Florida Defenders of the Environment (FDE) initiated the beginning of the second phase of a public engagement strategy for defining the future of the Ocklawaha River. The first phase consisted of five Listening Sessions which were conducted during the fall of 2017. The second phase consists of an American Assembly process which began with a Public Information Session tonight, June 28, 2018 in Palatka. Tonight’s public session will be followed tomorrow by a one-day American Assembly with limited participation, focused on producing a policy document guiding future actions and alternatives.
Florida Defenders of the Environment has received a $10,000 grant from the Felburn Foundation to launch the Public Engagement Project, headed up by Terry Clarke.
A recent article in the Gainesville Sun, “Ocklawaha River Future Debated,” explains the long history of Rodman Dam and the accompanying controversy. Although many or all environmental groups encourage the demise of the dam for environmental reasons, Florida Defenders of The Environment, headed by Jim Gross, has been the most active.
It is difficult to find a good reason to retain the blockage on the river, but there are many reasons to free the river as nature intended.
The meeting was well attended, but some were a bit confused, thinking that the future was to be discussed, since the title uses the word “future, ” and the agenda included “Next steps.”
Many water and anti-phosphate mine leaders were seen in the audience, including Karen Chadwick, Kate Ellison, Kate Gallagher, Tracy Marinello, Dr. Paul and Cathy Still, and others.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
-A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back-
The legal challenge is still going through the process.
What is the latest about the 2017-10-10 lawsuit?
“Florida Defenders of the Environment et al v. United States Forest Service
Plaintiff: Florida Defenders of the Environment, Bruce Kaster and Joseph Little
Defendant: United States Forest Service
Case Number: 3:2017cv01128
Filed: October 10, 2017
Court: Florida Middle District Court
Office: Jacksonville Office
County: Alachua
Presiding Judge: Harvey E. Schlesinger
Referring Judge: Joel B. Toomey
Nature of Suit: Environmental Matters
Cause of Action: 28:1331
Jury Demanded By: None”
From the FDE website:
Litigation Report January 24, 2018
The FDE, Kaster, Little suit against the US Forest Service
is proceeding as expected in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The goal remains to see to the removal of Rodman Dam and the restoration of the free-flowing Ocklawaha River. The plaintiffs and their lawyer, Jane West, anticipated that the Forest Service would initially defend by filing a motion to dismiss but, instead, the Forest Service has filed an answer denying much of the complaint but not all. A lawyer from the Forest Service’s District Columbia office is defending at present.
In addition to pro forma denials of liability, the Forest
Service’s answer has also claimed several defenses, including lack of standing. Although plaintiffs have just received the answer and have not formulated the details of their next steps, those steps will certainly include vigorous requests for discovery. At some point the United States District Judge will enter orders scheduling a time line for the litigation.
FDE and other plaintiffs will keep our supporters informed
of the course of the litigation in the Monitor, on the FDE website and otherwise as appropriate. The website contains links to the complaint and the Forest Service’s answer, making them available for review by all.
Joe Little
Thank you Kate Ellison. I already knew about the January 24, 2018 statement by FDE — 5 months ago — I wanted to know what the LATEST was. I remember April 30, 2012 “VICTORY” all too well. See https://earthjustice.org/news/press/2012/u-s-forest-service-will-reconsider-impact-of-dam-on-the-ocklawaha “- Ocklawahaman” Paul Nosca.