"Today's ruling by Administrative Law Judge Bram D. E. Canter upholds DEP's numeric nutrient standard rules, further supporting and validating that Florida is taking the right steps to get our state's water right. These rules have been peer reviewed and have received not only the full support of the legislature and members of the Cabinet, but of the court, as well.
"The state of Florida is, and has historically been, a national leader in assessing and addressing the health of our waterways. Florida has spent years studying our waterbodies, and no one knows our water better than us. DEP scientists and other hard-working professionals have dedicated their lives to protecting the environment and understanding the complexity of Florida's unique waterbodies. Florida has made a significant investment, spanning more than a decade, studying and collecting data regarding nutrients in Florida's unique aquatic ecosystems. We have used this science to develop a set of rules for the state of Florida that are the most comprehensive nutrient standards in the nation.
"We have crafted not only standards, but also the rules detailing implementation of the standards. Our rules provide a clear process for identifying waters impaired by nutrients, preventing harmful discharges and establishing necessary reductions. They provide a reasonable and predictable implementation strategy and avoid unnecessary costs on Florida's households and businesses. DEP has invested millions of dollars to generate nutrient rules for Florida's waters and has now received a full endorsement from the judge confirming that DEP's rules will protect our waterways at an affordable price.
"Our rules have been submitted to EPA for their final review and approval. EPA scientists have already confirmed that DEP's rules are accurate, correct and will continue to improve our state's water quality. With today's pronouncement by the court that Floridians and DEP are on the right track to getting the water right, we look forward to getting them on the books as soon as possible. It's time to turn our focus on improving water quality, put our plan into action and end needless litigation that delays Florida's rules."
Everglades Water Quality Improvements by jennstandiaz
The state of Florida continues to recognize the importance of the Everglades to the state's environment, economy and way of life, and remains committed to working with our local, state and federal partners to restore this one-of-a-kind ecosystem. On June 6, 2012, DEP submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency a revised permit, along with an associated consent order, that authorizes the operation of 57,000 acres of Stormwater Treatment Areas south of Lake Okeechobee. The revised permit, consent order and accompanying technical plan represent a significant and historic milestone toward restoring America's Everglades.
State judge sides with DEP in challenge over nutrient rules
TALLAHASSEE -An administrative law judge has cleared the way for Florida's proposed new water quality rules opposed by environmental groups as too lax.
Environmental groups had challenged the state Department of Environmental Protection's proposed limits on levels of nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus found in fertilizer and sewage, that are blamed for causing algae blooms that can choke the life out of the state's rivers and lakes.
In a ruling Thursday, Administrative Law Judge Bram Canter sided with the DEP and a host of industry groups in upholding the proposed new rules.
The rules next go to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a final sign-off; the EPA, which drew opposition from industry groups with its own proposed rules for Florida, has indicated it will defer to the state.
Earthjustice challenged the rules on behalf of the Florida Wildlife Federation, the Sierra Club, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida and St. Johns Riverkeeper.
ARTHUR R. MARSHALL LOXAHATCHEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SCHEDULED PROGRAMS Full Moon Guided Canoe Trips
Tuesday, July 3, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 1, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday, August 31, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Cost for this tour is $10.00 per person besides the regularRefuge entrance fee. (Tour price includes canoe rental; you may not bring your own.) RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
- PLEASE CALL LOXAHATCHEE CANOEING at 561-733-0192.
Swamp Strolls Every Sunday, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Meet a naturalist for a guided tour of the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk.
Early Morning Bird and Butterfly Walks Every Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge is located in the northern portion of the Fakahatchee Strand of the Big Cypress Swamp. Each month from five to eleven Florida panthers den, hunt, and roam within the refuge. Black bear, bobcat, white-tailed deer, Big Cypress fox squirrels and wood stork utilize the refuge. Large concentrations of wading and water birds feed, nest, and roost on the refuge. The refuge is composed of a variety of wetland and upland habitats including pine flatwoods, cypress strands and domes, wet prairies, tropical hardwood hammocks and hydric pinelands. Rare orchids and bromeliads are found throughout the refuge. The Native Orchid Restoration lab is located on the refuge. The goal of the lab is to promote the restoration of native orchids on public lands in south Florida.
Refuge Goals
Provide optimum habitat conditions for the Florida Panther.
Restore conserve the natural diversity, abundance, and ecological function of refuge flora and fauna.
Conduct research, monitoring and evaluations to improve management of flora and fauna on the refuge and within the South Florida ecosystem.
Develop appropriate and compatible wildlife-dependent recreation and environmental education programs.
Promote interagency and private landowner cooperation for the protection and management of natural and cultural resources within southwest Florida.
Not of the loquacious nature Babcock -- Mark Renz photo
on June 23rd from 10 am - 4 pm. This call to action to protect and restore Florida's imperiled waterways will be held at Silver River State Park and will include important public statements by FCC leaders, educational presentations, nature exhibits, outdoor activities, and live music.
We hope everyone who is concerned with the health of Silver Springs, and all of Florida's water resources, will come together to celebrate our outstanding waterways, learn about the significant water quality and supply challenges we are facing, and advocate for the protection and restoration of Florida's imperiled waterways.
Poker face Mark Renz photo art
The 2012 Farm Bill: Stewardship, Prosperity, and Fairness National conservation efforts and the natural resources they were intended to protect are in jeopardy. The Izaak Walton League has identified focused, cost-effective policy actions that will help meet these challenges. Our proposals continue the long-term modernization of national farm policy that sustains our farms, our lands, and our people. : : MORE
This page outlines several south Florida ecosystem restoration projects that were not authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 (WRDA), the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). They are however interrelated to the overall efforts to restore the south Florida ecosystem.
C-111 South Dade Project C&SF Non-CERP This project enhances freshwater wetlands and improved freshwater flows in the Southern Glades and Model Lands in southern Miami-Dade County. It improved the hydrology of Taylor Slough and coastal marshes of northeastern Florida Bay. The C-111 South Dade project includes a state expedited component. Preliminary design for the Frog Pond Impoundment is complete. This will reduce seepage from Taylor Slough to the lower C-111 canal system. http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Planning/Branches/Environmental/ Projects_C111.htm
Everglades Construction Project The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is responsible for projects which include but are not limited to the construction of stormwater treatment areas, hydropattern restorations, water diversions, and other improvements. The SFWMD is one of the state's five water management districts. It is the regional governmental agency responsible for water quality, flood control, water supply and environmental restoration in 16 counties, from Orlando to the Florida Keys. The Everglades Construction Project is one of these elements that made a contribution to the Everglades Program.
Florida Keys Water Quality Improvements Program (FKWQIP) On December 21, 2001, Public Law 106-554 authorized the Corps of Engineers to provide technical and financial assistance to carryout projects for the planning, design and construction of treatment works to improve water quality in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The primary purpose of this effort is to improve water quality in the Florida Keys, by implementation of several wastewater and stormwater master plans previously prepared for Monroe County and various municipalities within Monroe County.
Herbert Hoover Dike Rehabilitation Everglades and South Florida The Corps of Engineers is strengthening the 143 mile dike that surrounds Lake Okeechobee. It is an integral part of the C&SF Project. Construction is now under way on the most vulnerable southeast section. The project is expected to span two decades.
Kissimmee River Restoration Project (KRR) The KRR project is intended to restore over 40 square miles of river and floodplain ecosystem including the 43 miles of meandering river channel and 27,000 acres of wetlands. Restoration efforts will re-establish and environment conductive to the fauna and flora that existed there prior to the 1960s, when the river was dredged, straightened and widened to provide flood protection. http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Everglades/Branches/ProjectExe/ Sections/UECKLO/KRR.htm
Lakeside Ranch STA - Part of the Taylor Creek /Nubbin Slough Storage and Treatment Area State of Florida This project. includes areas north of Lake Okeechobee and Taylor Creek/Nubbin Slough Reservoirs, the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Stormwater Treatment facilities, and modifications to the Lake Istokpoga Regulation Schedule (Highlands County tributary).
Long Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals in the Everglades Protection Area Projects State of Florida This is largely a State of Florida effort to ensure that all surface water discharges entering the Everglades Protection Area meet water quality standards, in accordance with Florida's Everglades Forever Act. There are many projects planned to achieve this, including the STAs. The Corps and others are partnering with the state to achieve these standards. The plan is revised in an adaptive manner to ensure new information is included.
Miami-Dade County Regional Canal Study The purpose of the Miami-Dade County Regional Canal Study is to determine whether modifications should be made to the existing Central and Southern Florida Project to provide flood damage reduction and solutions to other related water resource problems within Miami-Dade County.
Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park (MWD) The overall purpose of the Modified Waters Delivery to Everglades National Park project is to restore the natural hydrologic conditions in Everglades National Park, which was altered by the construction of roads, levees, and canals. There are four major components of MWD: 8.5 Square Mile Area Flood mitigation, Tamiami Trail Modifications, Conveyance and Seepage Control Features, and Combined Operation Plan. All four components are necessary to provide substantial flow increases to Everglades National Park.
Seminole Big Cypress Reservation Water Conservation Plan CRITICAL PROJECT Everglades and South Florida The Seminole Big Cypress Reservation Water Conservation Plan is a comprehensive watershed management system designed to achieve environmental restoration on the Seminole Tribes Big Cypress Basin Reservation, the Big Cypress National Preserve, and the Everglades Protection Area. The project will reduce flood damage and promote water conservation. The Seminole Tribe will construct an expansion of conveyance canals in the eastern basin of the Big Cypress Reservation to transport water from Confusion Corner, where the SFWMD will deliver the Tribe's water entitlement through a new SFWMD pump station. The canals will carry the water to the Reservation's west basin, where the Corps will construct water storage cells and water resource areas. http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Planning/Branches/Environmental/ Projects_Critical.htm
West Palm Beach Canal/Stormwater Treatment Area 1-E C&SF Non-CERP This project provides flood control, water quality and water supply to the C-51 basin in Palm Beach County. One component is Stormwater Treatment Area 1-East (STA - 1E). This is complete, but repairs are needed in one area of the project for it to be fully functional. These repairs will be made by the Corps of Engineers in 2009 and 2010.
What were the Everglades like before they were drained? If one is trying to "restore" them, that may be the most fundamental question of all.
Please suggest that members of your organization sign up for the Eco-Voice Daily Digest to keep up on news about environmental issues affecting South Florida. Delivered to their inbox each morning by 6 AM, the Eco-Voice Daily Digest gives them details of meetings and conferences, links to articles, forums and advocacy opportunities for a broad range of environmental topics as well as some great photos from Mark Renz. If you post details of your events/meetings and links to articles of interest to the Eco-Voice Facebook page you multiply your outreach.
Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a 14,000 acre preserve located near Naples, Florida in the heart of the Western Everglades. It is home to the largest remaining stand of old growth Bald Cypress forest in North America. A 2.25 mile boardwalk trail, which winds its way through 4 native habitats, is open to the public 365 days a year.
Underscoring the state's commitment to Greater Everglades ecosystem restoration, the Florida Legislature in 2007 expanded the Lake Okeechobee Protection Act to strengthen protection for the Northern Everglades. This is being achieved by restoring and preserving the Lake Okeechobee watershed and the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries. The legislation required watershed plans for Lake Okeechobee (including Fisheating Creek), the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers and their estuaries. Features of the Northern Everglades & Estuaries Protection Program:
Recognizes that the Lake Okeechobee, Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie watersheds are critical water resources of the State
Builds upon and consolidates numerous restoration activities into a comprehensive approach
Expands use of the Save Our Everglades Trust Fund to include Northern Everglades restoration and extends it through 2020
Initial phases of these plans are now being implemented, as is planning for feasibility studies of sub-basins within each plan. Details of each of these plans, developed in 2007 and 2008 in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, as well as with stakeholders and members of the public, are listed below.
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