Bags and bags of garbage, including old tires, PVC pipe and who knows what were collected at the Bradford side of CR 231 and New River, tributary of the Santa Fe, today May 20 2017.
Although sponsored by SSJ North Florida, the group was joined by members of OSFR and CAPM who filled a trailer with trash and then had a great potluck lunch (thanks Cindy North) and a business meeting. Again, thanks Cindy for the air conditioned quarters.
Thanks to Merrillee for the bags, grabbers and cold water, and to Jane for the trailer to fill with trash. And of course to all the volunteers who came out to help in the heat, especially new-comer Stephen Hunter. Others were Chris and Deanna Mericle, Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson, Brack Barker, Jane Blais and your historian.
We all know that Bradford County has a pending mining permit and time is running out to stop this very dangerous threat to our Santa Fe River. We must educate everyone who uses the Santa Fe, from Bradford Co. to the Suwannee River, as it is imperiled. If we do nothing, the mine will be on the very banks of the Santa Fe. No matter how careful they may be, there is a very good chance that this mining company, HPS II will have an accident and pour poisons into the Santa Fe. They can be poisons which will wipe out most of the animals in the river. This happened in Hillsborough County.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
-A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back-
Wish more people in Bradford Co cared to keep their river clean. And showed up at Co Commission meetings to stop the phosphate mining disaster. Just saying.
thank you all so very much!!! You make a huge difference and the river appreciates you as I do♡