News & Announcements

The Suwannee River Water Management District named Ann Shortelle, the current Director of Water Policy for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, as the top candidate for Executive Director. Read the entire story here.

Ron Littlepage wrote an opinion piece for Jacksonville.com today on the importance of immediate action to protect Florida's springs, lakes, and rivers. See Time running out for Florida's Springs.

The St. Augustine Record's David Baulerlein reported that environmental groups will be attending a U.S. Army Corps of Engineering meeting to discuss a proposal to further dredge Jacksonville's harbor. Read the reactions of the St. Johns Riverkeeper, and Corps spokesman, at St. Johns deepening topic of Army Corps meeting.

The Florida Clean Water Network and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility issued a joint press release announcing the filing of a conflict-of-interest complaint against Florida Department of Enivronmental Protection Secretary Herschel Vinyard. Read the press release in its entirety at EPA debarment probes discrepancies by top Florida official.

Ocala.com reprinted an editorial today that presents a balanced look at Frank Stronach and the Adena River Springs permit. Read Benefits and risks.

University of Tampa economists Robert Beekman and Brian Kench contributed a special to the Tampa Bay Times this morning. The authors advocate the use of tiered water pricing during times of drought. By charging a premium for water consumed in excess of normal household usage, Tampa Bay Water would be able to reduce water consumption, generate revenue to fund conservation projects, and allow water users to decide on their own use. This approach has been advocated by environmental groups and economists. Read their insightful piece at Tampa Bay
Water solution simple: Charge heavy users more.

The Sun Sentinel published an opinion piece by Jack Curlett calling on the establishment of a marine reserve in Biscayne  National Park. For more information on the benefit of marine conservation read Expanded marine reserve at Biscayne National Park would boost reefs, economy.

Ocala.com staff writer Nathan Crabbe reported on the dedication of the Frank Stronach Plant Science Center in Citra yesterday. Mr. Stronach, the billionaire founder of Magna International, recently bought the Adena Springs Ranch and applied for a 13 mgd consumptive use permit from the St. Johns River Water Management District. A group of protesters, including Florida Spring Institute founder Bob Knight, gathered otuside of the event to challege the permit and highlight the potential damage to Florida's already imperiled aquifer and springs. Read the entire story: Water-issue protesters greet UF's Stronach Center dedication.

The Gainesville Sun published another excellent editorial about Florida's current water crisis today. The Sun points to the increase in sinkholes, including the Jonesville sinkhole that opened up this week and nearly swallowed an entire house, as further evidence of the negative effects of excessive water withdrawals. The editorial asks what responsibility the State and Water Management Districts should take in helping those affected by these no-so-natural disasters. Read Florida crumbling.

In a positive story, The Suwannee Democrat's Jeffry Boatright published an article about the use of reclaimed water to restore White Lake in Live Oak. Read how the lake will be restored here.

On Friday, May 18, The Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) Governing Board Selection Committee will meet to interview and nominate a new Executive Director. The meeting begins at 8:00 a.m. and is open to the public.

The four finalist for the position are:

Steve Minnis - The current Government Affairs Director for the SRWMD.

Cliff Lewis -  Assistant Branch Chief at the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

Ann Shortell - Water Policy Director in the Scott Administration who is currently responsible for overseeing water management district activities. 

Chuck Walter – Currently Director of Science and information at Applied Sciences Consulting; Formerly City of Tampa Stormwater Director 

See the meeting agenda.


The Gainesville Sun continued their excellent water coverage today with an opinion piece by Steve Lodle. Lodle analyzes the composition of the recently formed "stakeholder committee" put together by the St. Johns and Suwannee River Water Management Districts. He notes that while there are no expert hydrologists (like Dr. Bob Knight who was not selected by the committee despite his preeminence in the field) there are multiple representatives from the mining and fertilizer industry. Read Look who's deciding the future of your water.

Charles Fishman published an article in National Geographic Water Currents commenting on the short-sighted nature of recent water policy decisions in the state of Florida. Read How a lost rope swing captures everything wrong with water policy.

The Gainesville Time's Ashley Fielding reported that the Chattahoochee river was named one of the top 10 endangered rivers in the United States for the first time since 2000. For more see Chattahoochee back on list of endangered rivers.

Silver Spring & Florida's Imperiled Waters Forum
Tuesday, May 15th 6 p.m.

Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk
1515 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville 32207
Click here for a map and directions.

Speakers will include: Dr. Bob Knight, the Director of the Florida Springs Institute; John Moran, the renowned nature photographer; and Guy Marwick, founding director of the Silver River Museum and Executive Director of the Felburn Foundation. These experts and springs enthusiasts will discuss the dire conditions of many our springs, lakes, and rivers and how you can get involved.

The forum will include an in-depth discuss about Adena Springs Ranch and the significant impact that this large-scale cattle operation could have on Silver Springs, a National Natural Landmark, and the Silver River, an Outstanding Florida Water.

Click here for the Facebook event page and here for a forum flyer.   

In a widely published editorial this weekend Southwest Florida Water Management District Executive Director Blake Guillory asserts that the district remains strong despite recent budget cuts. Among other accomplishments, Guillory cites the streamlining of the environmental resource permitting process and the reorganization of regulatory staff. Environmental resource permits are now typically issued within 48 hours. Guillory credits these programs, and others, with reducing the district's operational budget by $20 million. Read the editorial here. It remains to be seen, however, what effects reduced district funding and streamlined environmental permitting will have on long term water supply and quality. 

A Sunday opinion piece by Jimmy Orth, Executive Director of the St. Johns Riverkeeper, on Jacksonville.com highlighted the importance of protecting Silver Springs in light of the Adena Springs Ranch permit application.  Read more at Silver Springs water must be protected.

Judith Hushon published an editorial at naplenews.com calling on the the Environmental Protection Agency to adopt and implement freshwater, marine, and estuarine numeric nutrient criteria in Florida. Read Mrs. Hushon's editorial at Why is it so hard to achieve good water quality standards?

Noted author Cynthia Barnett wrote a piece for the Tampa Bay Times about her personal connection to the Suwannee River. Read Nature slip-sliding away for Suwannee River, Florida.

Ron Cunningham of the Gainesville Sun wrote a poignant opinion piece on Sunday criticizing the St. Johns and Suwannee River Water Management Districts for passing over the highly respected scientist and environmental advocate Dr. Bob Knight for a seat on their stakeholder committee. 

The Miami Herald's Curtis Morgan reported Sunday that South Florida had reduced its water use by 20% from 2000 to 2010. Read how these reductions were achieved at South Florida cuts water use by 20 percent.

The Editorial Board at Ocala.com criticized the St. Johns River Water Management District for calling on residents and businesses "to do everything we can to conserve" while the district refuses to consider a moratorium on new consumptive use permits. Read the editorial at Do everything we can to conserve.

Dr. Robert Knight,  Director of the Florida Springs Institute, sent a must read letter today to Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel Vinyard and the St. Johns River and Southwest Florida Water Management Districts. In the letter, Dr. Knight calls upon the DEP and Water Management Districts to take immediate action to protect the springshed that feeds Silver Springs. Dr. Knight provides a concise and insightful review of the science behind the declining water flows and the reasons why all Floridians should be concerned with the future of Florida's most treasured natural resources. 

Dr. Knight writes:

"The Governing Boards of the St. Johns River and Southwest Florida Water Management Districts, as well as the leadership of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, are the only state public officials empowered to avoid a disaster at this National Natural Landmark and Outstanding Florida Water. If you do take appropriate action, you may have an opportunity to avoid an environmental disaster. If you continue as before, you may be responsible for the loss of one of the most treasured natural features in Florida."

Dr. Knight recommends the following specific actions:

• Conduct a thorough characterization of the springshed boundary region within the general area of overlap near the common boundary of the SJRWMD and the SWFWMD;
• Finalize the MFLs for Silver and Rainbow in a fashion that assigns adequate water needs for these two Outstanding Florida Waters that are fully protective of, and will restore, their healthy aquatic ecosystems;
• Prepare a detailed empirical water mass balance for the Silver and Rainbow systems on a decadal basis with explicit estimates of all principal inflows and outflows and use this in concert with MFLs to better manage the groundwater resources at the boundary between these two water management districts;
• If the boundary is indeed reduced by pumping to a level that will not impede this unintended inter-basin groundwater transfer, then revoke or revise existing CUPs in this area to decrease pumping rates and to allow the rebound of this divide to its pre-impact levels once rainfall and recharge increases.
  

In addition Dr. Knight urges the Districts "to consider a moratorium on new CUPs through the historic groundwater basins of these two springs until your staff and the public agree on a sustainable groundwater yield for human needs."                                                                                                      

Dr. Knight concludes: 
                                                                                                       
 "In my professional opinion, these actions are critical to prevent a true calamity that affects Silver Springs and our groundwater supply. The apparent lowering of the groundwater divide in Marion County is symptomatic of a regional failure by both water management districts to use necessary precaution during allocation of groundwater resources. By allowing over exploitation of the Floridan Aquifer and unintentionally transferring approximately 196 cfs (127 MGD) of remaining groundwater flow from the St. Johns to the Southwest Florida Water Management Districts, your agencies have violated the public trust to protect Florida’s environment."

Secretary Vinyard's response to Dr. Knight's letter is below:

Dr. Knight

Thank you for your informative insight and attention to this matter. I will make certain that this letter is presented to the scientists at DEP.

Herschel

The Gainesville Sun published an article yesterday evening concerning the lack of representation from Gainesville, the area's second largest city, on the stakeholder committee formed by the St. Johns and Suwannee River Water Management Districts. Despite applications from renowned springs expert and environmentalist Dr. Bob Knight, Alachua County Commissioner Lee Pinkoson, and GRU Senior Environmental Engineer Tony Cunningham,  none of the local applicants received appointments from either District. Read reactions to the Districts' selections at Alachua County not represented on water districts' "stakeholder" group. 

The Sun Sentinel's Andy Reid contributed a story on the progress of ongoing negotiations between the state and federal officials over Everglades restoration. Although the two sides failed to reach a settlement this week, SFWMD Executive Director Melissa Meeker remains optimistic about recent progress in the negotiations. The new proposal to restore Florida's famous "river of grass" could cost Florida tax payers up to $880 million. While some members of the SFWMD Governing Board, who must approve the deal, are apprehensive about the large price tag, several studies have shown Everglades restoration  to have significant economic benefits beyond its large up-front cost. Read the entire story here.

Curtis Morgan of the Miami Herald reported on the unanimous decision of the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board to not include a 2,800 acre patchwork of wetlands in Western Dade County in a possible land swap with Florida International University. The District plans to meet with local stakeholders and environmental groups to determine the best means for preserving and restoring the land as a buffer between the Everglades and urban sections of Miami-Dade County. Read the entire story here.

A Tallahassee.com editorial supports the Apalachicola Riverkeeper's Call for Action in response to severe drought conditions throughout the ACF Basin. Read No-more-water-wars?


The Florida Current's Bruce Ritchie reported on HB 313, which Governor Scott signed into law last week. The bill broadens liability coverage for landowners who allow outdoor wildlife events on their property. The bill was strongly supported by the Florida Wildlife Federation, as well as other environmental groups. For more see Bill signed by Scott increases liability protection for landowners offering public recreation.

Following Dr. Robert Knight's op-ed in the Gainesville Sun on Tuesday, and presentation before the Alachua County Commission on Wednesday, the Gainesville Sun Editorial Board published an editorial on Thursday, May 10, asking why the St. Johns River Water Management District and Suwannee River Management District have not taken stronger action in response to the worse drought in North Central Florida since 1932. Read  Editorial: Water problems.

The Florida Current's Bruce Ritchie reported on the conditions surrounding the Apalachicola Riverkeeper Call to Action yesterday. Read the entire story at Apalachicola Riverkeeper asks governors in three states to hold emergency meeting on drought.

The St. Johns River Water Management District and Suwannee River Water Management District named 12 stakeholder representatives to serve on the North Florida Regional Water Supply Partnership Committee. The Committee will serve as "an advisory body (to) share viewpoints of stakeholder groups with the St. Johns and Suwannee River Water Management Districts and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to help address the region's water supply issues." See all of the stakeholder representatives and find out more on the Partnership here: Press Release

Extreme Drought Conditions on Apalachicola - Call to Action

This week the Apalachicola Riverkeeper issued calls for action to the Governors of Florida, Alabama, and Georgia to mitigate economic and ecological impacts from the prolonged drought conditions that all three states are experiencing. The Riverkeeper also is seeking action from Senator Nelson, the federal government, and the Northwest Florida Water Management District. According to reports by the Southeast Climate Consortium (SECC) and National Integrated Drought System (NIDIS), D3- Extreme and D4- Exceptional Drought Conditions exist throughout the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Basin. The severity of the drought is being reported across the basin. The following facts are of particular concern, and are the basis for this Call for Action.

·         D4 Extreme Drought Conditions in most of the ACF Basin are being reported by the Southeast Climate Consortium (SECC) and National Integrated Drought System (NIDIS).

·         Lowest observed historical readings are being recorded on Flint River and groundwater levels in areas of southwest Georgia.

·         Historically high, prolonged salinity levels in Apalachicola Bay associated with loss of estuarine seafood habitat and significant oyster mortality are being reported by Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve.

·         Shrimp harvests in Apalachicola Bay and eastern Gulf have diminished to levels that will not support commercial shrimping reported by commercial fisherman. 

·         Crab harvest is likewise below historical lows and cannot support commercial harvesting. 

·         Salt water species rarely seen in upper portions of Apalachicola Bay indicative of a prolonged depletion of normal freshwater flows necessary for a healthy estuarine habitat are being observed by commercial fisherman.

·         Forecast by weather and climate experts at all levels is for continued Extreme Conditions to prevail for at least the next three months.

·         On May 1^st, the Corps of Engineers decided it will move its operation of Federal reservoirs in the ACF Basin into Exceptional Drought Operations mode essentially further reducing the minimum water flows allowed to the Apalachicola System.

·         Despite these repeated Federal assessments of extreme drought conditions and forecast of continued drought, the State of Georgia and Florida have not yet called for additional available water conservation measures for water users in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River basin.

      Apalachicola Riverkeeper is calling for the following actions:

1.      The Governors of Florida, Alabama, and Georgia meet in an emergency session to assess joint and unilateral actions available to mitigate the significant economic and ecological impact of this prolonged drought on the people and communities of their states.

2.      Governor of Florida Scott to call for action that will prompt effective State action to assist and provide Florida seafood industry workers relief during the ensuing disaster. 

3.      NW Florida Water Management District to establish water conservation measures consistent with extreme drought in the Apalachicola Basin and to work with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to ascertain the Ecological Instream Flow Needs of the Apalachicola River, Floodplain, and Bay.

4.      Georgia Governor Deal to encourage and impose significant water use restrictions on water users to conserve the water to help all water users survive the drought.

5.      US Senator Bill Nelson (Florida) based on his demonstrated leadership on this issue, to continue to work with the Florida Delegation and State of Florida leadership for a fair allocation of water for the Apalachicola River, Floodplain and Bay that will ensure healthy wildlife populations and a productive commercial fishing and oyster industry.

6.      That the 3 States and the Federal government seek opportunities to involve the Stakeholders that comprise the communities of the ACF Basin in effective action to mitigate the adverse impacts of this prolonged drought.

Ron Littlepage of the Florida Times-Union accompanied Gov. Scott on an airboat tour of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville last Friday. Read Gov. Rick Scott gets close look at the St. Johns River.

The Florida Current's Bruce Ritchie reported on the launch of a new Department of Health website to inform the public on recent legislation regarding septic tank inspections. The new website comes as Hernando County, despite opposition from environmental groups, became the first county in Florida to opt out of mandatory septic tank inspections. For more read DOH unveils web site for new septic tanks law as Hernando County votes to opts out.

Gainesville Sun reporter Chad Smith wrote an interesting piece on presentations given to the Alachua County Commission yesterday. The presenters encouraged the Commission to take actions to protect local water supplies under recent drought conditions. Read the story at Advocate for springs pleads for tougher rules on water use. 

Lois Kindle of the Tampa Tribune wrote an upbeat piece on a joint wetlands restoration project between the Southwest Florida Management District and Tampa Electric Company. When completed the project will preserve 24 acres of vital estuary habitat. For the complete story read Newman Branch Creek project nears completion.

Bob Knight, a renowned Florida Springs expert and the Director of the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute, wrote a powerful op-ed in the Gainesville Sun today. He discusses the extensive environmental degradation he witnessed on a recent snorkeling trip down the lower Itchetuknee River and the policies that have led to this "sick ecosystem". Mr. Knight questions if "the water managers who are tasked with protecting our water bodies and the public's best interest (are) afraid to speak up because they fear losing their jobs?" For Dr. Knight's entire op-ed read Florida's "perfect storm" water crisis. 

Florida Current environmental reporter Bruce Ritchie publishing a Q&A with Audubon of Florida Executive Director Eric Draper. Read the entire interview at Q&A with: Eric Draper.

On May 1st, Misty Ward of the Suwannee Democrat wrote an article on the search for a new Executive Director of the Suwannee River Water Management District. Read the entire story at Water Management narrows search for new executive director.

Gainesville Sun staff writer Christopher Curry reported on Ice River Springs, a Canadian water bottling company, which purchased the former Coca-Cola water bottling plant near Ginnie Springs in Gilchrist County. For more on this story read Canadian water bottling company buys former Coca-Cola plant in Gilchrist.

Bruce Ritchie of the Florida Current reported that the Hernando County Commission is scheduled to vote this evening on becoming the first county in Florida to opt out of septic tank inspections under the new state law. Read the entire article at Hernando poised to become the first county to opt out of septic tank inspections.

The Florida Current's Bruce Ritchie reported on the signing of  two bills last Friday of importance to the environmental community. First,  Gov. Scott signed HB 503 which is intended to streamline the regulatory premitting process. In addition, he signed SB 268 which allows sponsorship of, and advertising on, some Florida Trails. To learn more about this legislation read Governor signs bills to streamline environmental permitting, allow sponsorship of trails. 

Bruce Ritchie also wrote about the new Wakulla Environmental Institute which survived the Governor's line item veto. To learn more about the new initiative from Tallahassee Community College read Proposed Wakulla Environmental Institute, inspired by region's biodiversity, survives budget veto.

Brian Richter of The Nation Conservancy wrote a very interesting piece for National Geographic Water Currents about a new technology called Variable Rate Irrigation which is being effectively utilized to reduce agricultural water consumption in the Flint River Basin. For more information read Saving a river, one farm at a time.

Curtis Morgan of the Miami Herald reported today that federal and state negotiators are close to announcing a landmark deal on Everglades restoration. Although details of the accord have not yet been released, the South Florida Water Management District released a statement saying the plan is "scientifically sound, economically feasible, and would bring about long-term protection for America's Everglades. For more reactions to the deal read Major Everglades protection deal may be close.

Also today, Brad Rogers, the Editorial Page Editor at Ocala.com, posted an excellent recap of Charles Lee's speech about the degradation of Silver Springs at the Conservation Trust of Florida's "Protecting Our Rural Lands" symposium. To learn more about the effect of over withdrawals on the one of Florida's natural treasures read Will the Silver Springs become all dried up?

The Florida Current's Bruce Ritchie filed a story yesterday evening that The Center for Biological Diversity, an environmental group with a history of filing litigation over endangered species issues, announced plans to open a Florida office in St. Petersburg. To learn more about the group read Litigious group focused on biodiversity, endangered species opens Florida office.

David Bennett of the Southeast Farm Press published a very interesting interview with Rich Budell, the Director of the Office of Agricultural Water Policy at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service. Budell hints at possible 2013 legislation to bring "predictability and transparency" to the Water Management District Consumptive Use Permit process. To access the entire interview read Florida's tug of war over fresh water supplies intensifies.

Kate Spiller of the Herald-Tribune wrote an article on May 3, 2012 about the effect of budget cuts on projects in the Southwest Florida Water Management District. To learn more about projects effected by recent budget cuts read Water district cuts may undo decade of work. 

The Florida Current's Bruce Ritchie reported on May 3, 2012 that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection had scheduled three hearings for later this month to consider its human health criteria for  exposure to chemicals through fish consumption -Read more about the new criteria in DEP moving into new areas of possible water quality controversy.

Ritchie also wrote an article on John Steverson, the top candidate for the recently vacated position of Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. Stevenson, who is currently the special counsel on policy and legislative affairs for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, will replace Douglas Barr, who, prior to resigning in March of this year, was the longest serving Water Management District Executive Director. For more on Sterverson's background and the hiring process read DEP's Stevenson is top choice for Northwest Florida Water Management District.

The 32nd Annual Conference of the Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS)
Preserving the…

The Gainesville Sun published a great editorial today, April 26, 2012, highlighting the current challenges faced by the state's water management districts in handling low water levels as the dry season approaches. Experts discuss how overpumping to support Florida's growing water demands may be a major part of the problem. -Read Editorial: Attention Getter to learn more. 

The Florida Current's Bruce Ritchie reported on April 25, 2012, that another federal agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has joined FEMA in opposition to HB 503, an environmental permitting bill that has until May 5th to be signed into law by the governor. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the bill would require the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to issue permits prior to federal agencies determining whether wildlife protected under the federal Endangered Species Act would be harmed. -Learn more about the implications of HB 503 here.

The Florida Current's Bruce Ritchie wrote an article on April 24, 2012, about the recently approved land buying work plan that targets 14 projects within the state of Florida. Additionally, Adam Putnam, the Agricultural Commissioner stated that the state faces a very serious drought and elevated fire risk which has prevented the state from conducting prescribed burns which reduce fire risks. -Read Cabinet approves work plan for purchasing state lands, hears about wildfire risk.

Additionally, Ritchie reported that HB 639, a bill that promotes the use of treated wastewater, was one of four bills signed into law by the Governor on Tuesday. The bill initially declared that reclaimed water was not included in "waters of the state". but this portion of the bill was later revoked after fierce opposition by environmental groups. -Read more in "Reclaimed water" bill signed by Governor Scott.

The Palm Beach Sun Sentinel's Andy Reid reported on April 23, 2012, that a drier-than-usual spring season has threatened the foraging grounds for South Florida's endangered snail kite. The dry season has been particularly harmful to Lake Okeechokee and the Everglades. -Read Wildlife feels the strain of South Florida's drier-than-usual spring. 

Bruce Ritchie of The Florida Current wrote on April 23, 2012, that some members of the state advisory council would like the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to consider the implications of sea level rise in prospective land purchases. On Tuesday, the Cabinet will consider adopting a new priority list for state purchases. -Read more here. 

The Florida Current's Bruce Ritchie also wrote a piece discussing the completion of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition. The Expedition intended to raise awareness of the conceptual corridor area that extends from the Everglades to the St. John's River east of Orlando and north to Okefenokee Swamp along the Georgia line. Individuals who completed the project stated that Florida Forever, the state's land acquisition project, will determine the future of the Corridor. -Learn more about the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition here.