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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's time to register for this year's River Ride. Distance options are 15, 30, 40, & 62 miles. This year you can register and pay online. The event will start from Caloosahatchee Regional Park on Sunday, Nov 22. [Registration Form] [Register Online]

The 19th Annual Southwest Florida Water Resources Conference will be held Nov 20 at the Royal Palm Yacht Club in Ft. Myers. Dr. Don Duke of FGCU is this year's organizing committee chair. [Flyer] [Details] [Agenda] [Register]

On Oct 10, from 10 am to 2 pm, the state forest visit day will be held at the Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest in Hendry County located approximately 12 miles southeast of Labelle just east of SR 29 on County Road 832. [Flyer]

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum hosts the 12th Annual American Indian Arts Celebration (AIAC) on the Seminole Indian Big Cypress Reservation, from Nov 6 to 8. Many activities are planned, including, a children’s craft corner and dance demonstrations. [Details]

Fishing in the near-shore Gulf is on fire with migrating pelagic fish. Crappie remain scarce as inland waters remain unseasonably warm, but anglers on Lake Okeechobee have been staying busy with good numbers of bass and bluegill. [News Press]

The University of Florida program of Natural Resources and Sustainability in Lee County is coordinating a conference titled “Managing Climate Change with Sustainable Initiatives” Dec 4, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, in Fort Myers. [Details]

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

Mark D. Perry, executive director of Florida Oceanographic Society, accepted the second annual "Champions of the Everglades" Award on behalf of the Everglades Coalition in Nov. The Award is given by Arthur R. Marshall Foundation. [TCPalm]

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

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

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

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

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

To celebrate victory against the Eagle Training Center, Save our Creeks invites all the people who worked hard to protect this area to celebrate the First Venus Victory Celebration, Nov. 7, at 12 am, at the Venus Clubhouse. [Invitation] [Details]

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

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

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

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

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

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

The "Polluters Pay to Play" groups have started a campaign that is not based on facts. Earthjustice responds to their attack on clean water for florida citizens. They challenge the decade-long delay in setting limits for nutrients pollution. [NPR Report]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ocean Conservancy's 24th Annual International Coastal Cleanup is Sep 19, 2009 at a beach, waterway, lake, or stream near you! Sign up to join a worldwide movement of ocean-lovers who are turning the tide on ocean trash. [Details] [Sign Up to Clean Up!]

The Friends of Billy's Creek (FOB) will assist the City of Ft Myers and Wright Construction in a littoral planting & cleanup of debris on the site of the new Filter Marsh project on Sep 12. All citizens, groups, and clubs are invited. [Information]

The CRCA Board of Directors will meet on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at Perkins in North Fort Myers at 6:30 pm. All members and guests are invited to attend.
[Details] [Map]

Naples has organised a week of actions called Naples Leading the Way to Sustainability. It kicks off Oct 24, the international day of Climate Action, and ends Nov 1. There are already over 2,000 rally's in over 140 countries! [Flyer] [Details]

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

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

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

Cindy Miller, the speaker scheduled for The LaBelle Heritage Museum's Nov. 5 meeting, has been unexpectedly called out of town. Thursday's program will be "The Caloosahatchee River: As It Was" at City Hall starting at 7 o'clock. [Details] [Web Site]

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

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

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

In Clewiston, Oct. 30 the fifty plus member Everglades Coalition welcomed the Hendry-Glades Audubon Society to membership. Hendry county will also be the site for the 10,000 acre Berry Reservoir which will supply water to the Caloosahatchee Estuary. [Eco Voice]

The mystery of disappearing butterflies and how to shelter and attract the fluttering beauties will be the focus of the ninth annual Southwest Florida butterfly conference Nov. 7 in Fort Myers. Butterflies expert, Marc Minno is among the speakers. [News Press]

World, national and Paralympic champions will be among 48 sailors competing on the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Nov. 2-6, in the 2.4-metres boats World Championship, hosted by the Edison Sailing Center. [News Press]

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

CRCA Board of Directors will meet on Nov. 4th at 6:30 pm at Bridge Street Coffee & Tea Company, 23 Ft. Thompson Ave., LaBelle (near Forrey's Grill). For further information, contact Annette Snapp: asnapp@fgcu.edu.

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

Dr. John C. Ogden, noted ornithologist, author, and researcher will speak at Hendry-Glades Audubon at 7 p.m. on Nov. 9 at Dallas Townsend Agricultural Extension Building located at 1085 Pratt Blvd. Labelle. [Details]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get your bike ready for this year's River Ride! Distance options are 15, 30, 40, 62 miles - allowing the most and less athletic riders to participate. The event will start from Caloosahatchee Regional Park on Sunday, Nov 22.
[Register Online] [Registration Form]

The South Florida Water Management District Lower West Coast Service Center management team invites consultants and members of the regulated community who conduct business with their agency to a partnering session, Nov 4, in Fort Myers. [Details] [Web Site]

Eliot Caple of the Naples Sailing Center was among the winners during the weekend’s U.S. Junior Olympic - the River Romp - on the Caloosahatchee River in North Fort Myers.The event is the second largest youth regatta in Florida and one of 22 Junior Olympic sanctioned events for the 2009-10 season.

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

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

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

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

Lee County's recreational water event, the fourth annual Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival, began Oct 23 and many events will be centered in Cape Coral until Nov 1. The Calusa Blueway is promoted as the nation's premier canoe and kayaking destination. [News Press] [Details]

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

Oct 24, the Annual Florida native plant sale 350 will take place in Fort Myers. The sale is part of a global effort to raise awareness about the significance of heightened carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. 350 refers to the max CO2 level. [News Press] [Flyer] [Details]

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

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

Nov 12, the Center for Earth Jurisprudence hosts a policy and law workshop that explores innovative means of protecting and managing the commons, specifically Florida Bay and the Everglades. It is open to the public. [Details] [Web Site]

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

More than 250 young sailors will take to the water Oct 17-18 at the River Romp Sailing Regatta in Lee County. It’s the second-largest youth regatta in Florida and a multiclass junior Olympic competition sanctioned by the U.S. Sailing Association. [Details]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Friends of Inshore Fishing 2009 Banquet and Auction will recognize Dr. Phil Buchanan for his hard work in community service and environmental issues. You are invited to attend on Oct 24 at 6 pm in Punta Gorda. Reserve now!
[Details]

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

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

Riverwatch will receive a $250 micro-grant from the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program to help support educational programs on the Caloosahatchee River. The grant will be used for expenses, including Swamp Cabbage cruise printed materials.

An application to NOAA for federal stimulus funds may help oxbow restoration. Since the project began in 1996, only one oxbow (#24) has been restored with public funds. Other oxbows are ranked by priority. [Oxbow 32] [Oxbow 24] [Nature Park Oxbow] [Map] [Ranking]

DEP has proposed 9 million pounds per year as the Caloosahatchee pollution limit for total nitrogen, a 23% reduction below the current TN pollution loads. Other estimates say the limit should be 7 million pounds TN per year. [CHNEP] [Doering] [2005] [SWFFS]

The Caloosahatchee Estuary could grow dramatically in size by 2100 if new sea level projections prove true. Scientists are now predicting more than 3 feet of rise in the next 90 years. This dwarfs all current environmental concerns. [Tampa Bay]

Water Management Districts (SWFWMD & SFWMD) are considering reservoirs as a cure for all that ails us. Skeptics say that it won't solve anything, and all our water storage problems stem from society's destruction of Florida's wetlands. [Herald Tribune]

CH2MHill completed a study of nitogen removal methods for the Ortona Boma Grove to treat Caloosahatchee waters. They recommend a diversified set of wetland & agricutural treatment systems. [CH2MHill Report] [Agricultural System]

After a tree-pllanting project to mitigate the water quality impacts, DEP allowed Ortona residents to remove a weir holding back stormwater runoff and blocking their boat access to the river. [Caloosa Belle]

For information on Caloosahatchee River drawbridges policies, contact the LaBelle (SR 29) bridge tender at 863-674-4664 or the Ft. Denaud (SR 78A) bridge tender at 863-675-2055. Lock operations information is available from the Corps of Engineers. [Moore Haven Lock] [Ortona Lock] [Franklin Lock]

Rick Tulley & Cindy Bear have announced that the Lee County K-12 Environmmental Ed program has lost its funding. The program is well known for accomplishments such as the Monday Group, its classroom programs, & field trips.
[Tulley & Bear] [History] [News Press]

The SFWMD, Army Corps of Engineers, and representatives of the landowner agreed on the restoration of the lake and swamp. A total of 19.08 acres will be placed in a permanent conservation easement and made available for passive recreational use. [Eagle Quest Opinion]

Developers are planning on a new 79-acre housing Estate project on the Caloosahatchee. 58 houses would be built, with well and septic systems, and even a new bridge and roads off of River Road 78 for private access. [Letter from Deb Arnason]

The CVA will provide money to 28 states to help keep their waterways clean. The funds will help with the construction and installation of sewage pumpout facilities and floating restrooms, to purchase pumpout boats, and provide educational programs. [Joshua Winchell]

Divers have been collecting algae 14.8 miles southwest of Redfish Pass as part of a study to answer questions about massive algal blooms that pile up on the beaches of Lee County. The study is also looking at sea urchins in the control of algae. [News-Press]

Laura O'Brien Church passed away Saturday, June 27. Laura was a CRCA founder & its lead educational projects organizer in the group's early years. Laura was an inspired teacher who cared deeply about her students and the environment.
[Memories] [Services] [News Press]

On June 21, the 24-foot electric-hybrid family pleasure boat, Endeavor Green, left home port in Tampa bay several days earlier, and stopped at rivers Edge motel in LaBelle, and River Forest Yatching center in Ortona. [Caloosa Belle]

A plan with a new 200-room convention hotel, expansion of the adjacent Harborside Event Center & creation of an inlet and ponds that bring the Caloosahatchee river into downtown are the keys, planners say,to economically stimulate Ft Myers downtown. [News-Press Editorial]

The plan to place a system of pipes across FL to transport water from water-rich areas into water-poor areas was stopped by the public 5 years ago. Now thanks to SB 2080, only 5 executive directors of the Water Districts will have the final say. [The Ledger]

SCCF Marine Lab Research Scientist Dr. Rick Bartleson studied dead clams and mussels found along the Caloosahatchee near Cape Coral. The main reason for this incident seems to be the freshwater releases into the River due to recent storms. [SCCF Update]

On Mon, Sep 28, the Estero Bay Watershed Symposium will provide a public forum to inform about and discuss important issues regarding hydrology, water quality and habitat protection. Renowned experts are confirmed as speakers. [Details and Registration]

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

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

Come join Riverwatch at our Sep 19th outing as we join with Friends of Six Mile for a day to remember! Special guests Dr. Charles O’Conner & Cindy Bear will be in attendance to guide us on an adventure through an area normally closed to the public. [Details]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A meeting was held in Stockholm, Sweden, last week to discuss the world’s water issues. We had been experiencing the worst drought in recorded history. Lake O has now reached its healthiest state in years, but we could face devasting consequences [TCPALM.COM]

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

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

The 10 County Coalition meets Sep 25 to discuss economic development, ecotourism & natural resource based concerns for Hendry, Lee, & Glades Counties. Forest Michael will present a restoration concept for the Lake Hicpochee & Diston Island. [More Info]

CHNEP Science Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, Sep 9 from 9:15 am to 12:00 noon at Charlotte County Eastport Office, 25550 Harborview Rd. in Port Charlotte. For additional information a representative can be reached at (941) 764-4507. [Details]

The CRCA Board of Directors will meet on Wednesday, Sep 2, 2009 at Bridge Street Coffee House in LaBelle at 6:30 pm. All members and guests are invited to attend.
[Details] [Map]

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

Government spends up to $350 per pound of phosphorus removed and per acre-ft of water stored. The time has come to start privatizing the lucrative nutrient removal and water storage industries to rural workers & keep taxable lands. [Caloosa Belle]

Senator Bob Graham has mobilized his Center for Public Service at UF to draft the National Water Restoration Act, which seeks to separate out water quality restoration projects from general WRDA projects. [PalmBeachPost] [Graham Center]

Now that the U.S. Sugar vote is behind him, will Governor Crist finally name a Lake O region representative to the SFWMD Governing Board? Candidates are: Mary Ann Martin, Joe Collins, Edward Elkowitz, Robert Hatton, & Joe Spratt. [The Ledger] [Naples News]

Mary Ann Parsons of Cape Water Action, Mary Ruth Prouty, CRCA-Riverwatch and Marti Daltry, Sierra Club wrote a letter to City of Cape Coral Mayor and Council Members srongly urging them to vote “yes” in adopting a strong fertilizer ordinance. [Letter]

The 24th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference held Jan 9-11 in Miami included a presentation by John Capece on the science and social issues of biofuels production on sugarcane lands to be purchased from U.S. Sugar Corporation by SFWMD. [Capece on Biofuels] [Program] [Conference Highlights]

On Apr 25 CRCA members participated in various Earth Day events, including an educational festival in LaBelle at Barron Park and the Sierra Club Earth Day festival at the Koreshan Center in Bonita Springs.
[Photo Gallery]

Port LaBelle Marina, Inc. announced on Mar 31 that their Glades County application for land use change has been approved by the state Department of Community Affairs. New housing and commercial projects are planned. [SW Florida Online]

While some say the scaled-back US Sugar land purchase looks more like a corporate bailout than an Everglades restoration, others point out that the targeted lands are consistent with a version of the "Rocking Chair" flowway west of Miami Canal. [Sun Sentinel] [Purchase Map] [Rocking Chair]

Sid Kitson plans a solar-powered city at Babcock Ranch. Babcock was where Kitson sold the state lands that should have been excluded from development anyway. The state thus subsidized sprawl. Is this solar pitch sincere or another sprawl scam. [New York Times] [Time] [Promo Video]

Lisa Jackson, head of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency told all EPA staff to adopt new guiding principles for the EPA - transparency and openness. The memo outlines how staff should implement the many aspects of EPA duties. [Memorandum]

PBS recently broadcast a Frontline documentary titled Poisoned Waters. The show investigates how pollution is killing fish, mutating frogs, and threatening human health. [PBS Website]

The SFWMD board seat made vacant by the resignation of Bubba Wade has new nominees, including Lee County Smart Growth Director Wayne Daltry. Other new names are Roger Hatton, Bruce Hendry, Joanne Semmer, Greg Stuart, & Robert Wilson. [List]

Governor Crist needs to veto a bill passed by the Florida Legislature that would put the power to approve wetlands destruction in the hands of WMD executive directors. JD Alexander added the amendment to create this authority.
[St. Pete Times]

With the onset of this year's rainy season obervers watch to see if we will revisit what is becoming another annual tradition - algae bloom season. Algae thrive when the weather warms & rains wash nutrients into the river.
[Photo 1] [Photo 2]

Switching Lehigh Acres residents from septic tanks to central sewers may be good for water quality in the Caloosahatchee watershed, but it's hard on the wallets of Lehigh residents. [News Press]

Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation sent a letter to Governor Crist urging the veto of SB 2080. If you would like to contact the Governor, his e-mail is Charlie.Crist@myflorida.com; tel:850-488-7146; fax; 850-487-0801.
[SCCF letter]

Congress will soo vote on groundbreaking legislation that would decrease greenhouse gas pollution and protect communities and natural resources from climate change. Global warming has the potential to deveastate our shorelines & estuaries. [Petition] [RiverAlert]