Wish we could have had a bigger presence at the conference. The Plenary sessions were excellent and the concurrent sessions were interesting. At the Quarterly meeting of the Coalition members, held on Thursday, several resolutions were passed. I will try posting them for everyone's edification, but if for some reason they don't look right, please go to Evergladescoalition.org. That site will have them posted fairly soon.
My take on the messages that came out of the conference... Washington has the perfect place to send stimulus package funds for south Florida.... the South Florida Management District has several projects ready to go, previously planned and authorized. These projects are certainly worthy of attention from the federal govt. As previously a 50-50 cost share on projects had been agreed to....
In the discussion about flowways vs reservoirs south of Lake O (on the land to be purchased from US Sugar) the historic pattern of native pond apple and saw grass plains was discussed. Some replication of those plantings seem highly appropriate. Has anyone done research on the ability of pond apple to take up nutrients? Please pass on that information.
This is a critical time for ALL stakeholders to be tuned in to the discussions. The SFWMD is having meetings in the next couple of weeks that may set the stage for future. A WRAC meeting in Clewiston on Jan 22 to discuss economics for the area. Technical meetings on flows will also happen THIS WEEK, so if you are especially conversant in hydrology, please make a point of getting involved.
A thought re stimulus money... if there is a real need to spend money on a bridge it should be the Tamiami Skyway, to release the dammed up water to the everglades and Fl Bay.
Part of the discussion focuses on the quality of the water to go south. That is why all relevant info on how, and which, native plants can work to remove excess nutrients (nitrogen & phosphorous) needs to be made more available.
Some people are not so sure the land deal is appropriate, but most everyone else involved agrees this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It certainly is a spark to ignite the forward progress that the everglades needs. The report from the National Academy of Science points out the critical need for action now.
Find out how YOU can be involved in saving the Everglades. It is a job for all of us.
Joan, FNPS rep to Everglades Coalition
