Withlacoochee River - Florida Information

Protecting Rainbow Springs and Withlacoochee River: FDE promotes good water stewardship

2006-11-28T09:33:00.000-08:00

"As part of Florida Defenders of the Environment's (FDE) work to protect water quality in the Withlacoochee River Basin, we are promoting awareness of the five most important actions individuals can take to protect water quality. These actions are summarized in the new FDE Water Protection Pledge(WPP).

This community education project, launched in spring 2006, focuses on promoting good water stewardship in the Rainbow Springs recharge area and larger Withlacoochee River Basin...."

Rest of the Article

SIGN the WPP HERE

Update on the Marion County springs protection legislation

2006-10-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

The County has postponed action on the Springs Protection Act. Clearcutting has happened illegally near Rainbow Springs endangering the water quality. Two Marion County Commissioners (Jim Payton and Randy Harris) are up for re-election this year, please call their office in support of the Springs Protection legislation.

update

August 2006 Photos of the Rainbow River Ranch property by Dr. Ellen K. Rudolph
Go to: http://www.drellenrudolph.com/RRRslides/index.html

I took the above photos of the Rainbow River Ranch property (including the Cove) on August 22, 2006, from a variety of perspectives. I hope you will find them helpful in determining where clearing is now occuring and what it looked like in late August before clearing commenced.

The files are large so be patient if they open slowly on your computer...you are welcome to use the images for Rainbow River protection activities. My initial slideshow of RR images is still posted at:
http://www.drellenrudolph.com/rainbowriver/index.html

Dr. Ellen K. Rudolph
Photojournalist from Largo, FL
(727) 517-2767
Email: drellenr@aol.com

Rainbow Ranch development clearcutting photos

2006-10-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

MORE Withlacoochee River-1

and more pics MORE Withlacoochee River-2

Copy of SWFWMD memo on clearcutting

SGCA Meeting: Speaker:Com. JIM PAYTON 9/17 2:30pm

2006-09-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

Sunday 9/17/06; Time: 2:30 pm
Place: Oak Bend Mobile Home Park on 475A

River Rally-9/24/06

2006-09-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

CELEBRATE! RALLY FOR THE RIVERS
When: Sunday, September 24 at 2:00 p.m.
Where: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Auditorium; 7525 S. Highway 41, Dunnellon, FL
Music: Jon Semmes and the Florida Friends

Donations will be accepted for Save the Rainbow River Fund

Sponsored by Rainbow River Conservation,Inc.

P.O.Box 729, Dunnellon, FL 34430

quotes

2006-08-31T07:10:00.000-07:00

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead

"If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito."--Anita Roddick

"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate." ~Henry J. Tillman

"Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference." --Jane Goodall

Environmental Alliance of North Florida

2006-08-28T14:09:00.000-07:00

Join the Environmental Alliance of North Florida, a coalition of environmental organizations to work as a common voice and force for change. EANoF

Rainbow Springs...one of 7 springs in Florida that are causing a "mystery illness"

2006-08-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

"...Until state officials can get to the bottom of the mystery, Stevenson said, "if I was prone to allergies, I would be careful about swimming in these springs."

The reports of swimmers with rashes came from Wakulla Springs, Ichetucknee Springs, Wekiwa Springs, Rainbow Springs, Fanning Springs, DeLeon Springs and Blue Spring in the state park system. State records also show one incident that involved a snorkeler at Alexander Springs in the Ocala National Forest...." St. Petersburg Times Article

Proposed DEP changes to the Impaired Water Rule

2006-08-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

The Department of Environmental Protection announces a public hearing on the proposed revisions to the Impaired Waters Rule (IWR, Chapter 62-303, F.A.C.), to which all interested persons are invited. The hearing, which will be held as part of the August meeting of the Environmental Regulation Commission, will be held on August 31, 2006 starting at 9:00 a.m., at the Department of Environmental Protection, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., Conference Room A, Tallahassee, FL.

If you would like a copy of the email, please email me at wrcoord@gmail.com and I will forward it to you.

Rainbow River Ranch development

2006-08-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

Please attend the next Dunnellon City Council Workshop at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, August 23rd to support the effort to Save the Rainbow River.

more

WPP and PAWS Award

2006-08-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

FDE News: In this issue:
1) Take the Water Protection Pledge
2) PAWS gets national award for volunteers

__________________________________________________________________________

1) FDE is promoting awareness of the five most important actions individuals can take to protect water quality. These actions are summarized in the new FDE Water Protection Pledge. Please read the pledge printed on the postcard that was included in The Monitor or read the pledge at http://www.fladefenders.org/waterprotectionpledge.html .
If you can commit to taking those actions, please return the postcard or take the pledge on FDE's website. A free comprehensive information packet on how to protect water quality is available from FDE. Let us know if you'd like a copy. Thank you for your interest in protecting the environment.
____________________________________________________________________________

2) Are you familiar with the PAWS program at Dunnellon Middle School? These awesome kids have just won the national Take Pride in America award for volunteers in the Youth category. They are going to Washington DC to accept the award and are so excited!!

More on the Yankeetown Marina Development

2006-05-30T06:11:00.000-07:00

Withlacoochee-More

Fwd: FYI....Article from Citrus Times on Inglis Lock (Withlacoochee River / Lake Rousseau)

2006-05-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

http://withriver2.blogspot.com/2006/05/fwd-fyiarticle-from-citrus-times-on.html

Green Swamp purchase to become state park

2006-05-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

"Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet today increased protection for Central Florida’s water with a vote approving the purchase of almost 5,100 acres of Green Swamp. The Overstreet /Colt Creek Property, an Area of Critical Concern, will be managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as Polk County’s second state park.

“The addition of the Overstreet/Colt Creek Property as a Florida State Park will provide resource-based recreation, cultural resource preservation and safeguard Florida’s water supply,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “This purchase will protect environmentally sensitive areas of the state for generations to come.”..."

more

Withlacoochee River More: Silver Springs articles

2006-04-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

Withlacoochee River More: Silver Springs articles

About Rainbow Springs development

2006-04-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

from the DEP springs site...."The Department of Community Affairs nominated Mr. Tim Collins, General Manager of Villages of Rainbow Springs. Mr. Collins was recognized for modifying a vested development to reduce the number of residential dwellings, increase open space for a conservation easement adjacent to the Rainbow Springs State Park and for using the Audubon International Program for the design and management of two future golf courses. The award was presented to Mr. Collins at a Springs Workshop in Ocala on May 8, 2002."

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/springs/happening/index.htm

"...The developers of The Village of Rainbow Springs, however, are trying to do things differently to protect for the long-term the natural resource that have drawn people here in the first place. According to Tim Collins, The Villages of Rainbow Springs strives for harmony, not only in terms of the residential atmosphere it creates for its residents, but more importantly, in its relationship with nearby Rainbow Springs and its spring-fed river. Collins sees the proximity of the spring as much more than just an economic asset distinguishing The Villages of Rainbow Springs from other developments. He sees it as a non-negotiable asset, and through the example he's setting by reducing the impacts of his own communities, he hopes to inspire other developers to do the same..."

http://www.floridasprings.org/protection/success/rainbow/

Green Swamp ranch land purchase

2006-04-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

DEP is buying a large parcel of land in the Green Swamp (headwaters of the Withlacoochee and other rivers) and the plan is to turn it into a state park.

http://www.tampatrib.com/MGBPQAU4XLE.html

http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/news/viewarticle.php?id=381

Resources

2006-04-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

Here are some great resources for homeowners, waterfront living, landscape professionals, city/county governments and anyone in between. Help protect Florida waters!

more

Florida Friendly landscaping

2006-04-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

Planning your landscaping...This website can help! It has great information on native Florida plants and Florida Friendly landscaping.

Florida yards

April 6, 2006--Tallahassee Road Trip: Help Protect Florida Coast from Off-Shore Oil Drilling

2006-04-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

Withlacoochee River - Florida Information

2006-03-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

Please help us get the word out about our Water Protection Pledge. It is important for us to protect this outstanding natural resource. Here are some facts about Rainbow Springs and Springs in Florida:

Rainbow Springs
--Florida’s fourth largest 1st Magnitude Spring
--About 85% of the total nitrogen and total phosphorus to the
Withlacoochee River comes from Rainbow Springs groundwater
--Mat-forming blue-green algae has increased in Rainbow River
--Excess nutrients are finding their way into springs and spring-fed
rivers and runs

Springs in Florida
--Some springs are threatened by reduced water flows from irrigation and drinking water withdrawals
--Proper fertilization and watering practices can protect plants and the environment
--Improper fertilization can damage plants and contribute to
groundwater and surface water pollution
--Excessive fertilizer compounds in spring water can contribute to excessive aquatic weed and algal growth and can degrade the clearness and quality of spring water
--Other sources of excess nutrients include animal wastes and poorly functioning septic tanks

FDE Water Protection Pledge
Protecting our springs, lakes, rivers, bays and wildlife.

I pledge to:
--Maintain at least a 100-foot unfertilized area around waterbodies and sinkholes. Avoid fertilizing my lawn, but if I must fertilize, I will use only slow-release fertilizers, and apply the recommended amount at the right time of the year.
--Avoid watering. If I must water, apply ½ to ¾ inches of water during regular watering no more than twice a week and apply ¼ inch after fertilization.
--Plant the right plants in the right places to cut down on the need for watering and fertilization.
--Take toxic waste materials to an authorized landfill.
--If I have a septic tank, have it and the drainfield inspected and maintained every 3 years.

Sign our online pledge (if you haven't already)
http://fladefenders.org/WaterProtectionPledge.html

View the Water's Journey films from the Marion County Public Library

Letters to Support Hwy 40 redirecting

2006-03-16T16:17:00.000-08:00

The application for designation of SR 40 as a Florida Scenic Highway must be submitted soon.But, to get it, they need a tiny bit of help from you now. Scenic highway designation requires substantive evidence of broad community enthusiasm, so we must have a good collection of support letters to attach to the application. The Volusia County people have been good about getting letters in, but we need more from the rest of you--especially from Marion County!

Please copy/edit/adapt the letter provided to reflect your position/views and send this week. If at all possible, put your letter on letterhead and include at least a facsimile signature. Address it to Mariano Berrios, but send it to Glenn Burns (burnsgis@comcast.net) with an e-mail copy to me. You can mail hardcopy letters to Glenn at 16158 Hillside Circle, Montverde, FL 34756 or fax them to him at 407/469-3456.

Letters needed by April 1st. (for the letter and more info, see here)

Water Protection Pledge

2006-03-15T07:28:00.000-08:00

PLEDGE to protect Rainbow Springs and the Withlacoochee River.

What is a spring?

2006-03-14T12:54:00.000-08:00

Spring=place where a concentrated discharge of ground water flows at the ground surface

"Water from springs usually is remarkably clear. Water from some springs, however, may be 'tea-colored.' ... In Florida, many surface waters contain natural tannic acids from organic material in subsurface rocks, and the color from these streams can appear in springs. If surface water enters the aquifer near a spring, the water can move quickly through the aquifer and discharge at the spring vent. The discharge of highly colored water from springs can indicate that water is flowing quickly through large channels within the aquifer without being filtered through the soil." more

USGS Springs fact sheet

Write letters to protect Silver Springs

2006-03-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

Thanks for your recent help in spreading the word about Avatar and its potential threat to animal habitat and Silver Springs. The battle is far, far from over, however. Please see below the details about what's at stake and then please also write hard copy letters to Gov. Bush and Gerald Kelfer of Avatar to get this deal done before bulldozers start to clear land next year. Also, please send this email far and wide---outside of Florida is even better to show that Floridians and Americans everywhere don't want this cherished landmark desecrated. See P roposed Development-Silver Springs area

Explanation of Florida Surface Water Classification

2006-03-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

Surface Water Classification in Florida

"The federal Clean Water Act (CWA) requires each state, including Florida, to conduct water quality assessments to determine whether its streams, lakes and estuaries are sufficiently "healthy" to meet their designated uses. This information is updated and reported every 2 years to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ... An impaired water is defined by the State of Florida (proposed Chapter 62-303 Florida Administrative Code) as a water body or water body segment that does not meet its applicable water quality standards, due in whole or in part to discharges of pollutants from point or nonpoint sources. " more

HYDRILLA treatment

2006-02-28T15:03:00.000-08:00

SWFWMD treating hydrilla on Rainbow River March 6-9, 2006 news release

Fish Advisory for Pasco and Citrus Counties

2006-02-28T14:44:00.000-08:00

****There is a mercury fish advisory for Pasco and Citrus Counties in effect since 1993 for largemouth bass, bowfin and gar. more

****guide to eating fish in Florida here
****DEP background on mercury more
****Mercury in Florida's environment

****TMDL's and mercury in the Withlacoochee River

One of the Withlacoochee River segments is listed as "meets Planning list criteria and is Potentially Impaired for one or more designated uses" for mercury and will be revisited in the next 5 year cycle. For more information about TMDLs and mercury, please contact Tom Singleton at DEP at 850-245-8561.

For more information on mercury in Florida contact

DEP Mecury Program Staff

	Phone Number	SUNCom	FAX Number
Thomas D. Atkeson, Ph.D. Mercury Coordinator	(850) 245-3302	205-3302	(850) 245-3147
Don Axelrad, Ph.D. Environmental Administrator	(850) 245-3007	205-3007	(850) 245-3147

Yankeetown and Citrus County Proposed Development Opposition

2006-02-27T07:28:00.000-08:00

Anyone have suggestions or expertise to help Betty with her project described below? She is looking for people in SWFWMD (S.Florida Water Management District), ACOE (Army Corps of Engineers) or DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) to contact to oppose these projects.

From: "Betty Berger"

ON CITRUS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT:
"I'm opposing these 50 waterfront homes allowed by Citrus County for landowner Caruth. This violates the Comp Plan as the land is zoned for one home every 5 acres - not one home every 100 feet on the Withlacoochee River. It will go to Circuit court and I am the only challenger. No permits have been asked for as it is allowed under a Letter of Agreement. Pemits will eventually have to be asked for."

ON YANKEETOWN DEVELOPMENT:
"The other development trying to go in on the River is in Yankeetown. On a 4-block area the developer plans to build: 166 residential units (time shares 4 stories high on the water) against the Comp Plan - filling in part of the River to create land, 128 wet slips for boats 30 ft. to 60 ft. long - plan to excavate the shore line to make room, 240 covered parking spaces, 200 slip dry dock, plus more stuff. - restaurants, shops, etc. This is also under a Letter of Agreement with Yankeetown - so no permits have been asked for. Until the ACOE, Swiftmud and DEP are asked for a permit they can't work on it. Neither can I. I can talk to the authorities and present this - but I don't know who to talk to yet."

Offsite sewage treatment is planned.
Call Yankeetown Mayor Joanne Johannson (352-447-2511)
Write the developers

more information
http://saveyankeetown.com/
message board
editorials

Do you want to help or offer suggestions of what to do? here
Write your FL senators and representatives.

Environmental Funding Opportunities Webcast

2006-02-27T07:25:00.000-08:00

Webcast for funding opportunities for watershed activities.... EPA?s Watershed Academy to Sponsor Webcast on Sustainable Financing for Watershed Groups EPA sponsors monthly Webcasts to offer free training and information for watershed practitioners from around the globe. These two-hour audio Web broadcasts build local capacity and support the watershed pillar of EPA?s Sustainable Water Infrastructure Initiative by helping watershed
organizations, agencies, municipalities, and private industry create more sustainable communities using a coordinated watershed approach. The next Webcast is slated for Wed., March 22, 2006. Wendy Wilson and Pat Munoz from River Network will explore the keys to effective fundraising, including organization essentials and top fundraising strategies and plans.
Registration is available on a first-come/first-served basis and will open approximately one week before the seminar. Each Webcast includes a Web-based slide presentation with a companion audio portion that can be accessed either by phone or by streaming audio broadcast. For more information, visit: http://www.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts.

Subscribe to WaterNews
Please forward this message to your friends and colleagues who share an interest in water-related issues and would like to hear from EPA's Office of Water. To subscribe to the WaterNews listserve:
Send an email message, leave the subject line blank, and address it to:
waternews-join@lists.epa.gov

Possible coastal development near the Withlacoochee....write the people in charge of the permits to show them you want to protect this resource

2006-02-20T12:13:00.000-08:00

A recent proposal threatens to bring South Florida style development to this remote coast. The Magnolia Bay Marina and Resort in tiny Dekle Beach south of Perry (not even marked on most road maps) calls for 624 condominium units, 874 motel rooms, 280,000 square feet of commercial space, and a full-sized golf course. more-"Proposed Development-Dekle Beach"

more photos from Wildlife Day

2006-02-20T08:46:00.000-08:00

Rainbow River from the park

Rainbow Springs

2006 Wildlife Day

2006-02-20T08:32:00.000-08:00

Photos from Wildlife Day at Rainbow Springs. I met some great people that are interested in our Water Protection Pledged and passed out educational materials. We had a good turnout for a cold, rainy day. Thanks to Friends of Rainbow Springs for organizing the event!

Rain Gardens

2006-02-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

"....A rain garden, in its simplest form, is a shallow depression in the earth, landscaped with permeable soil and hardy grasses, shrubs, or trees and covered by a thin layer of mulch. Rain gardens collect the storm-water runoff from impervious surfaces, such as roofs and driveways, and allow it to percolate into the ground instead of draining into sewers or waterways...The storm-water runoff from a house roof or a parking lot may not seem like a major threat to water quality. But runoff carries the signature of the urbanized areas through which it flows, including nitrogen and phosphorus compounds from atmospheric deposition and fertilizers, as well as metals, oils, and other particulate matter..."

For More

SWFWMD Water Conservation Pledge

2006-02-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

I Pledge To:

Make water conservation a habit

Keep runoff water clean to protect our surface water bodies

Maintain septic systems to keep our ground water healthy

Set an example for healthy watershed living

Take the Water Conservation PLEDGE

Springshed

2006-01-26T07:34:00.000-08:00

If you live in this area in blue (click on the map for a better view) YOU have an effect on Rainbow Springs.

Please DON'T fertilize your grass.

DO water between 1/2 and 3/4 inches to provide a healthy root zone for grass.

DO have your septic system inspected every 2 to 3 years and pump out as needed (generally 3 to 5 years).

Spring Protection Zones in Marion County

2006-01-23T06:04:00.000-08:00

Spring protection zone meeting at the Marion County Commission building TOMORROW (1/24/06) at 9am.

Agenda: Setting aside areas in Marion County where springs protection is important and concentrating county efforts on protection from fertilizers (fertilizers, animal waste, septic tanks).

Please contact Troy.Kuphal@mar...ntyfl.org for more info as he is
presenting at the meeting.

Rainbow Springs Park Special Activities

2006-01-13T15:26:00.000-08:00

Come out for these great activities! We will have a booth at the Spring at the Springs event.

* SPRING AT THE SPRINGS - SPRINGS/WILDLIFE DAY
Date: Saturday, February 11th, 2006. 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Description: Demonstrators with live animals, a bird walk, and lectures on various aspects of wildlife and our freshwater springs will dominate this educational day. Good for the whole family.
Fees: $1.00 per person, park entrance fee.
Contact: For more information call 352-465-8555.

* CRACKER WEEKEND AND NATIVE PLANT SALE
Date: Sat. & Sun., February 25 & 26, 2006.
Description: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. This is an opportunity to learn how the settlers of that time lived, performed their daily chores and enjoyed themselves. Corn grinding, soap making, basket-weaving are just some of the demonstrations. A cracker cow camp and a homestead will be set up and the star of the show, the cowpony will perform. Country music will be provided by Shade Pickers, Front Porch and Florida Park Service's own Bill Robeson throughout the two days
Fees: $1.00 park entrance fee.
Contact: Call (352) 465-8555 for more information

* GARDENING DAY & NATIVE PLANT SALE
Date: Monday, February 27th, 2006. 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Description: A day of lectures and demonstrations featuring Florida-friendly landscaping techniques and drought tolerant plants. Great for the pocket book AND the environment!
Fees: $1.00 per person park entrance fee.
Contact: For more information call 352-465-8555.

* ART IN THE PARK
Date: Saturday & Sunday, March 4 & 5, 2006. 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Description: Local artist display and sell their artwork, demonstrations of technique.
Fees: $1.00 per person park entrance fee.
Contact: For more information call 352-465-8555.

* FLORIDA FRIENDLY YARDS & NEIGHBORHOODS WORKSHOP
Date: Saturday & Sunday, May 13th & 14th, 2006. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Description: Learn about plants, trees, fertilizers and soils that work well in Florida. Learn what works for your pocketbook, for the environment, and for beautiful yards and gardens. A Native Plant sale will be held in conjunction so that you can purchase the plants after you learn what to do with them. Bring your lunch!
Fees: $1.00 per person, park entrance fee.
Contact: For more information call 352-465-8555.

Adopt the Withlacoochee or Rainbow River

2006-01-13T13:47:00.000-08:00

"Adopt your river"

Things you can do to protect your watershed

2006-01-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

"15 things you can do"

"Florida friendly yards"

SWFWMD activities in Rainbow River and the Withlacoochee

2006-01-13T12:24:00.000-08:00

"District to treat Hydrilla on Rainbow River

Jan. 17-19

For more information, please call SWFWMD at 352-796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476.

Springs Task Force Meeting

2006-01-13T11:13:00.000-08:00

The next Florida Springs Task Force meeting is Wednesday January 18, 9:00am at Silver Springs in the Cypress Room.

Florida Springs Task Force
Springs Report Update
January 18, 2006
Silver Springs Attraction
Cypress Room
Ocala

Waterkeeper Alliance

2006-01-11T19:45:00.000-08:00

Anyone interested in looking into this for the Withlacoochee River?
http://www.waterkeeper.org/mainprogram.aspx

Native Florida Trees

2006-01-11T19:08:00.000-08:00

http://www.myakkariver.org/NatTrees.pdf

Community Springs Protection Grant

2006-01-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

Florida Defenders of the Environment is pleased to announce that we have received a Florida Wildlife Federation Community Springs Protection Grant for education about water quality issues in Rainbow Springs.

Thanks to the Yankeetown Council, Rainbow Rivers Conservation Group, and the Silver Springs Working Group for their support letters!

Challenges to the TMDL process

2006-01-10T07:50:00.000-08:00

Florida---St. Johns River oxygen and nutrients

DEP Response for site specific dissolved oxygen standard
FEDS AGREE – DEP POLLUTION LIMITS ARE FLAWED--date:10.26.05
http://alachuapost.com/Home/3450.html

Florida---Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee Water Pollution Curbed--date:3.25.05
http://www.earthjustice.org/news/display.html?ID=975
http://www.earthjustice.org/accomplishments/display.html?ID=219
http://subscript.bna.com/SAMPLES/tld.nsf/0/0fe3002e03ca73c785256fd300812140?OpenDocument

United States---Clean Water Network and TMDL news
http://www.cwn.org/cwn/issues/impairedwaters/index.cfm

Previous email posts

2006-01-10T07:34:00.000-08:00

The Land Use Planning Strategies has been posted to the DEP Springs
website. You may view it at
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/springs/reports/LandUseReviewDraft12805.pdf

Other Land use websites
Model ordinances: http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/ordinance/
Low impact development: http://lowimpactdevelopment.org/
Smart Growth: http://www.smartgrowth.org/Default.asp?res=1024

_____________________________________________________________

Goals of Florida Defenders of the Environment

Florida Defenders of the Environment has begun a project in the basin including public education about water quality and support for
involvement in the DEP water quality protection process (impaired waters and
TMDLs).

We have an email listserv that will be used to communicate information about
the DEP water quality protection process, state meetings, and educational
opportunities. To Join the group listserv sign up at http://groups.google.com/group/WRB-Contacts-FDE?lnk=oa&hl=en.

Clearinghouse of information on the Withlacoochee River:
http://www.fladefenders.org/withlacoocheeriver.html.

________________________________________________________

Overview of Florida DEP TMDL Program

TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) = maximum amount of pollutant loading that can be discharged to a healthy water body1
_____
For more information on water quality and the TMDL process:
What is a TMDL? http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/intro.html
Glossary of Water Quality terms: http://www.deq.virginia.gov/tmdl/glossary.html
DEP TMDL site: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/tmdl/index.htm
303(d) Draft and Verified lists: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/tmdl/verified_gp4.htm
_____
Florida DEP Five Phases1,2 (over 5 year period for rotating basins)

Initial assessment of watershed health (2003-2004)
Strategic monitoring (2004)
Data analysis and TMDL development (3/2005-9/2006)
Watershed Plan Development (10/2005-6/2007)
Watershed Plan Implementation (6/2007)
_____
Draft Verified List of Impaired Waters for the Withlacoochee River Basin3

Assessment of aquatic life support parameters, pathogens, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and biology

5 categories of TMDL development (From the Master List)
1. Not impaired and attains use
2. Not impaired and attains some uses (~222 segments in the Withlacoochee River Basin)
3. No data, insufficient data, or planning listed (~622 segments)
4. Impaired with no pollutant identified (~12 segments)
5. Impaired and TMDL is required – (3 segments) (Withlacoochee River and Mud Lake)4

Draft Delisted waterbodies5

Water Segment Name (Parameter)
Lake Rousseau Coliforms (Fecal and Total), Nutrients (TSI)
Rainbow Springs #1 Nutrients (chlorophyll A)
Lake Lindsey Coliform (Fecal and Total), Dissolved Oxygen
Big Gant Canal Coliform (Fecal and Total)
Little Withlacoochee Coliform (Fecal and Total)
Dade City Canal Nutrients (chlor a)
Lake Mattie Nutrients (TSI)

References
1- Livingston, Eric H. 2005. Florida’s TMDL/Watershed Restoration Program and the 303(d) List Development Process. Florida Department of Environmental Protection Presentation. 7/12/05.
2- FDEP, 2001. Introducing the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Watershed Management Approach and Its Relationship to Developing and Implementing Total Maximum Daily Loads. Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
3- Petrus, Kevin. 2005. Withlacoochee River Group 4 Basin Surface Water Assessment. Florida Department of Environmental Protection Presentation. 7/12/05.
4-Verified List: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/tmdl/docs/303d_lists/group4/WithlacoocheeDraftVerified.pdf
5-Draft List: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/tmdl/docs/303d_lists/group4/WithlacoocheeDraftDelist.pdf)

Letters to Support Hwy 40 redirecting

1990-03-16T16:01:00.000-08:00

The application for designation of SR 40 as a Florida Scenic Highway must be submitted soon.
But, to get it, we need a tiny bit of help from you now. Scenic highway designation requires substantive evidence of broad community enthusiasm, so we must have a good collection of support letters to attach to the application. The Volusia County people have been good about getting letters in, but we need more from the rest of you--especially from Marion County!

Please copy/edit/adapt the letter provided to reflect your position/views and send this week. If at all possible, put your letter on letterhead and include at least a facsimile signature. Address it to Mariano Berrios, but send it to Glenn Burns (burnsgis@comcast.net) with an e-mail copy to me. You can mail hardcopy letters to Glenn at 16158 Hillside Circle, Montverde, FL 34756 or fax them to him at 407/469-3456.

Letters needed by April 1st. (for the letter and more info, see here)