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In this issue: Florida Defenders appeals massive water withdrawals permitted for Sleepy Creek Lands; See a lowered Rodman Pool this winter; Florida Defenders recognized for support of environmental education; Matheson History Museum exhibit to feature Florida Defenders founder Marjorie Harris Carr
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Florida Defenders of the Environment eNewsletter, September 2015
Working to protect freshwater resources, conserve public lands, and provide quality environmental education since 1969.
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Florida Defenders appeals massive water withdrawals permitted for Sleepy Creek Lands

 

The Florida Defenders of the Environment, in partnership with the St. Johns Riverkeeper, has filed a notice of intent to appeal to the Fifth District Court of Appeal the Final Order of the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) granting a permit to Sleepy Creek Lands, LLC to withdraw a staggering 1.46 million gallons of water a day from the already-stressed Floridan Aquifer. 

 

Sleepy Creek Lands intends to operate a massive cattle operation only twelve miles from Silver Springs, a vital tributary to the Ocklawaha River. At its July 14, 2015 meeting, the SJRWMD Governing Board voted unanimously to grant a 20-year permit to the agribusiness venture.

 

During prior hearings on this permit, the applicant revealed that the 9,500 head of cattle planned for Phase I of this 3-phase project will produce nearly 158 million pounds of manure and 11 million gallons of urine per year.  In addition, 700,000 pounds of nitrogen from fertilizer will be used to grow grass and crops to feed the cattle.

See the Ocklawaha River during a drawdown of Rodman Reservoir

Beginning this October, the Department of Environmental Protection will conduct a drawdown of the Rodman Pool. A drawdown is a reduction of the water level within the pool to help the DEP manage the pool.

During the drawdown, submerged springs and flooded portions of the Ocklawaha River will be uncovered. The drawdown is great time to see the river and gain an appreciation for the decades long fight to restore the Ocklawaha.

To help our members see the river during the drawdown, Florida Defenders has worked with three outfitters—Lars Anderson, Captain Erika Ritter and Captain David Ziegler—to schedule trips by kayak and pontoon boat on Thursday, November 19, Friday November 20 and Saturday, November 21.

Join us and see the Ocklawaha during this unique time! Additional information, including pricing and an opportunity to reserve a spot are available on our website.

Florida Defenders recognized for support of environmental education

The Environmental Ambassadors, an intensive summer-long environmental education program for youth, recognized Florida Defenders of the Environment for its role in supporting youth environmental education.
Executive Director Thomas Hawkins accepts an award on behalf of Florida Defenders of the Environment at the Environmental Ambassadors summer 2015 closing ceremony.

Matheson History Museum exhibit to feature Florida Defenders founder Marjorie Harris Carr

 

The Matheson History Museum's new Saving the Sunshine State exhibition examines the lives and legacies of six of Florida's most influential women leaders including Marjorie Harris Carr. The Matheson is offering a variety of interactive programs and experiences in conjunction with this temporary exhibition. Marjorie Harris Carr was a tireless advocate for Florida’s environment. In addition to founding the Florida Defenders of the Environment, she successfully fought for the deauthorization of the Cross Florida Barge Canal.

 

The museum will host this exhibit from Tuesday, September 1 through Saturday, October 31, 2015. Admission is free. The Matheson History Museum is open Mondays through Thursdays from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM at 513 E. University Avenue in Gainesville, Florida.
Copyright © 2015 Florida Defenders of the Environment, All rights reserved.

Florida Defenders of the Environment, Inc. is a charitable organization recognized as tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Your gifts are tax exempt. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Florida Defenders of the Environment Inc.'s registration number is CH 1063. The Division of Consumer Service’s telephone number is 1-800-435-7352 and its mailing address is P.O. Box 6700, Tallahassee, FL 32399-6700.