Stan Meeks has written a three part article dealing with the health of the Suwannee River which is a comment on the article on the river in the Gainesville Sun. This article “Beauty, charm, draw visitors to Suwannee River” can be seen in its entirety HERE. Continue reading for Meeks’ comments:
From: stan_meeks@earthlink.net
Subject: A new aspect of Water War – Vaucheria alga – Part 1 of 3
Date: Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:15:07 -0400
the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Meade
We must all begin to vote, speak out and e-mail….. This is our power when it comes to saving our rapidly dying Florida habitat. The wealthy rape and pillage developers who are beginning to invade the Suwannee River basin and the politicians who turn a blind eye can expect to meet a few stubborn citizens… ready, willing and able to fight for the conservation of the waters of the Suwannee River basin.
The Water War is real and tomorrow is at stake. You have a personal choice about participation in the Water War, starting right now… be part of the problem, or become part of the solution. There is no more middle-of-the-road for the conservation of Florida’s water because there is precious little pure water left for conservation.
In this Water War the worst thing you can do, is to “Do Nothing“. In the Part 3 of this email are 10 ways to fight the Water War in Florida, with state and federal web sites to help you find the people to whom you can address your concerns.
- To report environmental crimes, call 1-877-272-8335 (1-877-2 SAVE FL) Wireless customers can dial #DEP.
1. Stay in frequent (at least monthly) contact will all of your county, state and federal elected officials (see list below). In politics the “squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Make sure they know exactly how you feel about the water problem in you area, and propose at least one solution.
2. Lend your financial support to proactive groups of conservationists and environmentalists who are trying to find and document new solutions to the Florida Water War. Every dollar amount is appreciated – even the small ones.
3. Stay alert for small environmental problems in your area. Report them to the appropriate government agency before they become big environmental problems. Follow up on your report on a regular basis.
4. Develop a mailing list and share knowledge with like-minded individuals and organizations across the state.
5. “Success breeds success.” This old saying has a lot of truth in it. There are thousands of people that have successfully reclaimed the health of their habitat. Knowing
that others have beaten the odds can encourage others to do the same. We want to prevent environmental destruction, not repair the results of environmental destruction. Share any and all success stories, and be sure to include a URL address that validates your success story.
6. Be politically active. Standing up for the water rights of others is a way to protect our own. Read the paper, listen to the news, and be aware of politically motivated legislation, environmental violations, unfair water permitting use, and any other issues that further endanger our habitat. A letter to your governor, senator, or representative has more impact than you might realize. A letter to the editor can reach thousands of voters and alert them to unjust practices. Be aware of what is going on, and invite others to join you in the political process.
7. Education is the best weapon of all. Turn off the tube, read a book, speak with knowledgeable people, and attend meetings. Consider lending your voice and expertise at meetings and other public forums. Search out and find common sense answers to your questions and problems. That is the purpose of our state agencies and elected representatives. Call and ask questions. That is what they are there for. Then present the problem and proposed solution(s) to other private citizens, publications, politicians and governmental agencies.
8. Success does not happen by chance; dream, think and plan. Setting goals and making realistic plans are essential for any dream to come true. Thinking ahead and planning out your responses to environmental dilemmas such as the “rape and pillage” development projects are necessary. Suggest alternatives that are reasonable, attainable, and sustainable. After you gather and verify your facts, schedule presentations to any group that will listen.
9. Acceptance of others. To merely “tolerate” others that have different views from us – whether water conservationists, politicians, developers, etc., we must be aware of any hidden biases on our part. We cannot allow race, ethnicity, religion, party lines, etc. to stand in the way of protecting our future. Being “tolerant” is no longer sufficient if we really want to conserve our resources and see them used in the most efficient, sustainable manner. We must look beyond superficial differences and recognize that what we have in common is the desire to protect our resources. Learn to truly accept others and to accept their help. We should all be coordinated in our efforts to fight together, whenever possible.
But whatever you choose to do, just do not “Do Nothing”.
WEB SITES OF NOTE:
Everything Florida
<http://www.floridalawonline.net/>
Florida Administrative Rules
<http://www.flrules.org/>
Florida Statutes
<http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=
1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=CH0373/Sec196.HTM>
Florida Division of Administrative Hearings Case Search
<http://www.doah.state.fl.us/internet/search/>
DEP Final Orders
<http://www.dep.state.fl.us/legal/Final_Orders/finalorders.htm>
The Manual on DEP Enforcement
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/legal/Enforcement/enforcement.htm#new
<http://www.dep.state.fl.us/legal/Enforcement/enforcement.htm>
Federal Law, Statutes, Rules, Court Decisions, etc.
<http://www.lawsource.com/also/usa.cgi?us1>
USA Corps of Engineers Permit Notices
<http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/regulatory/publicnotice/publicnotice.htm>
Legal: environmental friendly