Important Vote to Keep the River of Grass Opportunity Alive
On Thursday, the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will decide whether to extend its current contract to purchase almost 73,000 acres of land from U.S. Sugar Corp. The land will provide additional water storage and water quality treatment that is essential to complete ongoing Everglades restoration plans, and reduce harmful discharges of water to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries. Proceedings currently before the Florida Supreme Court will determine the SFWMD’s authority to issue Certificate of Participation bonds to fund the purchase.
Audubon is urging the SFWMD Governing Board to vote in favor of extending the contract. A vote to extend the contract, keeps the deal alive until the Court decides whether bonds can be used to fund the purchase. Audubon’s goal is to ensure this land is purchased and incorporated into restoration of the Everglades. Proper use of this land and water will result in reemergence of the abundance of native birds and other wildlife.
Show Your Support for the River of Grass
When: Thursday, March 11th at 10:00 AM
Where: Florida Seminole Veterans Building, Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation
800 E. Harney Pond Road, Okeechobee, Florida 34974
What: South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Meeting
For more information on the benefits of the monumental River of Grass acquisition, view Audubon of Florida’s fact sheet “River of Grass Land Acquisition: Securing Florida’s Future for People and Nature.”
If you tell a LIE enough times, i guess it becomes the truth. There is no restoration, just another replumbing jobs by a non elected board to fleece the American public…
Comment by Rick — March 9, 2010 @ 1:22 pm
Restoration is not just the replumbing of Florida’s hydrological systems. Following Andrew Light, it is also the process of reconnecting people with nature, which enables people to learn more about their environment and why it is important to protect it. This is the most important issue to tackle in Florida, support for environmental improvement, whether its in the legislator, among appointed board members, or in your own community! Just because a board is appointed, it does not mean the Audobahn Society is not helping its members and others throughout Florida connect with nature by keeping Florida informed about how restoration is coming along and involving citizens in outdoor activities which enable an appreciation for environmental protection.
Comment by EZ — March 9, 2010 @ 4:52 pm