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State to lower level of Rodman Pool this winter
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will begin to draw down the Rodman Pool on October 16, 2015. From November 15, 2015 until March 1, 2016, the pool will have an elevation seven feet lower than typical.
The drawdown provides an excellent opportunity to see the Ocklawaha River in a less flooded state. Springs which are typically flooded will be uncovered. Bird watching should be excellent. If you have not visited the Ocklawaha River during a drawdown, do so this year. Watch Florida Defender's Facebook page in the coming months for information on planned excursions on the Ocklawaha River this winter.
The DEP typically maintains the Rodman Pool at an elevation of 18 feet above sea level. During the drawdown, the pool will be lowered to 11 feel above sea level. When restored, the free flowing Ocklawaha will be 4 feet above sea level where it passes the location of the Kirkpatrick Dam.
St. Johns Water Management District approves permit for Sleepy Creek Lands
The St. Johns Water Management District Governing Board ruled in favor of Sleepy Creek Lands, LLC in its request for a permit to withdraw 1.46 million gallons of water per day to operate an intensive cattle operation twelve miles from Silver Springs.
Florida Defenders intervened in legal proceedings over the permit and worked to protect Silver Springs, the Silver River and the Ocklawaha from this harmful water withdrawal and intensive agricultural operation.
We are saddened and frustrated by the ruling but are continuing to evaluate legal opportunities to protect Silver Springs, including the possibility of appealing this decision. Thank you for your support of this important work and a special thanks to each of our members and Floridians who wrote letters to the editor, contacted the district or attended one of the many meetings on this permit.
Protect Paynes Prairie
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is working to allow hunting, tree harvesting and cattle grazing at Paynes Prairie. Since the creation of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, this Florida treasure has had a special place in the heart of Florida Defenders of the Environment, as well as every Floridian.
Lend your voice in opposition to DEP’s plans for our state parks. Let them know conservation land is not meant to be sold to the highest bidder. Take action by visiting Protect Paynes Prairie’s Facebook page.
Cultural Arts Coalition’s Environmental Ambassador Program
As part of Florida Defenders’ educational outreach initiatives, we have sponsored two students in the 2015 Environmental Ambassadors program conducted by Gainesville’s Cultural Arts Coalition. This program provides five weeks of intensive environmental education to teens in Alachua County to create a new generation of stewards of our shared world. On July 29, Florida Defenders' Executive Director Thomas Hawkins spoke to the 2015 class of Environmental Ambassadors on the legislative process and enforcement of Florida’s environmental laws.
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