October 3, 2011
Subject: Re: Judge Moreno ruling
 
 
Green Mud Puddles?
 
We on the Caloosahatchee have seen a green river, but have you ever seen a green mud puddle? The sugar fields adjacent to the Loxahatchee Nat. Wildlife Refuge demonstrates this unique accomplishment. A judge ruled water entering and exiting the NWR needs to be cleaner.
 
I'm bringing this up on this list yet again in the context of Judge Moreno's ruling - the U.S. Sugar cane lands recently purchased by the State of Florida drain directly into the Lox NWR. These lands have since been leased back to U.S. Sugar (for continued production) at some ridiculously low figure - I believe $150 per year per acre. Map is here - dark area in the northeast section of the map are the U.S. Sugar cane fields purchased by we the people.
 
http://enr.construction.com/infrastructure/environment/2010/extras/0818.asp
 
It is time to take at least that piece of state owned land out of sugar cultivation - for the purpose of an immediate (and quantifiable) decrease in the nutrient load running into the Lox. Photos of the land taken right after the purchase are attached. The bright green stuff is everywhere.
 
 
Matt