan 24 in Manatee Park. The CRCA canoes were perfect for seeing up close the hundreds of manatee in the water on this perfect day. [NP] [Pics]

Thanks in part to the Corps' Col. Grosskruger, releases from Lake O to Caloosahatchee River resumed on Mar 28. The freshwater pulse releases needed to maintain the proper salinity in the river during the dry season had ended Mar 5. [News Press]

The March 2009 CRCA newsletter is available online. The archives provides an index to many of the newsletters dating back to 1995. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email. [March Newsletter] [Newsletter Archive]

Sponsoring the Swamp Cabbage Cruise were: SCCF, Sierra, Audubon, PURRE, Glades Riverside Medical Center, WilsonMiller, TetraTech, Watershed Council, Gulf Citrus Growers, FGCU Coastal Watershed Inst, Rock Enterprises, & Agnoli, Barber & Brundage, Inc.

Standard Operating Procedure for political obstruction: (1) Set higher scientific standard (2) Defund science (3) Repeat as necessary. Did the new EPA really think that just because things changed in DC that they also changed in Tallahassee? [Blog]

You are invited to the CRCA-Riverwatch Annual Meeting (& picnic) on Saturday, May 2 at 11am at the Caloosa Lodge Screened Pavilion in the Caloosahatchee Regional Park State Road 78 west of Alva. [Lodge] [Map]

Rep. Van Zant, a new FL House member, filed legislation on Feb 26 that would require election of water management district governing members, rather than appointment by the state governor. If adopted, this act could take effect July 1. [Legislation]

Like a third world nation that over-exploits its landscapes, wildlife, & mineral resources, Florida is beginning to demonstrate how a weakening economy often leads to weaker environmental and growth management standards in a scramble for cash flow. [News Press]

The Calusa Blueway, recognized as one of the best U.S. kayaking destinations, has just improved its website. Interactive mapping, community pages, and area insights help visitors prepare their stay on the site. [Announcement]

After $1.75 billion, then $1.32 billion, the U.S. Sugar Land Purchase would be close to $500 million for 75,000 acres according to sources close to the negotiations. But nothing is decided yet.
[Reuters International]

Fl. Gov. Utility Authority Lehigh Acres WWTP needs to be put back in compliance. The permitted treatment capacity is limited to 2.35 MGD but the results showed an average of 3 MGD between Jul and Oct 2008. FDEP refuses to issue any warnings. [Appeal]

NOAA recently made an educational on-line game about estuaries. It’s designed for upper elementary students, but of interest to students of all ages. They learn about water life and earth conservation.
[NOAA] [Games]

After 39 years in the fish and wildlife management business, Jim Martin finally concludes that only habitat and climate really affect fish and wildlife populations. The wave of water policy conflict is building one of the greatest crises ever. [ESPN]

As an effort to develop numeric nutrient criteria for flowing waters and lakes in Florida, the FDEP has revised its criteria webpage. The biological health assessments have been moved to complete the criteria development. [Mail]

The Council of Civic Associations, via Ann Hauck, contributed to Paving Paradise, a new book by Craig Pittman and Matthew Waite, investigative reporters for the St. Petersburg Times.
[Revealing Excerpts]

Paul Huck, SFWMD Governing Board member, has sent the Governor his letter of resignation, citing an inability to focus fully on the U.S. Sugar purchase issue. Also, Bubba Wade has yet to be replaced and Melissa Meeker has yet to be re-appointed. [resignation]

The CRCA annual meeting will be at the Caloosahatchee Regional Park in Alva on Sat, May 2 at 11am. Riverwatch will elect their board of directors. For food and entertainment, $10 for non members & free for members. [Details] [Map] [Lodge]

The City of Cape Coral would have to build large reservoirs or filter marshes to protect the northwest waterways from canal discharges. Environmentalists had met with city, county and state officials to replace the Ceitus Boat Lift and dam. [News-Press]

The Lake Okeechobee Protection Program is considering an alternative plan to restore Lake Hicpochee water storage wetland capacity. The H1B project has three modifications. H1B-Mod3 seems to be the most promising and cost effective. [Evaluation of Alternatives]

The Caloosahatchee River Citizens Assoc. elected its 2009-2010 board of directors at its May 2 annual meeting. Officers will be elected at the first board meeting on June 3 in Ft. Myers. Mary Ruth Prouty has served as co-president with Marti Daltry. [Photo Gallery]

Member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Joe Frank, received a recognition award from Riverwatch at the CRCA annual meeting in appreciation of his service to the organization. CRCA thanks Joe & the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc. [Award] [Photo Gallery]

Recent rainfall suggests that South Florida's rainy season has started earlier than normal (May 11 vs May 20). It remains to be seen if the early start will help overcome the current moisture deficit. [SW FL Online]

Despite the drought now broken, Corps of Engineers and SFWMD managers continued the Lake Okeechobee water flows to the Caloosahatchee Estuary. In past years the estuary was denied these essential salinity-balancing waters. The new policy is welcome.
[Flow Calculations] [Graph]

The CRCA Board meets Jun 3 at 6:30 pm in the North Ft. Myers Perkins Restaurant at 13620 N Cleveland Av. Directors will elect Riverwatch officers for the next year. This will be Marti Daltry's last meeting as president after 2 years service. [Map]

On Jun 10 the East County Water Control District holds its ground breaking ceremony for the Harns Marsh retention & treatment facility. This marsh is the headwaters of the Orange River, contributing 50–70% of the flow from Lehigh Acres. [Announcement]

SFWMD Governing Board approved a new strategy to acquire lands from the U.S. Sugar Corporation with unprecedented restoration opportuni- ty for the Everglades. About 73,000 acres of lands would be initially purchased, in the south of Lake O. [Mail SFWMD.gov]

The Rivers Coalition (St. Lucie River) sent a presentation by Dr. Paul Gray to Governor Crist. The presentation highlights the challenge of reducing nutrients flowing into Lake Okeechobee and other state waters.
[Rivers_Coalition_Presentation]

The EXTERRA TRIATHLON will take place at Caloosahatchee Regional Park, on June 21 from 6 AM to noon. For more information contact Kelly Williamson, at kwilliamson@leegov.com or 239-693-2690. [Mail Xterra Triathlon]

Senators Nelson and Martinez have not yet signed on as co-sponsors to the Clean Water Restoration Act. We need their support on this very important federal legislation that affects Florida. The Riverwatch board has officially endorsed the CWRA. [Mail Clean Water Act]

Agencies and farmers are beginning to experiment with water ranching. But they also need to include, long-term storage contracts, conservation easements, & market valuation of water so many can participate.
[Article Highlands Today]

The NSEMA Stakeholders will meet to discuss the Ceitus Boat Lift (Cape Coral Spreader Canal) issue on May 26 at 8:30 AM in the SFWMD office at 2301 McGregor Blvd in Ft. Myers.
[NSEMA Message] [Map]

All Are Welcome! Save Our Creeks Board Meeting, Saturday, May 23 at 10 am in the Screen Building at the Fisheating Creek Campground near Palmdale on US-27. New mambers are welcome to join & attend.
[E-Mail] [Membership Form]

Dry conditions have led to low ground water levels and an overly saline Caloosahatchee River. User groups want the water "just right" having the right mix of fresh and salt water, writes Lee County Commissioner Tammy Hall. [News_Press_090506]

New Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) legislation introduced in the US Senate last week by Sen. Nelson & others would support HABs research, forecasting and monitoring. It will also help people detect, control and mitigate coastal HABs and hypoxia events. [Mail_Purre_090506]

In a letter to the SFWMD, the Watershed Council cites a failure to implement Phase 3 water restrictions at a time when flows to the Caloosahatchee Estuary have been halted by SFWMD and the Corps, violating the MFL & the principle of shared adversity. [Watershed Council] [PEER]

On Apr 21 the Hendry County Rural Lands Com. discussed how to retain & redistribute development density contained in lands purchased by the state & federal government. On May 5 they discussed water ranching & other topics. [Apr 21 Minutes] [May 5 Minutes]

Charlotte Harbor National Estuaries Program unveiled its new Interactive Mapping Web Site. The mapping tool is a user-friendly, visual way for you to create maps, convey technical information projects from around the watershed. Try it! [Details] [Web Site]

Rae Ann Wessel submitted comments from the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation to the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding protecting the smalltooth sawfish. Wessel points out the need to learn more about the life cycle of the fish. [letter]

Did you know that a cotton T-shirt typically takes some 700 gallons of water to produce. Next week, representatives from about 100 companies will gather in Miami for a summit on calculating and shrinking corporate water footprints. [Wall Street Journal] [Program] [Water Footprint Network]

On the heels of a wake up call given by Dr. Wanless at the January 2008 conference of the Everglades Coalition, SFWMD has begun to look at sea level rise implications for South Florida. [Sun Sentinel] [Wanless]

At the meeting with Chairman Oberstar of the U.S House Infrastructure Committee, Glades County Commissioner Russell Echols emphasized the need to accelerate Corps repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike around Lake Okeechobee. [Echols Comments]

The Florida Supreme Court has requested a condensed version of the CRCA brief. Andrew Dickman, representing CRCA and others, has appealed the overturning of a lower court ruling that halted construction of the 22-story tower The Vue. [Brief]

The 2009 Big-O Birding Festival is April 3-5. SW Florida's Lake Okeechobee region boasts some of the best birding and nature-based tourism the State has to offer. Plan to attend the events. [Promotional] [Form] [Big-O] [Hendry-Glades]

PURRE supporter and videographer Rusty Farst has created a short commercial for PURRE that is now on YouTube. PURRE Water Coalition Foundation People United to Restore Our Rivers & Estuaries.
[Public Service Announcement]

Paul Holmes received an award at Everglades Coalition Conference on Jan 10. EVSWF boasts over 3200 participants and has filled a communication need in the SW Florida environmental community.
[Details] [Eco Voice]

According to Michael Grunwald and others, local governments and developers in southwest Florida are creating new environmental crises faster than the past mistakes can be corrected...citing Ave Maria as an example. [Alter Net]

After completing its cleansing in a waste water treatment plant, effluent water is percolated through the ground filter into aquifers to mix with existing drinking water sources then treated again & piped to customers. It's a common system. [Toilet to Tap] [Wall St J] [Gag Gift]

A new report describes how fish regulate ocean pH and carbon. Dr. Villy Christensen says that fish ingest lots of calcium containing sea water and excrete it as calcium carbonate, removing CO2 from the ocean and thus from the atmosphere. [Reuters] [Animation]

Arisen from the dead is the State Fertilizer Bill that could restrict what local ordinances can be adopted to curb landscape fertilizer pollution to our waterways. We will keep everyone informed on its status.
[Comments] [Draft]

The government is concerned that removal of seagrass or mangroves for docks, affecting shading could impact the endangered sawfish. Contractors fear a critical habitat designation could severely limit what can be constructed along canals/waterways. [Flyer] [NP1] [NP2]

Get busy or get wet. We can either roll up our sleeves or roll up our pants. Scientists now say that limiting atmospheric CO2 to 450 ppm is proving an unrealistic goal & that 650 ppm is the best we may expect. Catostrophic sea level rise will result. [The Guardian] [Tyndall]

Many see the future economy from an entirely "inside the box" perspective. They assume that future natural resources will remain the same, allowing the same development as in the past.
[News Press]

The proposed ASR wells in Rockledge like those throughout FL would fully treat the water being injected to full drinking water standards with few minor exceptions such as it being saltier than drinking water & having small amount of suspended solids. [Details]

On Jan 20 the U.S. Senate confirmed Ken Salazar as Secr. of Interior, responsible for important agencies such as USGS, Fish & Wildlife Service, National Parks Service, & NOAA. He pledges to restore scientific integrity. [Press Release]

Rivers Coalition has released its January 2009 Force newsletter now available online. If you have signed up and are not recieving it, please be sure to add info@riverscoalition.org to your safe sender email list. [January Newsletter] [Archive]

On his first day, Obama blocked some Bush environmental decisions, including one that gave greater leeway to industrial polluters & another that declined to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from oil refineries.
[Los Angeles Times]

Second place in the canoe contest is a guided kayak tour for 4 people on Estero Bay, courtesy of Estero River Outfitters. The Outfitters also provided a $150 discount on the price of the first place prize canoe from $550 to $400.
[Web Site]

The February 2009 CRCA newsletter is available online. The archives provides an index to many of the newsletters dating back to 1995. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email. [February Newsletter] [Newsletter Archive]

SFWMD has once again delayed a decision on whether to impose year-round watering restrictions. They have been called to back off plans to make twice-a-week watering limits but the waste of water in South Florida cannot continue. [South Florida Sun Sentinel]

Thanks to Lake Okeechobee high level following the 2008 wet season, SW FL is not yet required to tighten its water restrictions due to the third-driest drought since 1932. However, water managers urged residents to be frugal with water consumption. [Palm Beach Post]

CHNEP hosts a reservoirs workshop on Apr 13-14 at the Charlotte County Event and Conference Center. This workshop will identify the hydrologic and environmental benefits and impacts of surface water reservoirs within the watershed. [Announcement]

On Sat, Apr 18 at 9am, volunteers are invited to go out in kayaks, canoes, and small boats to remove debris from the mangrove roots and shoreline of Billy’s Creek. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Supplies and refreshments provided. [Announcement]

On April 3, WGCU broadcast "Connect! Living Green" a show about activists from Southwest Florida, inspiring fellow citizens to protect wildlife or to preserve the quality local waters. Ray Judah, Ellen Peterson and Rhonda Roff are interviewed. [WGCU Website]

Sponsored by the city of ft Myers and the CHNEP, The Friends of Billy’s Creek and the Lee Paddlesports Alliance will organize a stream cleanup at Shady Oaks Park from 9am until noon on Apr 18. Over 100 volunteers are supposed to help. [Announcement]

A bill now going through the Florida House would allow drilling in Gulf of Mexico coasts less than 10 miles from Florida beaches. It would give the governor and cabinet power to lease sea bottom for oil and gas drilling. [The News Press]

On Apr 24 the Florida Legislature acted to dilute the growth management laws in a effort to help developers tired of the recession. The action was part of a general initiative in the Legislature to gut growth regulations. [The News Press]

On April 17 the Corps of Engineers halted water flow from S-79 (Franklin Lock) to the Caloosahatchee Estuary. They had resumed pulse flows in late March to maintain an average flow of 280 cfs at S-79 since Mar 1. [Summary] [Flow Status] [Lake O] [SCCF Salinity]

SFWMD holds a 2 day River of Grass workshop in their office of Ft Myers on Apr 16-17, starting at 10am both days. It will be an opportunity to review the 10 different conceptual designs for Everglades restoration. Public Comment is welcome. [Announcement]

In seeking a new redevelopment plan for downtown Fort Myers, some are suggesting moving the river a block farther south. (Actually it's just building a long inlet from the shore to Bay St.) But who would pay for such a project is unknown. [News Press]

Groundwater and surface water supplies are low throughout South Florida. Water restrictions are now in effect. On their website, SFWMD explains the various restrictions by region and what each of us can do.
[SFWMD Website]

Lee County's Dept. of Natural Resources now requires all professional landscapers to be trained in the Florida Green Industries best management practices for the protection of water resources. [Mail]

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate Jo-Ellen Darcy will lead the Corps of Engineers & Anne Castle will become Dept of Interior Asst. Sec. for Water & Science. One of Darcy's challenges will be to improve wetland regulations. [E&E Publishing] [News On Women]

In a 20 to 1 vote, the Cape Coral Spreader Canal stakeholders group adopted the recommendations of Phil Buchanan and will apply for permits to replace the Ceitus Boat Lift. However a final decision on construction is months away. [Analysis by Buchanan]

South Florida Water Management District hosts its annual Magic Bus Tour on Tuesday, Apr 2 around the Caloosahatchee River Basin. The all-day field trip provides a tour of the ecology and important water issues of SW FL. [Details]

In Cape Coral on Sunday, March 15th, will be held the 2nd Annual Canal Cleanup Day. Meet you at the Yacht Club Pavilion at 8am. This year promises to be bigger and better with loads of door prizes to give away! [mail]

Palm Beach County Port Authority hosts a meeting on Mar 20, 10-12 am, at the South Bay City Hall to discuss an Intermodal Logistics and Distribution Center to expedite the movements of cargo and goods. [Meeting Flyer]

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced dates for meetings group 2 final verified and delist list for impaired waterbodies in Charlotte Harbor, St. Lucie, and Loxahatchee. [Announcement]

Water managers decided on Mar 12 to cut Lake O releases to the Caloosahatchee, violating Minimum Flow & Level criteria. Releases are necessary to maintaining the health of the river and its coastal estuary, but also drain the lake. [News Press]

“This is what I like to call the real Florida,” said Ron Zimmerly, executive director of the tourist development council of Hendry County to the New York Times travel section about Lake Okeechobee. [The New York Times]

Paradoxically, a company based in Ocala is trying to remove nutrients from Florida waterways in order to prevent algal blooms by using algae itself. For years it has been a major issue in the Everglades and it recently came to Lee County. [News Press]

Watersense is promoting Leak Week, Mar 16-22, to remind Americans to check their home irrigation systems for leaks. Another campaign seeks to reduce the 4 million bottles of water which end up in landfills each year. [FDEP] [B Palm Beach] [Polaris Institute]

Letters from Ray Judah to Corps Colonel Paul Grosskruge and the SFWMD Governing Board raise concerns about the Corps' halting of water flow from Lake O to the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary. Cessation will lead to aquatic mortality. [Letter 1] [Letter 2]

Howard Troxler of the St. Pete Times makes the humorous case as to why the Dept. of Community Affairs and Florida's growth management laws are the root of all evil and the clear cause of the current economic crisis. [Tampa Bay] [Orlando Sentinel]

"The ultimate goal of the 5th World Water Forum Istanbul 2009 is to motivate action to improve the world's management of water resources." During this year's Forum, the United Nations' World Water Development Report will be unveiled giving insight into freshwater resources. [Pr-inside]

Lee County Parks and Recreation is organizing an adventure triathlon. They need 50 persons to be registered by Mar 13 or the event might be cancelled. Registration fee is $30 per individual and $65 per team. [Details]

On Mar 12 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Quality of Investment Act of 2009, to help close the $3.2 billion to $11.1 billion annual gap between wastewater infrastructure needs. It also protects public health. [CWN]

The 5th World Water Forum opened dramatically Mar 16 in Istanbul with protests by several NGO engaged in the struggle against water privatization. They want water to be treated as a right, not a commodity. [NDTV] [Share The Water]

On Mar 12, Gov. Charlie Crist visited U.S. Sugar's home base in Clewiston, to reinforce his stance for land deal, but this trip was unannounced and most officials said they didn't know the governor was in town.
[South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

The Earth First! Roadshow will be in Florida from Mar 14-24 (Mar 18 in Fort Myers). It crosses the country this spring with the goal of renewing a grassroots ecological direct action movement in the U.S. [Presentation]

Barack Obama issued a presidential memorandum stating that political officials should not suppress or alter scientific or technological findings and conclusions. This policy will govern all executive branch agencies...departing from past practice. [Executive Order]

CRCA Vice President Margaret England will receive the first Ambassador's Award being offered by SFWMD at the SFWMD Board meeting at John Boy in Clewiston on Mar 12 at 9 am. Congratulations!

Chair Denise Grimsley of the GAAC would propose a bill changing Water Management District governing board appointment and powers. It would reduce the Governor’s options and power, some say politicizing the process even more. [Mail] [GAAC Bill]

The U.S.Army Corps of Engineers and the SFWMD are cooperating on the Southwest Florida Feasibility Study/ Watershed Plan. SWFFS's goal is to produce a regional restoration plan for watersheds in SW Florida. A second scoping letter invites comments. [Mail]

Riverwatch officer, Dr. John Capece, will present a talk on sustainable agricultural redevelopment in the Glades region to Southwest Florida Watershed Council at 2pm on Mar 19 in Fort Myers. Topics will include biofuels and farming system options.
[Southwest Florida Online]

CRCA Vice President Margaret England received the first Ambassador's Award of the SFWMD. It was presented at a SFWMD board meeting Clewiston on Mar 12. Congratulations and thanks for her contributions to the region! [Palm Beach Post]

The linkages between water and energy are poorly understood and rarely considered in policy decisions. This was the topic of discussion in a recent Congressional hearing introducing S. 531, the Energy and Water Integration Act of 2009. [Article]

The Gulf Stream flows at the rate of 4 million cubic ft/sec and could fill up one full Lake Okeechobee every minute. But the S79 Franklin Lock on the Caloosahatchee, flowing at under 500 cfs, is one of the only gates still flowing in south Florida. [South Florida Watershed]

The Supreme Court of Florida has declined to take up CRCA appeal, ruling that Riverwatch lacked "standing." This may end The Vue case, a 27-story residential tower planned to be built on Centennial Park land, illegally transferred to the developer. [Supreme Court]

CRCA would like to thank Dr. John Geake and Ellen Hawk Geake of Riverside Glades Medical Center in Moore Haven for their generous co-sponsorship of the Riverwatch cruises during Swamp Cabbage Festival.

Gulf Citrus Growers Association was a co-sponsors of the 2009 Swamp Cabbage Festival Cruises. CRCA would like to thank GCGA, the trade association representing the citrus growers of SW Florida. [Website]

The Swamp Cabbage Cruise would not have been possible without co-sponsorship of Sierra Club Calusa Group. Their aim is to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources. CRCA would like to thank them. [Website]

Tetra Tech contributed to CRCA cruises for the Swamp Cabbage Festival. CRCA would like to thank them for their backing. The company is a provider of consulting, engineering, and technical services worldwide. [Website]

Rock Enterprises Inc. co-sponsored the Riverwatch cruises at the Swamp Cabbage Festival. Rock Abujacude and David Rolls participated in the cruises & CRCA would like to thank them both for their support. Their engineering company is based in LaBelle.

SCCF's Marine Lab scientists have been observing increasing amounts of algae growing thickly on seagrasses around Sanibel since November. A yellow-brown algae is interfering with fishing all along Pine Island Sound. [Captiva Sanibel]

Janet Starnes of SFWMD informed that a plan to clean up the Caloosahatchee River basin was almost ready but finding the money to implement it would be difficult. She noted much of the plan’s initial phase could be in place by the beginning of 2010. [Naples News]

Objections are surfacing to a project at Porpoise Point to build a pier into publicly-owned Matlacha Aquatic Preserve. Some are concerned about the scale and impacts while others say it is a reasonable project. [Status] [Rebuttal] [Comment] [Design] [Aerial] [Meetings]

Researchers at FAU have laid the groundwork for a sensory explanation for why manatees and other animals are hit repeatedly by boats. Marine authorities have responded to deaths from boat collisions by imposing low speed limits on boats. [Press Release]

At a Jan 6 meeting, issues were perhaps resolved for the new Porpoise Point dock. Even though many disapprove of it, this structure is said by some to be the result of well-informed engineers & biologists trying to develop the best-possible design. [Details]

SFWMD staff counseled against layoffs or a tax increase Jan 12, despite the dour economic outlook and plans to spend an unprecedented $1.34 billion in a land deal with U.S. Sugar Corporation.
[Palm Beach Post] [Map] [Sugar Deal]

On Jan 20 water managers began a week-long pulse release of water to the Caloosahatchee Estuary. It began at a high level (1000 cfs) as measured at S-79 Franklin Lock & gradually reduced to 400 cfs. This flow helps maintain proper salinity levels. [Corps of Engineers]

The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Conference will be held Feb 28 at Edison College in Ft. Myers. Other FYN events and classes are scheduled in Jan & Feb to educate home owners on better management of landscaping. [Conference] [Classes] [Flyer]

Rae Ann Wessel from presentation during Saturday cruise in which she has explained the U.S. Sugar land project. SCCF which main goal is to preserve wildlife and habitats around Sanibel helped Riverwatch building the cruise event. [Website]

South Florida is suffering from dry weather which could cause wildfires. Meteorologists say large-scale La Niña conditions probably are to blame. It usually brings a cold dry season, followed by dry cool air which keeps rain clouds away. [Palm Beach Post] [Sun Sentinel]