Press Releases

Everglades Village News

Daytona Beach News Environment   |   Sun-Sentinel:  Everglades Site   |    Commons-Everglades Discussion    |   Sun-Sentinel Everglades Discussion   |   SFWMD News Releases

Environment News Service                      
Environmental News Network                    

23-April-03

Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida Press Release
Press/For Immediate Release            
Joette Lorion     (305) 279-1166

Judge Hoeveler Orders Hearing to Discuss State Everglades Bill on May 2nd
The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida announced  today that Judge Hoeveler has ordered a federal court hearing to be held on the Everglades legislation being steam rolled through the state legislature.  A hearing on the status of the Everglades cleanup was to be held on June 10th, , but Judge Hoeveler expedited the hearing in an Order received by the Tribe today. The hearing on the status of the Everglades cleanup plan will now be held on May 2nd in Courtroom 9, at 301 North Miami Avenue in Miami, Florida beginning at 10:00 a.m. At the hearing, the  Tribe will raise concerns that if the amendments to the Everglades Forever Act (EFA) are adopted, there will be no guarantee that the state will meet the compliance dates adopted by the Judge in an amendment to the 1992 Consent Decree that settled the 1988 Everglades lawsuit.  In the original Everglades lawsuit, the federal government sued the state for not enforcing water quality standards in the Everglades.  The Tribe claims that this bill, which could soon  become law, shows that the state can not guarantee that the December 31, 2006, deadline to meet long term water quality standards will be met and enforced.  (The original date to meet final water quality standards was July 2002, and the EFA delayed that date.)    Read More...

22-April-03

Florida Department of Environmental Protection
http://www.dep.state.fl.us
CONTACT: Deena Wells, (850) 245-2112

Statement by Department of Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs on the Florida Senate's Action to Amend the 1994 Everglades Forever Act
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), South Florida Water Management District and environmental organizations have worked with members of the Florida Legislature over the last twenty days to rewrite proposed amendments to the Everglades Forever Act. The Department opposed the original committee bill proposed by the House Natural Resources Committee on April 2, 2003. The Department strongly objected to amendments that sought to undermine the integrity of the 10 parts per billion (ppb) water quality criterion proposed by DEP over a year ago. The Florida Senate today resolved every substantive objection raised by DEP. Read More...

 

9-April-03

JOINT CONFERENCE ON THE SCIENCE AND RESTORATION EFFORTS OF THE ECOSYSTEM SET FOR APRIL 13 - 18
Physical, biological and social scientists will gather with Everglades natural resource managers for a Joint Conference on the Science and Restoration of the Greater Everglades and Florida Bay Ecosystem - From Kissimmee to the Keys from April 13 - 18, 2003, at the Westin Innisbrook in Palm Harbor, Florida.  This is the first time that the Florida Bay and Adjacent Marine Systems Science Conference and the Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration (GEER) Science Conference have joined forces to provide a combined forum for the exchange of information among scientists.  Read more...
Copyright  © 2003  South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force All rights reserved.

 

7-April-03

Press Release: Conservancy Sounds the Alarm About Invasive Species Crisis
Florida’s problem of out-of-control non-native plants and animals destroying native habitats and species must be addressed immediately to optimize the state’s chances for success, The Nature Conservancy said today.  The Florida Chapter of the international environmental group, through a booklet being distributed called "Stopping the Spread," is alerting state legislators and agency heads about the seriousness and scale of the invasive, non-native species problem. The Conservancy is urging lawmakers to maintain environmental trust fund balances so money is available to deal with the crisis. "Stopping the Spread" recommends ways to stem the tide and reduce the destructive impacts caused by predatory catfish, disease-carrying insects and smothering vines, to name a few.  "The problem of invasive, non-native species grows exponentially worse each day. The time to act is now," said Vicki Tschinkel, Florida Chapter director.  Read more . . . 
Copyright  © 2003  Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy All rights reserved.

                Related Article,

                April 11, 2003
                Invasive Species Find Florida to Their Liking

                Related Link,

               Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson calls for decisive, quick action.

 

27-March-03

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither, (850) 245-2112

APRIL IS "FLORIDA BUTTERFLY & BUTTERFLY GARDENING MONTH"
 -- Rare Miami Blue Butterfly eggs harvested just in time --

Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(See more news releases at this link)
http://www.dep.state.fl.us

When April 2003 arrives, the first eggs harvested from one of the world's rarest butterflies, the Miami Blue, will have hatched just in time for "Florida Butterfly and Butterfly Gardening Month." Proclaimed by Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet, in part to bring recognition to the rare insect, April acknowledges the importance of butterflies as indicators of environmental health. "We are fortunate that the Miami Blue was discovered in Bahia Honda State Park, where their protection can be ensured," said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs. "This may be the last remaining colony of these rare creatures." On discovery of the Miami Blue colony in 1999, scientists and butterfly enthusiasts petitioned for its placement on the federal Endangered Species List. Read More...

 

26-March-03

Press Release: Service Officer Honored for Contributions to Wildlife Conservation
Special Agent Frank Kuncir, who works in the Fish and Wildlife Services law enforcement office in Fort Myers, Florida, has received the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's 2003 Guy Bradley Award for his contributions to protecting the Nation's wildlife resources. The award, which is named after the first wildlife law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty, was presented to Kuncir at the annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on March 26. Special Agent Kuncir and his Federal and State counterparts risk their lives every day to uphold wildlife protection laws in this country, said Service Director Steve Williams. We are proud that one of our agents has won this prestigious award and join the Foundation in applauding the contributions that law enforcement officers make to wildlife conservation throughout this country.  Read more . . . 
Copyright  © 2003  National Fish and Wildlife Foundation All rights reserved.

 

14-March-03

Press Release: DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS CHALLENGE GOVERNOR ON EVERGLADES AND SIDE WITH POLLUTERS
Will America's Everglades get clean water as proposed by Governor Bush?
A coalition of major state and national environmental organizations called on Governor Bush and DEP Secretary David Struhs urging them to stand firm in defense of America's Everglades, maintaining their current science backed positions, and insist on a 10 part per billion phosphorus standard for the Everglades that protects the whole ecosystem.  The coalition concerned with water quality in America's imperiled Everglades has condemned the action of South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) board members who on Wednesday joined with major polluters in an effort to block the cleanup of phosphorous pollution.  At Wednesday's SFWMD meeting, the board agreed to a policy position that had been drafted by the sugar industry.  Read more . . . 
Copyright  © 2003  Audubon Society  All rights reserved.

                Related Article,

                March 13, 2003
                Everglades pollution plan may change

 

26-February-03

Miccosukee Tribe of Indians
Contact: Joette Lorion (305) 279-1166

      

 For Immediate Release:   THE $8.4 BILLION DOLLAR QUESTION

                    Why Is the South Florida Water Management District
                    Fighting Against Clean Water Act for the Everglades?

       Today, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians questioned why the South Florida Water Management District ("District"), the Army Corps of Engineers' state partner on the $8.4 billion dollar Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), is trying to get the Supreme Court to stop the Clean Water Act from being applied to the Florida Everglades where the Tribe lives. According to Miccosukee Tribal Chairman Billy Cypress, "The South Florida Water Management District tells the tax-paying public that it is restoring the Everglades, while at the same time it tells the U.S. Supreme Court that it doesn't want the Clean Water Act applied to its S-9 pump spewing polluted water into the Everglades.  The District must know that the Everglades can not be restored with dirty water." Chairman Cypress is referring to the District's Petition for Writ of Certiorari (No. 02-626) before the U.S. Supreme Court in which it is asking the court to review, and reverse, an 11th Circuit Court of Appeals decision which was made in favor of the Tribe and the Everglades.  The 11th Circuit decision in Case No: 00-15703 affirmed a ruling of a lower court that the District was violating the Clean Water Act by pouring polluted urban water into the Everglades and required it to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for its S-9 pump. Read More...

 

 20-February-03

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DEP Releases Everglades Water Quality Standard
-- Phosphorus standard restores and protects balance of natural system --

CONTACTS: Deena Wells, (850) 245-2112 or (850) 528-2155 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary David B. Struhs today announced the proposed numeric water quality standard for phosphorus in America’s Everglades. Decades of scientific research and biological analyses provide the basis for the standard. The rule establishes the process for improving water quality and restoring natural systems in the famed River of Grass.  “No other water quality standard in Florida’s history has ever been so rigorously and comprehensively reviewed,” said Secretary Struhs. “We have used sound science and research to determine a standard that will use the best available technology over time to fully restore and protect this ultra-sensitive natural area.” The proposed rule establishes a phosphorus standard of 10 parts per billion for the entire freshwater area of the Everglades Protection Area. Over 90 percent of the 2.4 million-acre area already meets this stringent water standard. The primary tools for reducing phosphorus in the remaining ten percent are continued implementation of Best Management Practices by farmers in the Everglades Agricultural Area and the optimization of 42,000 acres of new wetland filters, known as Stormwater Treatment Areas. Read More...

 6-February-03

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 6, 2003
CONTACTS: Deena Wells, (850) 245-2112

 

DEP Honors Pioneer in State Lands Protection
-- Award reflects commitment to Florida’s environment --

One of Florida’s environmental pioneers and leaders in Florida springs’ protection was honored today at the Florida Springs Conference in Gainesville. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary David B. Struhs named the agency’s highest land protection award in honor of biologist and long-time state employee Jim Stevenson. “Jim is a pioneer for environmental protection in Florida,” said Secretary Struhs. “He has dedicated his entire career to the sensitive, professional management of the ecological value and biological diversity of Florida’s conservation lands.” A natural resource agency employee since 1965, Stevenson helped establish the first manatee refuge, reintroduced the American bison to Florida, and initiated the use of native plants in state park landscaping. Stevenson also helped to institute prescribed burning as a land management tool, which restores and maintains native Florida habitat. Read More...
Copyright  © 2003  DEP All rights reserve

Related Article; 
Resource Manager Of The Year

 

 

27-January-03

 

Press Release: US Plans to Thwart Global Mercury Treaty Talks, Document Shows
Groups Urge US to Take Steps to Reduce Mercury Releases From Largest Polluters, 
Fulfill Earlier Pledge to Remain Open to Global Talks

An internal government document shows that the United States will attempt to thwart future talks on mercury at an early February UN Environment Program Governing Council meeting in Nairobi, according to advocates.  Today the Ban Mercury Work Group, a coalition of 28 nonprofit groups from around the world, urged the US to fulfill its earlier pledge to remain open to future treaty talks on global  mercury issues. "There was real progress made at the September UNEP Work Group meeting in Geneva, with the US agreeing that mercury was a serious global pollutant warranting international action," said Michael Bender, a Ban Hg-Wg spokesperson. "Yet this latest position more reflects the domestic "holding pattern" mercury policies of the Bush Administration. We urge the US to revise their proposal into a more open, harmonious and global approach." Read More...

For more information, see:
   http://www.mercurypolicy.org
   http://www.chem.unep.ch/mercury
   http://www.ban.org/Ban-Hg-Wg.

 /SOURCE:
   Mercury Policy Project
   01/27/2003

/CONTACT:
   Michael Bender, Mercury Policy Project,  802-223-9000,
   Jim Puckett, Basel Action Network,  207-652-5555,/

/WEB SITE:
   http://www.chem.unep.ch/mercury
   http://www.ban.org/Ban-Hg-Wg

Related Link,

Lawsuit Warns of Methylmercury in Fish

 

 

21-January-03

News Release: Service To Work More Closely With States on Refuge Policy
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to working more cooperatively with State fish and wildlife agencies in managing the 540 National Wildlife Refuges around the United States, under a policy issued by Service Director Steve Williams.  "We are committed to involving our State counterparts early in all aspects of refuge management, not just as reviewers, but as participants,"Williams said. The new policy was developed in cooperation with a team of State fish and wildlife agencies. It requires the Service to involve States early in the process, when initiating national policy development to address either a legislative requirement or a broad-scale refuge management concern, need, or issue.  Specifically, the Service will work cooperatively with interested State fish and wildlife agencies to help develop comprehensive conservation plans (CCPs).  Read more . . . 
Copyright  © 2003  Fish and Wild Service All rights reserved.

                Related Article,

                January 22, 2003
                States To Get More Say in Refuge Management

                Related Links,

                National Wildlife Refuges

                Director's Orders

 

16-January-03

 

News Release: LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA DRAWDOWN POSTPONED
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District make joint decision
Due to near-record rainfall during December in the Kissimmee Basin, officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), U.S Army Corps of Engineers and South Florida Water Management District today agreed to postpone the drawdown of Lake Tohopekaliga. The purpose of the drawdown is to enhance fish and wildlife habitat in the lake by exposing a portion of the lake bottom and removing accumulated organic sediments.  "The Lake Tohopekaliga habitat enhancement project will be reinitiated during more normal water conditions," said Ed Moyer, director of the FWC's Division of Freshwater Fisheries.  Read more . . . 
Copyright  © 2003  South Florida Water Management District All rights reserved.

 

14-January-03

 

News Release:  STATUS OF LAKE OKEECHOBEE SEDIMENT MANAGEMENT FEASIBILITY STUDY FOCUS OF JANUARY 14 PUBLIC MEETING

   Contact: Randy Smith    (561) 682-6197 (office) or (561) 389-3386 (cell phone)
                Missie Barletto  (863) 462-5260, ext. 3006

The South Florida Water Management District will hold a public meeting on January 14, 2003, to present the draft Evaluation of Alternatives Report for the Lake Okeechobee Sediment Management Feasibility Study. The focus of the meeting is the evaluation of alternatives designed to address internal loading of phosphorus from the sediments within Lake Okeechobee. Read More...

Related Links, 

Project web site:  
http://www.sfwmd.gov/org/wrp/wrp_okee/projects/sedimentmanagement.html

Sediment management feasibility studies: http://www.sfwmd.gov/org/wrp/wrp_okee/projects/sediment_mgmt_details.html   

SWFMD Okeechobee Service Center: 
http://www.sfwmd.gov/org/exo/okeechobee/okindex1.html

 

10-January-03

 

Press Release:  Interior Department Accomplishments in Everglades Restoration Since 2000  
President Bush and Governor Jeb Bush signed an agreement in January 2002, to restore the Everglades, as required under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The agreement is enforceable and binding. It will ensure the restoration of natural flows to the Everglades. Under the agreement, the state commits to managing its water resources so that water produced by the plan's implementation will be available to restore the natural system. Meanwhile, the federal government commits to be an active partner in obtaining funding and working with the state to implement the plan.   Read more...  
Copyright  © 2003  Department of the Interior All rights reserved.

Related links,       

18th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference:  Restoring the Everglades            
011003 Remarks of Interior Secretary Gale Norton
010803 Press Release:  Secretary Norton Calls for Continued Partnership

 

9-January-03

Press Release: SECRETARY DETZNER ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW STATE LIBRARIAN AND DIRECTOR OF DIVISION OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES

Secretary of State
Contact: Jenny Nash, 850/245-6518, Jnash@mail.dos.state.fl.us

Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced today the appointment of Judith Ring as the new State Librarian and Director of the Division of Library and Information Services. Judith has served as the Assistant Division Director since September 2001 under Director Barratt Wilkins who retired earlier this week. Judith Ring has over twenty years of practical, broad-based management experience working in state and county government. Prior to coming to Tallahassee, Judith worked in the Lee County Library System and held the positions of both Deputy Division Director and Interim Library Director. Before this, she worked as Executive Director of the Erie County Library System in Erie, Pennsylvania. Judith holds a Masters of Science in Library Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and received her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education and Library Science from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

 Related Article;

State to announce plan to shift library collection

Related links;

Florida Department of State
Division of Library and Information Services
http://dlis.dos.state.fl.us/index.html

FLA -- Florida Library Association
http://www.flalib.org/

NOVA Southeastern Library, Research and Information Technology Center
http://www.nova.edu/library/nsulibs.htm

 

 

08-January-03

 

Press Release:  Secretary Norton Calls for Continued Partnership in Everglades Restoration; Outlines Steps Interior Department Will Take to Promote Cooperation.  Interior Department Accomplishments in Everglades Restoration Since 2000 Remarks of Interior Secretary Gale Norton  
The restoration of the Everglades depends on continued cooperation among the many stakeholders in South Florida, Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton said today at the annual meeting of the Everglades Coalition.  "The key to our success is the strength of our partnership and our commitment to collaboration," Norton said. "If our dialogue is honest and continuing; if our science is sound and independently verified; and if we work together, rather than at cross-purposes, we will make the right decisions and we will succeed."  Read more...  
Copyright  © 2003  Department of the Interior All rights reserved.

Related links,       

18th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference:  Restoring the Everglades         
011003 Press Release:  DOI Accomplishments
011003 Remarks of Interior Secretary Gale Norton

 

07-January-03

 

News Release: Planned Development: An answer to Florida's urban sprawl problem
Florida’s population, which totaled 15.6 million people in the year 2000, is projected to swell to 20.7 million  by 2025 if current immigration, birth rates, and domestic migration trends continue, according to the Census Bureau.  This growth should come as no surprise, since a rapidly expanding population has been a fact of life in Florida for many years.  If you lived in Florida in 1950, you had approximately 2.8 million neighbors, less than 20 percent of the number of inhabitants statewide today.  If we tighten the focus to the Orlando region, we see a similar scenario.  The number of residents grew from around 100,000 in 1900 to more than 1.5 million a hundred years later.  This growth is even more dramatic when we consider what didn’t exist for the first 50 years of that decade – air conditioning, jet travel, interstate highways, mosquito control, and most  forms of the instant communications that we enjoy today.  Read more . . . 
Copyright  © 2003  Town of Harmony All rights reserved.

 

03-December-02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: U.S. Microbics Inc          
U.S. Microbics Field Trial Achieves 34% Increase in Sugar Cane Production Proprietary Growing Program Could Increase Worldwide Sugar Cane Production CARLSBAD, CA, Dec. 3 -/E-Wire/-- U.S. Microbics Inc. (OTCBB:BUGS) announced today that Natura Agricultura, the Mexico operating subsidiary of Bio-Con Microbes Inc., which specializes in agricultural products and services, has completed a rigorous 18-month field trial of the BioSystem Microbic Treatment. Achieving better than expected growth results, the field trial showed a combined 34% increase in sugar cane yield and sugar cane content without the use of commercial fertilizer products. The BioSystem Microbic Treatment consists of U.S. Microbics' proprietary blend of natural microbes, developed and tested over 30 years by the late George M. Robinson, his daughter Mery C. Robinson, and Rene Palomares, the president of Natura Agricultura of Culiacan, Mexico.  Read More...

 

01-December-02

 

News Analysis: Clean-Air Battlefield
The Bush administration's move to relax air pollution standards on old industrial plants has quickly attracted more powerful opposition than decisions to drill for oil and gas in fragile areas or log trees in the wilderness.  The reason is the unusual way the 1977 Clean Air Act assigns blame.  Other pollution laws blame the polluter. The Clean Air Act does that too, but it also blames the pollutee: if the air is dirty, states are supposed to clean it, and if they do not they can lose highway money. Even private development can be halted.  The difference is obvious to the states.  "If you had somebody dump hazardous waste on your lawn, it wouldn't be interpreted as your fault," said Kenneth A. Colburn, formerly New Hampshire's chief air pollution official and now the executive director of Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, a group of officials in state environmental departments.  Read more . . . 
Copyright  © 2002  NY Times online  All rights reserved.

 

22-November-02

SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT CREATES NEW DEPARTMENT TO FOCUS ON GREATER WEST COAST ISSUES
Thanks to the efforts of Trudi Williams – Chair of the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board and Fort Myers resident/business owner – the agency has created a new department that will focus exclusively on west coast communities and resource issues. Working closely with Williams and reporting directly to SFWMD Executive Director Henry Dean, Carol Wehle has been appointed director of the new Greater West Coast department. Wehle has been granted local decision-making authority regarding crucial resource management matters relating to all or portions of the following counties that fall within SFWMD boundaries: Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Lee and Okeechobee.  Read more...
Copyright  © 2002  SW Florida News Press  All rights reserved. 

 

08-November-02  

 

News Release: UF gets $3-million gift for biodiversity institute
The University of Florida has received a $3-million gift to create an institute to study the diversity of animals and plants plus the environment.  The gift, from the Minnesota-based William W. McGuire and Nadine M. McGuire Family Foundation, will establish a program to be named the McGuire Institute for Biodiversity and the Environment.  It will be located in a new 46,000-square-foot center to be named McGuire Hall, which is expected to open next fall.  In 2000, the McGuires' gift of $4.2-million established the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Environmental Research, which will house one of the world's largest collections of butterflies and moths.  William McGuire currently is chairman and chief executive officer of UnitedHealth Group.  Read more . . . 
Copyright  © 2002  UF News  All rights reserved.

                Related Link,

                November 7, 2002
                NEWS RELEASE: UF GETS $3 MILLION GIFT TO CREATE INSTITUTE FOR BIODIVERSITY, ENVIRONMENT

 

08-November-02 

 

NEWS RELEASE: UF GETS $3 MILLION GIFT TO CREATE INSTITUTE FOR BIODIVERSITY, ENVIRONMENT
The University of Florida has received a $3 million gift aimed at making it an international leader in the study of biodiversity and the environment, a field that will play an increasingly important role in agriculture and other areas as Earth becomes more crowded and people continue to deplete its natural resources.  The gift, from the Minnesota-based William W. McGuire and Nadine M. McGuire Family Foundation, will establish a new program to be named the McGuire Institute for Biodiversity and the Environment. Located within the Florida Museum of Natural History on the UF campus, the first-of-its-kind institute will focus on the ecological importance of biodiversity and keeping use of the natural environment in balance with human needs by establishing an endowment to support this field of study.  Read more . . . 
Copyright  © 2002  UF News  All rights reserved.

                Related Link,

                November 8, 2002
                UF gets $3-million gift for biodiversity institute

 

28-October-02  

Press Release:  Groups Sue EPA to Protect Florida Wildlife from Bird-Killing Pesticide

AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY * DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE *FLORIDA WILDLIFE FEDERATION

Gavin Shire, American Bird Conservancy  (202) 452-1535
Rennie Anderson, Defenders of Wildlife  (202) 682-9400
Nancy Payton, Florida Wildlife Federation  (941) 643-4111

WASHINGTON – Three environmental groups today filed suit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today over the use of a highly toxic pesticide that is killing federally protected species in Florida. The lawsuit, which was filed in federal district court by Defenders of Wildlife, American Bird Conservancy, and Florida Wildlife Federation, charges EPA with violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) by its registration of the pesticide fenthion. Fenthion has been documented to cause severe ecological impacts and is exceptionally toxic to birds. Read More...

Related Links,

Defenders of Wildlife is a leading nonprofit conservation organization  recognized as one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat. 

American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit dedicated to the conservation of wild birds and their habitats in the Americas. 

Florida Wildlife Federation is a dynamic, statewide organization made up of Floridians from all walks of life who share a common goal of conserving Florida's wildlife and wildlife habitats.

13-September-02  

Miccosukee Press Advisory                                      

FEDERAL JUDGE TO HEAR  MICCOSUKEE TRIBE'S CONCERNS
ABOUT POLLUTION OF THEIR EVERGLADES HOMELAND ON MONDAY

Judge William Hoeveler will hold an evidentiary hearing on Everglades water quality issues in Federal District Court on Monday, September 16, 2002, at 11 am in Courtroom 9, at 301 North Miami Avenue, Miami, Florida, in Case No. 88-1886-CIV-HOEVELER. The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, who have called the Everglades home for centuries, will raise concerns that the state programs that are supposed to cleanup the Everglades are behind schedule, and that no method of achieving final water quality standards by the 2006 deadline has been selected.      The state entities responsible for the cleanup, the South Florida Water Management District and Department of Environmental Protection, were the Defendants in this lawsuit that was filed in 1988 by then U.S. Attorney Dexter Lehtinen against the state of Florida for not enforcing water quality standards in the Florida Everglades. It was settled in 1991 and a Consent Decree in the case was entered in 1992.  Dexter Lehtinen, now the General Counsel for the Miccosukee Tribe, will represent them in Court on Monday. The Tribe has a Memorandum of Agreement with the government that enables them to ask the Court to enforce deadlines in this case. The Tribe has been pushing the state to meet clean-up deadlines in Court since 1995.   
Read more...
Information: Joette Lorion (305) 279-1166
Miami/September 12, 2002

 

5-September-02  

Miccosukee Press Advisory                                      

MICCOSUKEE TRIBE WINS 11TH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS' DECISION AGAINST THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Today the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, who live in the Florida Everglades, announced that they have won an important victory for both the Everglades and open government.  The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of the Tribe in a case concerning the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). In a September 4, 2002, opinion in case No. 01-16626, the Court reversed and remanded a federal district court decision that dismissed the Tribe's lawsuit concerning the federal government's establishment of the Southern Everglades Restoration Alliance (SERA) as an advisory committee on important Everglades restoration issues.  The Tribe alleged in its lawsuit that the federal government used SERA as an advisory committee without complying with the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), such as holding publicly notice meetings.  The Tribe claims the government's use of this committee without complying with FACA resulted in closed door changes to Congressionally authorized Everglades restoration projects that delayed their implementation and continue to cause harm to vast areas of Tribal Everglades.   
Read more....
Read decision
Press/ For Immediate Release        Dexter Lehtinen (305) 279-1166
Miami/September 5, 2002                Joette Lorion

 

27-July-02

Jeb Bush's "Everglades Czar" Joins Florida Environmental
J. Allison DeFoor, a seventh-generation Floridian, has been a lawyer, a politician, a judge, a sheriff, a historian and, most recently, Jeb Bush's "everglades czar." In short, his credentials are highly suited to be Florida Environmental's state coordinator, a newly created position to ensure the firm continues to meet the statewide needs of public and private clients. DeFoor previously served as Everglades Policy Coordinator for Governor Jeb Bush. He has been active in numerous non-profit and environmental organizations, including serving as president of the Florida Keys Land and Sea Trust; president of the Florida Land Trust Association; president of the Council for Sustainable Florida; board member of the Florida Audubon Society; and board member of the Governor's Growth Management Task Force to name a few. Read more...

 

17-Jan-02

Florida Department of Agriculture Press Release
Bronson to Host Agricultural Water Policy Meeting in Orlando

   Chuck Aller
   (850) 488-3022

Bronson to Host Agricultural Water Policy Meeting in Orlando

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson will host a meeting with state legislators, Water Management District officials, agriculture producers, state and federal agency heads and university researchers to discuss the development of an Agricultural Water Policy for Florida.  The meeting, which will take place Thursday, January 17, from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Orlando, is a follow up discussion to the Agricultural Water Supply Summit hosted by Commissioner Bronson at Marco Island last July.  "I am looking forward to continuing this unique opportunity for dialogue between the top decision makers from Florida's water resource management agencies and agricultural producers," Bronson said. "I am very encouraged that our excellent discussion in Marco Island about maintaining an adequate and reliable agricultural water supply can be taken to the next level of developing an Agricultural Water Policy for our state."  
Read more..
http://doacs.state.fl.us/press/

09-Jan-02

White House Press Release
President Bush Takes Action to Help Restore Everglades

President Bush and Florida Governor Jeb Bush Wednesday took action to help the effort to restore the Everglades. The President and the Governor signed an agreement that ensures adequate water supplies are available to support the 30-year Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

      The White House
      For Immediate Release
      Office of the Press Secretary
      Wednesday, January 9, 2002

Statement by the President

On June 4, 2001, I joined the Governor of Florida in visiting the Everglades.  The Everglades and the entire south Florida ecosystem are a unique national treasure.  The restoration of this ecosystem is a priority for my Administration, as well as for Governor Bush.  Today we are very
pleased to solidify our commitment and full partnership in this unprecedented endeavor by signing a joint agreement to ensure that adequate water supplies will be available to benefit State and federally owned natural resources.   Read more
White House Press Releases 

 

 

Archives

 

2001

13-July-01

Florida Department of Agriculture Press Release
Bronson To Host Water Summit In Marco Island

   Chuck Aller
   (850) 488-3022

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson will host a meeting with state legislators, Water Management District officials, agriculture producers, state and federal agency heads and university researchers to discuss the future of agricultural water supplies.  The meeting will take place Monday, July 16, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m at the Marco Island Marriot on Marco Island. "I am looking forward to this unique opportunity," Bronson said. "Nothing is more critical for maintaining the future viability of Florida's second largest industry than an adequate and reliable water supply. Here, in one place, the top decision makers from Florida's water resource management agencies will meet and work together with agricultural producers whose businesses depend on these decisions."  The meeting will cover such topics as the availability and affordability of water for agricultural use, as well as alternative water supplies and conservation. Also to be addressed is the use of agricultural Best Management Practices that will benefit all water use sectors and the environment by improving water quality and conserving water resources.   Read more...
http://doacs.state.fl.us/press/

30-April-01

AUDUBON OF FLORIDA APPLAUDS GOVERNOR BUSH ON ASR DECISION

Miami, FL- Audubon of Florida today commended Florida's Governor Jeb Bush for the position he has taken in providing leadership to both the house & senate in ensuring that Florida's water quality continues to be a top priority for the state.

The Governor's clear instruction to the Department of Environmental Protection of pursuing additional research in ASR technology demonstrates his commitment to the people of Florida as well as to the Everglades restoration process.

"ASR needs a careful, well coordinated scientific evaluation before it can be approved for general use in Florida and the Governor has wisely responded to the high level of public concern about this," stated Stuart Strahl, President & CEO of Audubon of Florida / Vice President, National Audubon
Society.

 

2000

30-Oct-00

Nathaniel Reed & Aaron Higer Honored
   On October 30, 2000, Bruce Babbitt, Secretary of the Interior, presented the
Conservation Service Award to former Assistant to the Secretary of Interior,
Nathaniel Reed. The Conservation Service Award is granted to individuals who
are not employed by the Department of the Interior, but who have performed
outstanding service to the Department of the Interior. It is the highest
honor that can be bestowed upon a private citizen by the Secretary.
   Babbitt also presented a Distinguished Service Award to Aaron Higer, Senior
Scientist, with the U.S. Geological Survey. (Higer has an office at the
District, in the Environmental Montoring & Assessment Division.) The
Distinguished Service Award is the highest honorary recognition an employee
can receive within the Department of the Interior. It is granted for an
outstanding contribution to science, an outstanding skill or ability in the
performance of duty, and for outstanding contributions made during an
eminent career with the Department. Recipients receive a special certificate
and citation signed by the Secretary, along with an engraved gold
Distinguished Service metal and gold lapel pin.
South Florida Water Management District
Currents weekly e-newsletter, 11/2/00

19-Oct-00

SUGAR FARMERS HAIL HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP
AS EVERGLADES LEGISLATION PASSES HOUSE

CLEWISTON, FLORIDA – October 19, 2000 – United States Sugar Corporation
applauds both the bipartisan effort in the House and Senate and the spirit
of cooperation between state and federal government, business interests,
farmers and environmental organizations in passing this historic Everglades
legislation.

Sugar farmers, as part of a strong coalition of South Florida business
interests, public utilities, and farming organizations joined forces with
Florida’s Governor and Congressional delegation to push for last minute
passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000. Working with state
and national environmental groups, the coalition was part of a similar
bipartisan effort in the Senate, working to gain support for the language
in the WRDA bill that passed by an overwhelming margin.

"The passage of this legislation is the result of growing cooperation among
all the stakeholders to resolve issues and find compromise on matters that
are important to everyone. We are proud to be a part of this historic
partnership," said Robert A. Dolson, President and CEO.

In addition, sugar farmers supported a strong bipartisan effort in
Tallahassee earlier this year led by Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida
Legislature to reaffirm Florida’s commitment and secure the state’s share
of funding for Everglades restoration.

"The spirit of cooperation over the last three to four years was very
important in getting to this point, and will be even more important as we
move forward. We look forward to more of the same," Dolson said.
http://www.ussugar.com/news/1019everglades.html


A separate item:

Streaming video (Quick Time plug in required)
http://www.ussugar.com/environment/download.htm#qteverglades
(source page: http://www.ussugar.com/environment/enviro.htm )

10-Oct-00

Senate Confirms Maj. Gen. Robert B. Flowers as Chief of Engineers

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Office of Chief Engineer
News Release
October 10. 2000

On Oct. 6, 2000, the U.S. Senate confirmed Maj. Gen. Robert B. Flowers for
appointment to the grade of lieutenant general and assignment as the Chief
of Engineers/Commanding General, United States Army Corps of Engineers,
Washington, DC. Maj. Gen. Flowers will become the 50th Chief of Engineers in
an Assumption of Command, planned for Oct. 23.

The Chief of Engineers occupies a unique position as a senior member of the
Army Staff and as commander of a major Army command. He has Army Staff
responsibility for engineering, housing, construction, real property,
natural resources, and environmental programs for Department of Army. He
also provides advice and assistance on military engineering and topographic
matters.

As a major commander, the Chief of Engineers directs an organization of more
than 500 military and approximately 37,000 civilian members with an annual
program exceeding $10 billion. Major missions include military facilities
construction for the Army and Air Force; environmental restoration of
current and former defense installations; and the Army's civil works
program.

The Corps of Engineers also provides engineering assistance following
natural disasters, regulates work in the nation's waterways and wetlands,
conducts research and development, serves as the Army and Air Force real
estate agent, and provides engineering services to 60 other federal
agencies.

Most recently, Maj. Gen. Flowers served as the commanding general of the
U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center and Fort Leonard Wood and commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Previous assignments include Commander of Mississippi Valley Division, Army Corps of Engineers; Assistant Division Commander, 2nd Infantry Division (Mechanized), Korea; Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Engineer Center, and Assistant
Commandant, U.S. Army Engineer School, Fort Leonard Wood; Commander, 20th Engineer Brigade (Combat) (Airborne Corps), Fort Bragg, N.C.; and other
command and staff positions.

Maj. Gen. Flowers graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and was
commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1969. He then completed ranger and
airborne training. His civilian and military education includes a master's
degree in civil engineering from the University of Virginia, the Engineer
Basic and Advanced Courses, Command and General Staff College, and the
National War College. Flowers is a registered professional engineer in
Virginia.

26-Sep-00

"Troubled Waters" will air on TBS Superstation on September 26 (check local listings).
Coming Face-to-Face with Wildlife in the Forgotten Everglades
By Cynthia Barry
...  new, one-hour documentary about the Everglades called "Troubled Waters" that premiers in September on TBS Superstation. Coproduced by the National Wildlife Federation and Turner Original Productions, the film brings viewers face-to-face with some of the most elusive and imperiled species in South Florida. In doing so, the documentary examines the ecosystem through the lives of animals that depend upon it for survival.  Much of the film explores the so-called "forgotten" western Everglades. From its headwaters in the Big Cypress Okaloacoochee Slough to the mangrove estuaries of the Ten Thousand Islands, the western Everglades is the last, vast expanse of wildlife habitat in Florida.  Labeled forgotten because of the greater attention paid to plans for restoring the heavily damaged eastern Everglades, the western 'glades contain the best quality surface water in South Florida. The region has long been a popular ecotourist and birding destination as well as a sportfishing paradise. Yet all is not well in this paradise... 
Copyright  © 2000 National Wildlife Federation  All rights reserved.

24-Sep-00

Plans to Build New Airport Near Florida Everglades Touches Off Fierce Debate

Transcript of EARTH MATTERS 
Aired September 24, 2000 - 4:30 p.m. ET 

NATALIE PAWELSKI, HOST: This week on EARTH MATTERS, a high- flying plan to bring more jobs and business opportunities to a community still recovering from Hurricane Andrew. Find out why some people don't like the idea. 
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL
FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
Copyright  © 2000 CNN  All rights reserved.

MICCOSUKEE TRIBE WINS ENVIRONMENTAL RULING IN BIG CYPRESS CASE

Today the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida (who live in the Florida Everglades and whose members have federally-recognized rights to customary use and occupancy of lands and waters within the Big Cypress National Preserve), announced that they have won an important ruling against the National Park Service in their long legal battle over the Big Cypress. In a fifteen page Order, federal district court Judge Lenore Nesbitt granted the Tribe's Partial Motion for Summary Judgement in Miccosukee Tribe Indians of Florida v. U.S. National Park Service, Case No. 98-521-CIV-NESBITT. The Court found that the Park Service is required by law to follow procedures set forth by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and that their failure to do so was arbitrary and capricious. Accordingly, the District Court enjoined the Park Service from authorizing further commercial airboat tours in the Big Cypress National Preserve Addition until they comply with NEPA.
Miccosukee Press Release

28-June-00

NWF Praises Everglades Bill
Statement by Michael Bauer, Director, NWF Everglades Project Office

"The legislation introduced today by Senator Robert Smith is a bold and critical step toward the restoration of the Everglades. Though not perfect, it clearly sets the stage for long-term serious work to save and restore this threatened national treasure.  "The National Wildlife Federation applauds Senator Smith for his leadership and his commitment to saving America's 'River of Grass.' We are looking forward to working with him to remedy some of our continuing concerns with the legislation, most notably the need for provisions to ensure that the natural system receives the water needed for rehabilitation. Once such provisions for the restoration of the natural system are in place, we would wholeheartedly support this legislation.  "The time to restore the Everglades is now. This vast community of wildlife and critical source of water for Florida, can't wait any longer. This legislation is a bi-partisan starting point from which the Congress and the Administration can work to conserve a critical natural system on which both people and wildlife depend. It's a tremendous opportunity for Congress to demonstrate its commitment to conserve and protect an irreplaceable national treasure. The ball is now in their court."
Copyright  © 2000 National Wildlife Federation  All rights reserved.

 

1999

06-Oct-99

ARE SWAMP BUGGIES ENDANGERING THE BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE?
Panelists to Debate Off-Road Vehicle use in Big Cypress
MEDIA CONTACT
Maran Hilgendorf, Director, Marketing and Communications,

   A management plan recently drafted by the National Park Service has reinvigorated the controversy of Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) access to the Big Cypress National Preserve, an area in Collier, Hendry and Dade counties preserved for both its natural and recreational value. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is hosting a moderated debate to give both sides an opportunity to voice their concerns. The audience will be given an opportunity to ask questions of the panelists.
   Representing the diverse perspectives are panelists George Dalrymple, president of the Everglades Research Group; Kim Anaston, South Florida field representative of the National Parks and Conservation Association; John DiNunzio, founder of the Collier County Conservation Club and ORV user, and Joe Browder, president of TROPIC.org.
   The debate will be held Monday, October 11 from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. in the auditorium on the grounds of The Conservancy Naples Nature Center, located east of Goodlette-Frank Road off 14th Avenue North. Call 941/403-4211 for further information on the panel debate or the ORV controversy.
   Founded in 1964, The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization focused on environmental policy, education and science in order to protect and sustain Southwest Florida's natural environment.

-END-

BACKGROUND

   On August 13, the National Park Service released its Draft Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Management Plan/Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for Big Cypress National Preserve. The Plan was needed, in part, to settle a 1995 lawsuit filed by the Florida Biodiversity Project against the Park Service because of its management of ORVs in the Preserve. The lawsuit states that the Park Service failed to comply with provisions of the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. The release of the Plan has reinvigorated the debate between those calling for substantial further restrictions on ORV use and those in favor of maintaining relatively unfettered ORV access to the Preserve.
   Off-Road Vehicles, such as "home-made" swamp buggies, manufactured all-terrain vehicles, 4-wheel drive trucks and airboats, have been used in Big Cypress Preserve since the late 1920s, primarily by people traveling to remote hunting camps or exploring the otherwise nearly impenetrable backcountry. Most hunters in Big Cypress Preserve still use ORVs and most ORV users in Big Cypress are still hunters.
   Big Cypress National Preserve was established in 1974 from the efforts of a coalition of environmentalists, hunters, landowners, local activists and government agencies for the purpose of "ensuring the preservation . . . of the natural . . . and recreational values of the Big Cypress Watershed."  Congress further directed that the Preserve continue to allow uses associated with improved properties, oil and gas interests, hunting, fishing, trapping and to establish controls for the use of motorized vehicles and other activities.
   Virtually everyone agrees that an intent of the preserve's enabling legislation was to allow some level of ORV use in the Preserve. But the thousands of miles of trails that crisscross the Preserve have generated concerns over impacts to soil, vegetation, water and possible impacts to listed species such as the Florida panther.  Critics of ORVs suspect that the long-term negative effect on impacted ecosystems will be profound. Others object to such visible and audible evidence produced by ORV use in such a wild and remote area.
   Some hunters and their supporters claim that an anti-hunting bias exists in much of the criticism levied at ORV users. Many ORV users think that the call for further restrictions is a ruse to eviscerate the ORV "experience,"  or even ban ORVs entirely. (ORVs are already banned from several units of the Preserve and confined to designated trails in another.) Many of those calling for further restrictions on ORVs accuse the Park Service of protecting the recreational opportunities of ORV users at the expense of the Preserve's vegetation, soil and wildlife.


23-Sep-99

National Academy of Sciences Announces Everglades Science Review Panel
U.S. Department of the Interior
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY    Go to Press Release
Stephanie Hanna (O) 202/208-6416
Steve Adamske (O) 202/208-5205

Washington, DC -The National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences announced today the membership of the Committee on Restoration of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. The 16-member committee will serve as an advisory panel to review and advise on scientific matters related to implementation of the Central and Southern Florida Comprehensive Review Study (Restudy) and the restoration of the South Florida Ecosystem.
   Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt, Chair of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force said "I am very pleased that the Everglades restoration effort will have the benefit of these distinguished scientists. This committee will help ensure that the best possible science leads the way in our efforts to restore the Everglades. The restoration of the South Florida Ecosystem is a major goal of the Clinton-Gore Administration and high quality, credible science must guide our efforts. I welcome these experts to the greater partnership involved with Everglades restoration."
   The Task Force earlier this year endorsed the establishment of an on-going outside scientific review panel to ensure effective adaptive management for South Florida ecosystem restoration. All Task Force members agreed that an independent scientific review panel is needed to provide advice on the implementation of the Everglades effort. Secretary Babbitt made the proposal to the National Academy to choose the composition of the committee.
   The Committee is composed of scientists representing a broad range of expertise including biology, ecology, toxicology, hydrology, agronomy, economics and other disciplinary backgrounds necessary to evaluate the full range of scientific issues associated with implementation of the Restudy and the restoration of the South Florida ecosystem.
   "Restoration efforts are dependent on good science. With a restoration effort as massive as the Everglades, science must drive our policy decisions.   However, people must have confidence in the science itself, which is why the work of the panel is so important," Babbitt said.
   "Sound Science is an integral part of the Administration's Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan that was submitted to Congress on July 1. We welcome the involvement of this independent scientific committee to enhance and improve our efforts as we begin the implementation of this important restoration effort." said Michael Davis, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
   "I want for the people of South Florida, as well as the nation, to have confidence in our science. The public needs to be assured that the our restoration efforts are going to be effective." said Patty Beneke, Assistant Secretary for Water and Science at the Department of Interior.
   The committee will first meet later this fall, as soon as schedules of the members of the committee can be coordinated. The committee proposes to meet approximately three to five times, in Florida, during the first year to conduct a broad scientific review. It will require briefings from restoration program managers and scientists. Members of the Committee are as follows:

Jean Bahr, University of Wisconsin
Linda Blum, University of Virginia
Patrick Brezonik, University of Minnesota
Robert Burchell, Rutgers University
Frank Davis, University of California, Santa Barbara
James Davidson, CHAIR, University of Florida (ret)
Wayne Huber, Oregon State University
Stephen Humphrey, University of Florida
Daniel (Pete) Loucks, Cornell University
Scott Nixon, University of Rhode Island
Gordon Orians, University of Washington
Kenneth Potter, University of Wisconsin
Larry Robinson, Florida A&M University
Steven Sanderson, Emory University
Rebecca Sharitz, Savannah River Ecology Lab
John Vecchioli, US Geological Survey (ret)

More News

 

Credit:
Everglades photograph courtesy Philip Greenspun

 

Revised:  06/06/03