The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta overturned a 2009 decision by Senior U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson of the District of Minnesota.  Magnuson held that the Army Corps could not draw increasing amounts of water from Lake Lanier.  Magnuson gave Georgia, Alabama and Florida until July 2012 to develop a water policy that is acceptable to all.  This week's decision places future water allocations from the lake into the hands of the Corps of Engineers.   

Alabama, Florida and Georgia have been fighting in federal court over water in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river system since 1989. Lake Lanier is a man-made portion of that system.  The issue has divided  Georgia water users and threatens Florida's efforts to protect  the Apalachicola River and Floodplain and the recreational and commercial fishing industry of Apalachicola Bay and the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. 

Apalachicola Riverkeeper executive director Dan Tonsmeire said in the New York Times, "The region's seafood and tourism industries depended on a sustained, adequate flow of freshwater from the river. During the last drought of 2007, 80 percent of the oyster beds disappeared from the bay and fisheries declined more than 60 percent -- new lows from which they have never fully recovered."

"Compare the ecosystem to a rubber band. You can stretch it out so far and take it to a certain point and it will rebound," he said. "But at some point, you take it on past that, and the rubber band doesn't come back."
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Alabama has pledged to appeal the decision made by a panel of judges to the full appeals court in Atlanta.
According to the Florida Current: Gov. Rick Scott says Florida needs to resolve some of its environmental disputes without litigation and indicated that he may consider meeting with the governors of Alabama and Georgia.

We're gearing up, reviewing 59 films, seeking sponsors and getting ready to produce a smashing environmental film festival for you this year.  SAVE THE DATE - Carrabelle, August 26th & 27th, Apalachicola, September 2nd & 3rd.  To sponsor this year's festival, please contact your Riverkeeper

Many thanks to David Morse of the Forest Service for guiding our 4th Saturday Paddle last week.  David chose CesarCreek from Gardiner's Landing for June's kayak excursion.  The weather was perfect, overcast but little rain and the creek was beautiful, peaceful and refreshing.  David shared his extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna.  10 Riverkeeper members participated, several for the first time.  The Apalachicola Riverkeeper organizes a monthly kayak excursion in local creeks and marshlands on the 4th Saturday of each month.  The paddle is free to members, $30 for non-members.  Kayaks are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Please contact the Apalachicola Riverkeeper for more information.  Next paddle - July 23rd, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Chris Giordano; Caroline & Board President Jeff Ilardi; and Caroline Weiler, are pictured to the left.
Also, many thanks to June Dosik, Ginny Cole, and Ron Yurko for your help as well.  Doug Wakeman, David Morse and all of you who give of your time - thank you again.  The work of the Riverkeeper is enormous and never ending.  We can always use help.  Volunteer today.