Monthly

Springs Vent

September 2014

President's Update

Paying the springs bill By Dr. Robert L. Knight

On July 11, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection provided the 2014-2015 springs' restoration funding project plan to the Legislative Budget Commission.

As expected, the Florida Legislature appropriated $25 million for springs' restoration and the water management districts kicked in an additional $12.8 million of state money. Local governments pledged to spend $31.7 million, for a total of $69.5 million to help ease the hurt at the state's springs.

Combined with last year's pledge of $37 million in state and local funding for "springs restoration," this sounds like a good start. Unfortunately for Florida taxpayers, this is just the tip of the springs-cleanup iceberg that will be required to pull our springs back from the brink of disaster. [read more...]

Springs Supporters Enjoy First Field School at Wekiwa Springs State Park

In early August, the Florida Springs Institute hosted its first Springs Field School. Twenty-two students, environmental professionals, and community members attended the field school at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Participants attended daily lectures conducted by Dr. Knight and several guest speakers, explored the park and springs, participated in field work demonstrations, and enjoyed a paddling tour of Rock Springs Run.

Upon completion of the field school, each participant received a special certificate of achievement. The Florida Springs Institute hopes to partner with major universities in the future to bring the field school to college students across the state. Thank you to everyone who made our first event a huge success!

Tickets on Sale for FSI's Fall Fundraiser Beginning Sept. 15th

On Monday, November 3, 2014, FSI will host a fall fundraising event for our members and Springs Institute supporters at the Hippodrome Theatre in downtown Gainesville. The fun begins at 6 p.m. and includes a silent auction featuring local artists and businesses, a special screening of "Water's Journey" directed by Wes Skiles, food and wine, as well as local beers from Swamp Head Brewery!

Tickets for this fundraising event will go on sale on September 15th on our website. We hope to see you there!

Just Released:
Silver Springs Action and Wakulla Spring Restoration Plans!

The Florida Springs Institute recently released its Silver Springs Action Plan and Wakulla Spring Restoration Plan. Each report outlines the current state of the above-named springs and provides steps for restoring them to full health. To view these documents, please visit our website. An Executive Summary for Wakulla Spring will be released soon!

Please consider supporting FSI's continued scientific research and public education on springs. Donations can be made online or by mail.

Upcoming Community Events

September 6th - Speak Up Homosassa Springs hosted by the Florida Conservation Coalition, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

September 12th - Springshed Academy hosted by the Volusia Blue Spring Alliance

September 13th - 3rd Annual Adena Protest Flotilla benefitting the Water Protect Fund, departing from Silver Springs State Park with food and live music to follow at the Ocala Boat Club, 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.

September 15th - FSI Fall Fundraiser tickets go on sale!

September 30th - FSI Membership Drive ends!

For event details, visit our website!

Don't forget, you can now donate .5% of your
purchase to the Florida Springs Institute by shopping through Amazon Smile!

The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute is a 501c3 non-profit funded entirely by grants and private donations.

Please consider making a contribution to help further our efforts to protect and restore our majestic springs for current and future generations.

Click here to donate today!

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The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute is a 501c3 non-profit.
EIN 46-1663401

5302 NW 156th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32653
Main Tel: (386) 462-1003
Main Fax: (386) 462-3196

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