Santa Fe River Springs Basin Working Group

Chili Cook-Off/Springs Celebration

2011-02-22T06:42:00.000-08:00

Experience the beauty of our State Parks and treat your taste buds at the O'Leno Ole' Chili Cook-Off (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) and Springs Celebration (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM) on Saturday March 26 at O'Leno State Park. An Old Time Contra Dance with the Flying Turtles String Band will also be happening at the park from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

Highlights will include a chili cook off, live music, a juggling unicycle act, puppets, interactive water education displays, and children's activities. This event is designed to teach the importance of Florida's springs. Admission to the park is FREE with the donation of one can of food per person to benefit a local food back. Click HERE to see the event flyer!

Santa Fe Springs Poster

2010-12-20T11:13:00.000-08:00

The Santa Fe Springshed poster has been finished and is currently being distributed to businesses and offices within the springshed. The poster has pictures of some of our local springs, shows the springshed, and has tips on how people can protect the springs. Click HERE to view the poster. If you would like a copy of the poster email Stacie at sgreco@alachuacounty.us.

Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute

2010-12-20T10:56:00.000-08:00

The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute was founded earlier this year to provide a focal point for springs science, restoration, and protection. Current projects include an assessment of springs ecological health in Marion County and a pilot SPRINGSWATCH project at Silver Springs. Please visit their site at http://www.floridaspringsinstitute.org/ to learn what you can do to assist with the wise managment of Florida's unique springs resources.

Springs Celebration and O'Leno Ole Chili Cook Off

2010-11-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

Please join the Santa Fe River Springs Working Group as an exhibitor at this fun event at beautiful O'Leno State Park on March 26, 2011 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. This was a great event last year because a lot of folks came out to eat delicious chili and wandered over to the environmental exhibits to learn about topics and issues that were brand new to them.

It is free to exhibit at this growing event, and it is simple to set up and break down. There will be music, children's activities, guided tours, and the chili contest and tastings. Please reserve your spot by clicking on this link and filling out this short form. For information contact Stacie at 352-264-6829.

If you are interested in entering your chili into the contest please email Friendsofoleno@windstream.net.

The City of Alachua Landscaping Rules

2010-11-01T11:33:00.001-07:00

The City of Alachua recently adopted tougher rules regarding watering and fertilizin when it opted in to Alachua County's Fertilizer and Irrigation Codes on October 25, 2010. Read the whole article in the North Florida Herald.

Bob Knight Article in the Gainesville Sun

2010-10-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

Bob Knight's article in the 10/10/2010 Gainesville Sun really demonstrates how interconnected all of the water users are here in Florida and highlights some great springs related events. Read it HERE.

Suwannee River Water Management District Public Water Supply Assessment Public Meetings

2010-09-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

The Suwannee River Water Management District is holding three public meetings to discuss their Water Supply Assessment. All meetings are open to the public. For more information email CDH@srwmd.org or call 386-362-1001.

October 7, 2010 7 PM - 8PM
Andrews Center Auditorium
209 W. Call Street
Starke, FL

October 12, 2010 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
District Headquarters
9225 CR 49
Live Oak, FL 32060

October 12, 2010 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
City Hall
17651 NW 90th Court
Fanning Springs, FL

Save Our Suwanee Presents Restoring Florida's Springs

2010-09-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bob Knight will be speaking about the biggest challenges to Florida springs and sharing the most promosing solutions at the Fort White Community Center (located on SR47 about a mile north of the US27 intersection) on Thursday September 30 at 7:00 PM.

The Blue Path Exhibition

2010-08-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

Florida Museum of Natural History
Cultural Complex, University of Florida
Gainesville, Fl.
August 12 through December 12, 2010

The Blue Path provides visitors a view of Florida's water through the window of North Florida's freshwater springs. This region is home to more springs--over 700 discovered so far--than any other place on Earth. The Exhibit examines how rapid degradation of Florida springs signals much bigger problems with the hidden aquifer that flows right beneath our feet. Combining science and art, this interactive show engages visitors to ponder changes in our water systems and how they might effect the future of Florida's economic and environmental well being. In the second half of the Museum display, citizens are invited to help envision new ways of living with water resources...through the themes "collect, reclaim, conserve and recharge."

The Exhibition at The Florida Museum of Natural History runs from August 12 to December 12 and serves as the anchor for the Blue Path Campaign initiated by the non-profit organization Florida's Eden. Related events and programs will take place through Spring of 2011. The free Blue Path Program Guide provides an ongoing listing of programs including: guided tours of springs and rivers, springs festivals, State Parks programs, landscaping workshops, art and music events, educational forums, speakers, contests, and the Florida's Eden Spring Bicycle Tour hosted by BikeFlorida. Beginnng August 12th the Guide can also be viewed online at http://www.floridaseden.org/

AQUIFERious and INTO THE AQUIFER

2010-04-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

A panel of artists, writers, and scientists will meet to consider the aesthetics—and the threats—to our Florida springs on Earth Day, April 22 at 7 p.m. The event, which is open to the public will be at The Randy Batista Studio and Gallery in Gainesville, Fla.

Most members of the panel have contributed to a new book by artist Margaret Ross Tolbert entitled "AQUIFERious". The book uses the narrative and imagery of Tolbert to tell the stories of 12 North Florida Springs, and the aquifer that feeds them. "AQUIFERious" also includes photographs, artistic maps from inside the aquifer, essays and scientific articles from ten contributors. With its collective voices, the book recounts a world of fine art, extreme cave diving, history, literature, and science.

The panel will be moderated by ecologist Carol Lippincott, Ph.D. In addition to dialogue between the panelists, it will also answer questions from the audience. The panel includes Bill Belleville, writer and documentary filmmaker, Stefan Craciun, photographer for the Sirena Narrative, Eric Hutcheson, springs cave cartographer, Robert Knight, PhD, consulting environmental scientist and owner of Wetlands solutions, Tom Morris, biologist and extreme cave diver, and Margaret Ross Tolbert, artist.

The launch of "AQUIFERious" dovetails with the opening of INTO THE AQUIFER, an exhibit now on display at The Randy Batista Studio and Gallery, 21 SE 2nd place, Gainesville, FL 32601. For more information, call 352-375-1911 or visit our AQUIFERious page on Facebook.

Alachua County Codes – Fertilizer and Irrigation

2010-04-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (ACEPD) has launched a new website to provide information on two recently adopted Codes by the County: the fertilizer application and the landscape irrigation codes.

The Fertilizer Standards and Management Practices Code provides standards for the timing of fertilizer application, training and licensing requirements, fertilizer application rates and fertilizer-free zones. The new County website contains information on the code requirements, links to upcoming training and a list of business that have completed the required training. Click here for more information about the Fertilizer Standards and Management Practices Code.

The Irrigation Conservation Standards and Management Practices Code adopts the existing requirements of the St. John and Suwannee River Water Management Districts. Currently, landscape irrigation is allowed twice a week with no irrigation between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Click here for more information about the Irrigation Conservation Standards and Management Practices Code.

For more information, contact Gus Olmos, ACEPD Environmental Program Supervisor at 352-264-6806 or Gus@alachuacounty.us.

Shifting currents in debate over water rules

2010-04-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

By Fred Hiers, Staff writer
Gainesville Sun
April 17, 2010

Robert Knight: Florida 'springs time'

2010-04-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

By Robert Knight
Gainesville Sun
April 11, 2010

Great Suwannee River Clean Up

2010-04-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

The Great Suwannee River Clean will be conducted later this year, (Aug - Oct) and they need help from local organizations to sponsor and conduct a clean up on a section of the river. Please help get the word out to any local civic organizations, scout groups, etc. that might be interested in helping in this important effort.

Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Fritzi Olson with Current Problems at aar@currentproblems.org

Santa Fe River Basin BMAP Technical Meeting

2010-04-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

Topic: BMAP development process

April 13, 2010 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Ft. White Community Center
17579 State Route 47
Ft. White, Florida 32038

BMAP agenda and meeting notes

Springs in the Heartland of Florida

2010-04-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

League of Women Voters of Alachua County/Gainesville invite you to:

SPRINGS IN THE HEARTLAND OF FLORIDA
A Forum on Springs Protection and Water Quality

Wednesday, April 7, 2010
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Millhopper Branch Library Meeting Room
3145 N. W. 43rd St., Gainesville

Guest Speakers
- Former Rep. David Flagg, Vice Chair of the Governing Board, Suwannee River Water Management District, will deliver an overview of Water Management Districts and their Governing Boards
- Carlos Herd, Senior Hydrogeologist, Suwannee River Water Management District, will talk about springs protection and minimum flows and levels of our rivers and ground water

Link to presentation from event

Also....a special showing of “The Springs: Heartland”, a short film by Karst Productions

Free and open to the public! Light refreshments served

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed, active participation of citizens in government, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Any person of voting age, male or female, may become a member. For more info call Chris at 352-375-6960 or see www.lwv-alachua.org

Santa Fe River BMAP Meeting

2010-03-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

Topic: Agricultural BMPs

March 16, 2010
9:30 a.m. - 12:30-1:00.

Ft. White Community Center
17579 State Route 47
Ft. White, Florida 32038

BMAP agendas and meeting notes

Santa Fe River BMAP meeting

2010-02-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

Topic: Silviculture in the Basin

Feb. 18, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.

Fort White Community Center

In addition to FDEP’s Terry Hansen, Robin Holland of DACS will be presenting information on Silviculture BMPs and we will discuss how this will be incorporated into the BMAP. Everyone is invited.

BMAP agendas and meeting notes

3rd Annual Springs Celebration - March 27, 2010

2010-02-01T10:07:00.000-08:00

STATE PARK TO HOST CHILI COOK-OFF AND SPRINGS CELEBRATION

Saturday, March 27, 2010
Chili Cook-off 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Springs Celebration 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
O’Leno State Park
High Springs, Florida
(Located on US Hwy. 441, six miles north of High Springs)

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s O’Leno State Park will host the celebration of springs and a chili cook-off on Saturday, March 27, 2010.

The Friends of O’Leno will sponsor the third annual O’Leno Ole’ Chili Cook-Off while the St. Johns River Water Management District, Alachua County Environmental Protection Department, Santa Fe Springs Working Group and Current Problems Inc. will sponsor a Springs Celebration with displays and activities designed to teach the importance of Florida’s springs.

The registration fee for the cook-off is $20.00, with all proceeds benefitting to the Friends of O’Leno, a nonprofit agency for park improvement projects. For more information or for advanced registration, call Harriet Walsh at (386) 454-4806 or email friendsofoleno@windstream.net.

Chile and other refreshments will be available for purchase while enjoying the live music, interactive water education activities and children’s crafts at the Springs Celebration. To learn more about this event and the importance of our springs visit www.santaferiversprings.com.

This event is free with regular park admission. To learn more about the park, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org/oleno .

Water's Journey

2009-12-01T10:47:00.000-08:00

Water’s Journey: The Hidden Rivers of Florida

The award-winning PBS series, follows a team of explorers as they trace the dynamic journey of water through caves, springs, rivers,wetland estuaries and coral reefs. Along the way they learn about the challenges and problems that face our waterways and what is being done to protect them.

To preview "Water's Journey" or order your copy of the film, click here.

Springs Heartland

2009-12-01T10:44:00.000-08:00

5 minute video produced in 2007 for the Suwannee River Water Management District by Karst Productions

Field Trip, November 16, 2009 7:45 am - 6:00 pm

2009-10-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

Karst Hydrogeology of the Western Santa Fe River Basin

This field trip will visit several hydrologic features in or near the Santa Fe River Basin including: Devil's Millhopper State Geological Park, O'leno State Park, and several of the river's largest springs and siphons. Discussions will focus on how these features and underwater caves are formed and their significance to sustainable management of groundwater in the region.

Course Fees: $40/person includes
- color field trip guide with maps
- transportation & admission fees
- canoe rental
- box lunch, snacks, and drinks

November 16, 2009 - 7:45 AM – 6:00 PM
Gainesville Hilton Hotel & Conference Center
1714 SW 34th Street, Gainesville, Florida

Registration and information form.

Santa Fe BMAP Public Meeting - Nov. 17, 2009

2009-10-28T11:54:00.001-07:00

Kick off of the Santa Fe River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP)

November 17, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.
Ft. White Community Center, 17579 State Route 47, Ft. White, Florida

This is a public meeting to discuss issues related to the Kick off of the Santa Fe River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP). All persons are invited to this public meeting.

Please send additional questions to Terry.Hansen@dep.state.fl.us (850) 245-8561

Robert Knight: Going with the flow?

2009-10-28T11:51:00.001-07:00

Going with the flow?
by Robert Knight

published in the Gainesville Sun, October 18, 2009

Sinkholes appear in High Springs

2009-10-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

The day the earth opened: Giant sinkholes appear in High Springs
By Rachael Anne Ryals
Herald Staff Writer

Published in High Springs Herald, October 12, 2009

Springs Working Group Meeting - Wednesday, September 30, 2009

2009-10-05T08:45:00.000-07:00

The Santa Fe Springs Working Group held its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at the Poe Springs Lodge from 9:30 - 3:00pm.

Agenda

Meeting Notes

Presentations
- Hydrologic conditions on lower Santa Fe River - Megan Wetherington, SRWMD
- Mercury Sampling in the Santa Fe River - Ted Lange, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Ginnie Springs Area Groundwater Resource Model - Todd Kincaid, H2H Associates, LLC
- Periphyton in Springs - Alicia Wilson, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Trash Survey

2009-10-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

Findings of investigation:

Santa Fe River– between HWY 441 bridge in High Springs and HWY 47 south of Fort White: (in order going down river)
• Santa Fe Canoe Outpost (rentals & launch area) = they provide customers with trash bags and collect from them when picking up down river, employees visit downstream access points to pick up trash, assist with multiple volunteer/environmental group clean ups by providing staff and vessels
• Adventure Outpost (rentals) = they provide customers with trash bags and collect from them when picking up down river, employees visit downstream access points to pick up trash, assist with multiple volunteer/environmental group clean ups by providing staff and vessels
• High Springs Boat Ramp (managed by Alachua Co) = waste receptacles present and clean river bank
• Columbia County Boat Ramp (hwy 27) (managed by Columbia Co) = waste receptacles present and clean river bank
• Poe Springs Park (owned by Alachua Co – managed by Nature Quest) = clean river bank, waste receptacles present, no alcohol policy, working on implementing a “no glass/no bottle” policy for all beverages, users typically families and remain on land and around spring
• Rum Island Park & Boat Ramp (managed by Columbia Co) = clean river bank, waste receptacles present, no alcohol policy, inmate crews pick up litter once per week, open to public, multiple uses by the public – including river access and floating
• Blue Springs (private park) = clean river bank, waste receptacles present, currently have “no glass/no bottle” policy, allow alcohol, no food or beverages allowed in swimming areas, employees monitor/pick up spring run for trash, assist & sponsor multiple volunteer/environmental group clean ups, users typically remain in and around spring and spring run
• Ginnie Springs (private park) = clean river bank, waste receptacles present at entry and exit points to the springs and river, have “no glass/no bottle” policy, allow alcohol, employees pick up banks following weekends, employees dive river when clear enough to pick up trash, high number of users and use includes tubing down the Santa Fe River – entering and exiting at entry and exit points on the subject property
• Gilchrist Co Park (managed by county – primitive site downriver of Ginnie Springs – no facilities) = trash present along river bank, no waste receptacles onsite, sign posted “no alcohol”, users fish from banks and use as access point to enter river for floating, canoeing/kayaking
• The Santa Fe Park & Boat Ramp (managed by Gilchrist Co – off hwy 47) = trash present along river bank – some in bags, no waste receptacles onsite(one fishing line container present), users fish from bank, launch vessels, hike up river bank, tube and use as exit point from upriver county park

Additional information:
- Gilchrist County has recently purchased and placed new trash containers (stolen in the past) at the county parks along the river as well as scheduling inmate crews to pick up trash at the parks on Mondays.
- FWC officers have issued many citations for littering in the past and concentrate patrols during the “season” (Memorial to Labor Day).

Source: Carmine Oliverio, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

SJRWMD Water Supply Plan - Water Conservation Subgroup

2009-09-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

The Water Conservation Subgroup for the SJRWMD Water Supply Plan met on Friday, August 2009.

Meeting agenda, notes and presentations

Senate Bill 2080 Passed

2009-07-01T06:08:00.000-07:00

Governor Crist signed Senate Bill 2080 into law.

A part of Bill 2080 codefies the principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping. In a letter, the Governor asked that governing boards and executive directors continue to include surface water and consumptive use permits on all board meeting agendas or other public meetings for discussion and transparency puposes.

Governor Crist letter

Senate Bill 2080

Commercial Harvesting of Freshwater Turtles Banned

2009-07-01T05:37:00.000-07:00

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission passed a ban of commercial harvesting of all freshwater turtles in Florida.

FWC Press Release

High Springs Herald article

St. Petersburg Times article

Public Has Access to Submerged Lands of Springs

2009-06-29T05:56:00.000-07:00

SUMMARY

PREEMPTION ISSUES WE INVESTIGATED DUE TO PUBLIC CONCERNS:
• Park management verbally telling canoers/kayakers that they could not paddle into spring & spring run and would have to pay admission fee to swim
• 2 posted signs along the spring run that caused confusion – leading river users to believe the spring and spring run were private (“DESIGNATED SWIMMING AREA – NO BOATS BEYOND THIS POINT” + “POE SPRINGS PARK – ENTRANCE FEE - $5.00 PER PERSON”)
Both issues bulleted above can qualify as “unauthorized preemption” of SSL (Sovereign Submerged Lands)

RESULTS:
• Division of State Lands confirmed “THE STATE HOLDS TITLE TO THE SUBMERGED LANDS OF POE SPRING, POE SPRING RUN AND THE SANTA FE RIVER AT THIS SITE”
• Alachua County & Nature Quest was informed of the title determination – both agreed not to limit/manage/control public access to Poe Spring and the spring run
• County removed both signs from the spring run (signs had been put up prior to Nature Quest management) – I (DEP) visited site this morning and confirmed removal
• Informed county that they could not deposit “new sand” or “other fill” w/in 100’ of the spring & spring run to maintain the present man-made beach area

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:
1. Yes, the waters in the spring and spring run are for the public’s use and cannot be managed by another party without authorization
2. Yes, any lands “waterward” of the “ordinary high” along the Santa Fe River, the spring run, and the spring itself is SSL for public use (lawful) and cannot be managed by another party without authorization
3. Yes, the land submerged (bottom) in the spring and spring run is SSL for public use – public can “walk” up the spring run
4. Yes, the public has the right to park on the Santa Fe River bank (staying in water) & wade/walk or swim up into the spring run and spring. Yes, the public can paddle up into the spring run and spring.
5. SEE DISCUSSION BELOW

DISCUSSION:
At different times the fixed ordinary high water line can fall below water levels (i.e. floods) or can be above water levels on dry bank (i.e. drought) – a good rule of thumb is for the public to stay in the water column with their vessel and feet – along the mostly level river, spring bottom. Walking along the exposed sloping banks of rivers and springs contribute to bank erosion and potentially gets the user into an issue with the surrounding property owner. We ask the public to respect private property and use care when paddling into springs with swimmers/divers/children present. Alachua Co and Nature Quest stated that they will approach individuals for admissions if they walk above the top of the bank – i.e. to use the restroom or picnic facilities. They understand that paddlers will be along the banks when exiting their vessels to go for a swim.
Hope this helps - call if any questions,

Carmine Oliverio
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Northeast District - Live Oak Field Office
Submerged Lands / Environmental Resources Permitting - Compliance & Enforcement
(386) 362-0417

This information was provided in response to the questions raised in the following article:
High Springs Article

SJRWMD/SRWMD Water Supply Plan Meeting, June 18, 2009

2009-06-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

The SJRWMD/SRWMD 2010 District Water Supply Plan Northern Planning Area/Upper Santa Fe River Water Supply Plan Work Group meeting was held June 18, 2009 in Gainesville.

Meeting Summary

Water Supply Plan Workshop - July 9
The Suwannee River and St. Johns River water management districts will host a joint workshop on Thursday, July 9 at 10 a.m. to discuss technical methodology for development of their 2010 Water Supply Plans. The public is invited to attend.
It will be held in the St. Johns District headquarters Governing Board room in Palatka.

Springs Working Group Meeting - June 4, 2009

2009-06-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Santa Fe Springs Working Group held its quarterly meeting on June 4, 2009 at the Poe Springs Lodge from 9:30 - 12:30. A field trip to two agricultural sites followed.

Agenda and Meeting Notes

Presentations:

FWC Closer To Enacting Rule For Freshwater Turtles

2009-04-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

Florida moved toward adopting strong conservation measures for the harvest of freshwater turtles at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s meeting in Tallahasee

Foster Folly News: A Washington County Florida Community Newsletter
April 15th, 2009

Full article

Here comes the flooding

2009-04-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

By Rachael Anne Ryals
High Springs Herald
April 16, 2009

As of Wednesday, April 15, the Santa Fe River was projected to crest sometime over the weekend. The projected crest level is far lower than the projections of last week, which put the river cresting closer to its historic levels.

Full article

Robert Knight: Now is the time to save Florida's springs

2009-04-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Springs protection is not just about protecting fish and wildlife habitat and popular crystal clear swimming holes from overgrowth by filamentous algae - it is mostly about protecting our underground aquifer.
Robert Knight, Wetland Solutions, Inc.
Gainesville Sun
April 12, 2009
Full Text

Springs Working Group Meeting - March 19, 2009

2009-03-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

The March 19th Sante Fe Springs Working Group meeting was held at the Poe Springs Lodge from 9:30 – 3pm.

Agenda and Meeting Notes

Presentations:

FWC staff proposes the country’s strongest conservation measures for freshwater turtles

2009-03-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

After months of reviewing and discussing the issue of freshwater turtle harvest in Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) staff will present a draft rule at the Commission meeting in Tallahassee on April 15.

“Staff is proposing a draft rule that represents the most comprehensive set of protections and conservation measures for freshwater turtles in the United States,” said Tim Breault, the FWC’s director of Habitat and Species Conservation. “Few places in North America have the rich diversity of turtles that we have here in Florida, and this proposed rule ensures their long-term survival.”

Full Press Release

Cleaning up the Santa Fe River

2009-03-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

Roughly 3,500 pounds of trash was collected from the Santa Fe River and the adjacent floodplain by 172 people who signed up to help clean the area Saturday, March 7.

See the full article at:
http://www.highspringsherald.com/articles/2009/03/20/news/news20.txt

SB 274

2009-03-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

The Springs Protection bill, sponsored by Senator Constantine, was brought up in the Environmental Preservation and Conservation committee yesterday as scheduled. There were presentations by environmental groups, Marion county, and homebuilders about the bill as currently written. Senator Constantine stated that he proposes now to expand the protection from the 4 springs named (Silver, Rainbow, Ichetucknee, and Wakulla) to all 1st and 2nd magnitude springs in the state. In order to do this, the bill will need to be greatly revised. A “strike all” amendment to this bill will be introduced once it is written (perhaps as early as later this week). In the meanwhile, the current bill has been TP’d (temporarily postponed) until the amendment and bill gets back on the committee schedule. I will let you know about the amendment as soon as I hear about it. Stay tuned!

Connie Bersok
Florida Springs Initiative

Proposed Legislation 2009

2009-03-05T20:00:00.000-08:00

The following are bills being proposed that are related to springs.

SB 274 – this bill is very similar to last year’s Silver/Rainbow bill, but this year’s version also includes Ichetucknee and Wakulla. There are some technical concerns with this bill, as it was designed around Marion County’s spring protection approaches, which are not the same as the approaches taken or underway for the counties in the springsheds of Ichetucknee and Wakulla.

SB 2120 – The Spring Stewardship Task Force is again proposed; this would be a short term task force of appointed individuals that results in a report to the legislature next year.

SB 1358 – This bill repeals the sales tax exemption on bottled water, and the language is also in SB 2576. This compliments the Governor’s proposal to place a severance tax on water used for bottling – the revenue from that is intended to make up for the shortfall from doc stamp taxes. I will let you know where/if that shows up in proposed legislation.

HB 1341 - This is not a springs bill per se, but it is a topic often discussed in the context of spring restoration and reduction of nitrate loading to the springshed. This is a bill on septic systems (also referred to as OSTDS or on site treatment disposal systems). Pp 6 – 8 addresses inspections, with priority given to those systems within a springshed protection area. And for those concerned that not everyone can afford needed repairs, see pages 11-12 for a proposed grant program.

SB2530 - Provides legislative findings regarding the use of Florida-friendly landscape. Revises eligibility criteria for certain water management district incentive programs. Requires certain local government ordinances and amendments to incorporate specified landscape irrigation and design standards and identify specified invasive exotic plant species. Revises application requirements for water well contractor licensure, etc.

If you haven’t already, bookmark Online Sunshine for the latest news on all your favorite bills and to listen in on committee meetings.

Connie Bersok
Florida Springs Initiative

Santa Fe River Clean-Up March 7, 2009

2009-02-24T13:51:00.000-08:00

For more information contact:
Pam Shamel, 352-392-5551, ext. 1134

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Clean-up Project of North Central Florida Water Resources

(Gainesville, FL – February 2009) WUFT-TV and Current Problems are partnering to conduct a cleanup on the Santa Fe River on Saturday, March 7. Meet at the River Ramp in High Springs at 9 am. and work will continue until 2 p.m. Volunteers will work on land in McCall Park, in the river floodplain, and upstream and downstream on the river in canoes. Lunch will be served to all who participate.

To register for the event call Fritzi Olson at 352-264-6827 or email at aar@currentproblems.org. Registration deadline Thursday, March 5 at noon. Also, check out our web site for map location: http://www.wuft.tv/liquidassets/

The work site is a fantastic example of how water systems in this community work and represents the direct relationship between land activities, surface water, the ground water – which ultimately is the springs water – especially since a few siphons are located on this part of the river.

In order to sponsor this cleanup, WUFT was awarded a grant from the documentary, “Liquid Assets: The Story of Our Water Infrastructure," produced by WPSU at Pennsylvania State University. It tells the story of America’s distressed essential infrastructure systems: drinking water, wastewater, and storm water. These complex and aging systems—some in the ground for more than 150 years—are critical components for basic sanitation, health, public safety, economic development, and a host of other necessities of life.

Other partners involved in this cleanup are Adventure Outpost, Alachua County, CCDA Waters, Karst Environmental, Karst Productions, & Santa Fe Canoe Outpost

Additional Resources on Springs Legislation

2009-02-24T13:50:00.000-08:00

The Florida Senate

Issue Brief 2009-317

SPRINGS PROTECTION: AN OVERVIEW OF RECENT ACTIVITIES

http://www.flsenate.gov/data/Publications/2009/Senate/reports/interim_reports/pdf/2009-317ep.pdf

UF Levin College of Law’s Conservation Clinic’s proposed Springs Legislation at: http://www.law.ufl.edu/conservation/index050512.shtml

Our Santa Fe River hosts meeting on Springs Legislation, February 27

2009-02-24T13:35:00.000-08:00

Our Santa Fe River, Inc.
will host a public meeting
for those interested in developing language
for Springs Protection Legislation

The meeting will be held at the High Springs Library
Friday, February 27 @ 2 pm

We will have WiFi access with Skype capabilities for those who would like to be online for this meeting. Please let me know in advance if you would like to included via Skype.

Please review the following Springs Bills in advance:

The Constantine Springs Bill
SB 0274
http://flsenate.gov/data/session/2009/Senate/bills/billtext/pdf/s0274.pdf

The Boyd Water Resources Bill
HB 593
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/sponsoredbills.aspx?MemberId=4371&SessionId=61

The Argenziano Springs Bill:
SB 2636
http://www.flsenate.gov/data/session/2006/Senate/bills/billtext/pdf/s2538.pdf

and.....
USGS Fact Sheet 080-96
You can DOWNLOAD THIS REPORT (130 KB) in Portable Document Format (PDF) The Adobe PDF Reader program is available for free from Adobe.

Katz, B.G., and DeHan, R.S., 1996, The Suwannee River basin pilot study: Issues for watershed management in Florida: Fact Sheet FS-080-96, 4 p.

Harvesting freshwater turtles is seen on Santa Fe River, across state

2009-02-24T13:33:00.000-08:00

By Rachael Anne Ryals
February 26, 2009
High Springs Herald
http://www.highspringsherald.com/articles/2009/02/06/news/news11.txt

Poe Springs park to go under new management

2009-02-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

By Cindy Swirko
November 26, 2008
Gainesville Sun
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20081126/NEWS/811261007/0/news