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Our Mission is to stop discharges into the St. Lucie River from Lake Okeechobee and to fight for a safe, healthy and ecologically balanced St. Lucie River Estuary and Indian River Lagoon, and the natural resources that are vital to the economy and quality of life of Martin County and the Treasure Coast |
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May 2023 Newsletter
Friends of the Rivers Coalition E-Newsletter
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Rivers Coalition Meeting
Thursday, May 25, 2023
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Stuart City Hall Chambers
121 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL
This meeting is in person and via Zoom, and is open to the public, with plenty of free parking available. Email info@riverscoalition.org for Zoom link.
DID THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE "FIX"
OUR TOXIC ALGAE PROBLEM?
With another massive toxic algae bloom likely on Lake Okeechobee this year, and the prospect of another “Lost Summer” in the St. Lucie Estuary, what did the Florida Legislature do this year to address the problem?
The state budget proposes to spend more than $40 million to research innovative technology to fight algal blooms, increase water monitoring, study the health effects of harmful algal blooms and support the state’s Blue-Green Algae Task Force. But legislators also passed numerous bills that could lead to greater water quality problems - and the budget itself contains a line item that would prohibit tough new fertilizer restrictions for the next year.
So what was really accomplished during this past legislative session to decisively address the problem? We’ve invited the local legislative delegation - Sen. Gayle Harrell, Reps. John Snyder and Toby Overdorf - and Rep. Overdorf has agreed to attend.
Join us on May 27th at 11:00 a.m. to hear Representative Toby Overdorf, Eve Samples, Executive Director of Friends of the Everglades, and Gil Smart, Executive Director of VoteWater, discuss what our legislators are doing to combat the toxic algae problem!
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Business Matters:
- Call to Order and Chairman’s Comments: Charles Grande, Vice President
- Rivers Coalition, Inc. Business matters
- Presentation:
DID THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE "FIX" OUR TOXIC ALGAE PROBLEM?
Government & Agency Progress Reports:
- State and Federal Legislation: Eve Samples/Gil Smart
- Martin County: John Maehl
- City of Stuart/LOSOM: Ben Hogarth
- South Florida Water Management District: Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch
- State and Federal Agencies: FDEP, USACE, FWC
- Lake Okeechobee Update: Dr. Paul Gray
Coalition Reports:
- Rivers Coalition Committee Updates:
- River Kidz: Nic Mader
- Speakers Bureau: Todd Weissing
- Local Issues & Estuary Water Quality: Todd Thurlow
- Seagrass Update: Todd Thurlow/Jim Moir
- Riverkeeper Update: Jim Moir(Indian River)
- Member Comments and Announcements
- Adjourn
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Rivers Coalition Meeting April 2023
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The topic of our April public meeting was the LOSOM delay and what was behind it. Tim Gysan, Senior Project Manager for USACE Jacksonville District, gave a presentation on the reasons, and Congressman Brian Mast expressed his displeasure with the delay and discussed the results of his efforts to find out more information.
Congressman Brian Mast joined via Zoom
Lt. Col. Polk (USACE Deputy District Commander for South Florida), Gretchen Ehlinger (USACE Senior Biologist, Jacksonville District), Mark Perry (Rivers Coalition President), Charles Grande (Rivers Coalition Vice President), Jim Moir (Rivers Coalition Secretary)
Gretchen Ehlinger, Senior Biologist for USACE in Jacksonville, answers questions regarding the LOSOM delay.
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River Kidz at the Environmental Studies Center
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The River Kidz had fun participating in the Environmental Studies Center Spring Open House in early May. We look forward to the Toxic Trail Run benefitting River Kidz on June 17th and getting more kids out on the water over the summer. Send an email to info@riverscoalition.org if you would like to join the River Kidz email list and stay informed of upcoming events.
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Rivers Coalition Presentation at The Circle Bay and Yacht Club
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On Thursday, April 20th, Todd Weissing, the Chairman of the Rivers Coalition Speakers Bureau, spoke at a meeting of The Circle Bay Yacht and Sailing Club. There were over 40 members in attendance. Circle Bay is located on the South Fork, which is ground zero if we receive any releases from Lake Okeechobee. We had a lively discussion of the issues facing the St. Lucie and the Indian River Lagoon, including many questions from the attendees.
The Rivers Coalition wishes to thank the Circle Bay Yacht and Sailing Club for the invitation to speak and for their wonderful and greatly appreciated donation to the Rivers Coalition.
If your organization would like to have a speaker from the River's Coalition come to your meeting and speak, please click the “Request a Speaker” button on the Rivers Coalition web page riverscoalition.org or contact Todd directly at todd.weissing@gmail.com
Todd Weissing (Rivers Coalition board member), Mary Battaglia (Commodore), and Marvin Beaupre (Vice Commodore)
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SIGNATURES NEEDED
"The Right to Clean and Healthy Waters" Petition!
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A reminder that the "Right to Clean and Healthy Waters" petition needs 900,000 signatures by November 30th to get on the 2024 ballot. More information on the proposed amendment can be found at: https://fronn.org/the-right-to-clean-water. The petition can be read in its entirety and printed out and signed here: https://www.floridarighttocleanwater.org/
**IMPORTANT** The petition must be mailed to the address found in the link above; OR
contact the local organizations listed below to obtain and/or drop off your signed petition:
Diane Goldberg (St. Lucie Audubon Society): digoldberg@bellsouth.net Ph: (772) 343-8666
Friends of the Everglades: info@everglades.org Ph: (305) 669-0858
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Upcoming Toxic Trail Run June 17, 2023
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The 8th Annual Toxic Trail Run will be Saturday, June 17th. The race starts at 6 a.m. in Port Mayaca. All proceeds go to River Kidz.
The trail is from Port Mayaca to Stuart Beach, approximately 37 miles. We want to continue to bring awareness to the trail of discharge that flows from Lake Okeechobee to the the ocean through Palm City, Stuart, and surrounding areas.
We encourage all runners, walkers, bikes, and support along the way. Our vision is a trail of people along the road with signs and banners. We must keep the momentum up for our community, our water, and our way of life.
Click here for the Facebook event page and click here for details and to register.
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Rivers Coalition Meeting Minutes: April 27, 2023
Summary of Comments
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Mark called the meeting to order at 11:03 am. There were attendees in person, 26 attendees on ZOOM call.
Minutes taken by Miki Blumenthal, Administrative Assistant.
Opening Comments: Mark Perry welcomed everyone and announced the meeting would focus on the LOSOM delay and the fact that it will be delayed until at least December. He then read the statement from NOAA Fisheries explaining why they were not at the meeting.
Mark welcomed County Commissioner Sarah Heard, and City Commissioners Eula Clarke, Chris Collins, Campbell Rich, and Becky Bruner.
Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch announced the presence of Dr. Gretchen Ehlinger, Senior Biologist and Environmental Branch Chief of USACE in Jacksonville.
Presentation: “The Losom Delay–What is Behind It?”
Tim Gysan, Senior Project Manager for the USACE Jacksonville District, joined via Zoom and gave a slide slow presentation on the LOSOM regulation schedule and delays.
Congressman Brian Mast joined via Zoom and expressed his unhappiness with NOAA Fisheries and the LOSOM delay, explaining how he had expressed his displeasure and what he had tried to do. He mentioned he had not been able to get a reasonable explanation and that he is highly skeptical of what is taking place.
A Q&A session followed the presentation. Lt. Col. Polk and Gretchen Ehlinger from the USACE answered questions, along with Congressman Brian Mast and Tim Gysan.
Mark Perry announced that the Rivers Coalition is attempting to re-engage members and asked for those present to reach out to absent members and help get them to attend and engage in the meetings.
Congressman Brian Mast added remarks with regard to the closing of the railroad bridge for at least 21 days in May.
Discussion: (summary of discussion-not verbatim)
Government & Agency Reports:
Martin County: John Maehl said the county had also engaged in discussion about the LOSOM delay and had gotten a similar response. He discussed the progress of the water quality treatment facility east of U.S. 1 and that the county had received every grant request they had asked for from the DEP.
City of Stuart/LOSOM- Ben Hogarth discussed the city’s engagement with regard to the LOSOM delay and mentioned the City Commission approved extended help and assistance with septic-to-sewer conversion.
SFWMD: Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch showed photos from her blog that her husband had taken since the discharges stopped on April 15th. She emphasized the USACE works closely with the SFWMD in taking photos and reporting daily. She shared the email address to sign up for algae updates from the DEP. The 2023 South Florida Environmental report is now available.
USACE: LTC Todd Polk participated in the main discussion above. Mark Perry expressed gratitude for the USACE Brigadier General Hibner, as well as Lt. Col. Polk, attending the Rivers Coalition March meeting at the locks.
Lake O Update: Dr. Paul Gray said the lake level is currently at around 14 feet. Rain has helped the burn ban but not the lake levels. We want to get the lake lower before rainy season.
State and Federal Legislation: Gil Smart discussed the Florida Legislature’s “Session of Sprawl” and gave an update on good and bad bills of this current session. Mark Perry mentioned that Florida Oceanographic Society is also tracking legislation and working with other agencies to track them. The current legislative session ends May 5th.
Coalition Reports:
River Kidz: Nic Mader emphasized the importance of talking about the issues everywhere and that she discussed issued while paddleboarding with a gentleman who attended our meeting today. She discussed the large amount of boat traffic even on weekdays and the importance of making the boaters aware of the marine life. Casey Kniffin, River Mom, talked about the River Kidz being present at the upcoming Environmental Science Center event on May 6th and the hope to get River Kidz involved this summer.
Speakers Bureau: Todd Weissing has been busy speaking at four meeting this year so far and bringing in new people to the Rivers Coalition meetings. The Speakers Bureau is available upon request.
Water Quality: Mark Perry updated us on the most recent water quality report of 4/19/2023 since the recent storms. He announced that the FDEP will be giving a 5-year BMAP update on May 5th.
Seagrass Update: Todd Thurlow showed images from his site and gave a seagrass update. He also has links to the SFWMD report and posters on his website eyeonlakeo.com.
Riverkeeper Update: Jim Moir discussed the turbidity problem in the Indian River Lagoon and emphasized the importance of working to get National Park status for the Lagoon.
Public and Closing Comments:
Darrell Brand announced that ORCA is looking for volunteers to help with buffer zone planting on May 6th.
Mark Perry said the next meeting of the SFWMD is May 11th.
Diane Goldberg spoke and emphasized the importance of the “Right to Clean Water” petition and how to access it and send it in.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:53 p.m.
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The Newest Version of the River Kidz Workbook has been published!
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The River Kidz workbooks have arrived from Southeastern Printing
The workbooks were distributed to the
4th grade classes of all Martin County Schools
FREE OF CHARGE
Thanks to the generous donations of kind supporters of the River Kidz
If you are a homeschool or a private school
please email info@riverscoalition.org
to receive your free copies
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2023 Rivers Coalition Board Members
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Mark Perry, President
Charles Grande, Vice President
Jim Moir, Secretary
Darrell Brand, Treasurer
Eve Samples, Director
Nicole Mader, Director
Todd Thurlow, Director
Todd Weissing, Director
Blair Wickstrom, Director
Gil Smart, Director
Merritt Matheson, Director
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All Meetings are at 11:00 a.m.
Stuart City Hall Chambers
121 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL
May 25, 2023 - Thursday
June 22, 2023 - Thursday
July 27, 2023 - Thursday
NO MEETING IN AUGUST
September 28, 2023 - Thursday
October 26, 2023 - Thursday
November 16, 2023 - Thursday
NO MEETING IN DECEMBER
For updates, please visit our Facebook page by clicking below:
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Check out the Rivers Coalition website
https://riverscoalition.org/
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Rivers Coalition Organizational Members
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Members: 1000 Friends of Florida, 27-80 Paddlers, American Association of University Women, Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, Atlantic Point Yacht Club and Marina of Stuart, Audubon Florida, Audubon of Martin County, Ballantrae Anglers Club, Ballantrae Yacht Club, Beau Rivage HOA, Business Development Board of Martin County, Circle Bay Yacht Club Condo Assn. Inc., Citizens for Clean Water, Cocoanut Point Yacht Club, Computer Network Services, Conservation Alliance of St. Lucie Co. Inc, Cypress Lake HOA, Dolphin Ecology Project, Driftwood Motel of Jensen Beach. Economic Council of Martin County, Florida Oceanographic Society, Florida Sportsman, Fort Pierce Yacht Club, Four Rivers Property Association, Four Winds Condo Association, Friends of The Everglades, Friends of Harbor Branch - FAU, Gregor Woods HOA, Guardians of Martin County, Harborage Yacht Condominiums, Harbour Ridge Yacht Club, Humanists of the Treasure Coast, Hutchinson Island Preservation Initiative, Indian Riverkeeper, Indian River Plantation POA, Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce, Joe's Point HOA, Keep Martin Beautiful, Lake Worth Waterkeeper, Leadership Martin, League of Women Voters of Martin Co., League of Women’s Voters of SLC Co., Lighthouse Point Association Inc., Locks Landing HOA, Lost River Plantation HOA, Marine Cleanup Initiative Inc., Marine Industries Assoc. of Treasure Coast, Marine Resources Council, Martin County Anglers, Martin County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, Martin County Conservation Alliance, Martin County Democratic Environmental Caucus, Martin County Farm Bureau, Martin County Future Group, Martin County Hotel & Motel Association, Martin Soil & Water Conservation Dist, Miramar POA, Nettles Island Community Action Assoc., North River Shores Prop. Assoc., Ocean Research and Conservation Association, Palm City Chamber of Commerce, Palm City Civic Assn, Palm Cove Yacht Club, Palm Cove HOA, Pierpoint Condominium Assoc., Port Salerno Commercial Fishing Dock Assoc., Port Sewall Harbor & Tennis Club Owners Ass, Port Sewall Property Owners Assoc., Port St Lucie Anglers, President’s Council of Hutchinson Island, Realtor Association of Martin County, Rio Civic Club, River Club Dock Owners Association Inc., River Kidz, River Kidz of St. Lucie County, River Vista HOA, River Warriors, Royal Harbor Homeowners Assn, Sailfish Point POA, Sailfish Point Yacht Club, Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, Savanna Fishing Club, Save the Manatee Club, Seagate Harbor Homeowners Assoc., Sierra Club-:Loxahatchee Group, Snug Harbor Yacht Club, St. Lucie Audubon Society, St. Lucie River Yacht Club, St. Lucie Sailing Club, St. Lucie Settlement Inc., Stuart Corinthian Yacht Club, Stuart Flyrodders, Stuart Heritage, Stuart Rod & Reel Club, Stuart/Martin County Chamber, Surfrider Foundation, Teamsters Local 769, The Garden Club of Stuart Inc, The Estuary at North River Shores, The Junior League of Martin County, Treasure Coast Buddhist Cooperative, Treasure Coast Builders Association, Treasure Coast Democratic Environmental Caucus, Treasure Coast Golf Course Superintendents Association, Treasure Coast Rowing Club, Treasure Coast Unitarian Universalist Church, US Sailing Center of Martin County, Venture Three Community, VoteWater, Windjammer Condo Association
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PO Box 2627
Stuart, FL 34995
772-225-6849
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