Volume 4, Issue 11 More Protection, Less Process June 3, 2004
Governor Jeb Bush Secretary Colleen M. Castille Helpful Numbers: Office of the Secretary 850-245-2118 Communications 850-245-2086 Press Office 850-245-2112 Environmental Education 850-245-2130 Citizen Services 850-245-2118 Northwest -- Pensacola 850-595-8300 Northeast - Jacksonville 904-807-3300 Southwest – Tampa 813-744-6100 Central - Orlando 407-894-7555 South – Ft. Myers 239-332-6975 Southeast - West Palm Beach 561-681-6600 Previous Issues	‘Green’ Budget Reinforces Florida's Environmental Commitment TALLAHASSEE – On May 27, Governor Bush signed the State budget providing the Department with $2.1 billion to fight pollution, improve water quality and increase protection for Florida’s natural resources. Appropriations include more than $400 million in cash to restore America’s Everglades and conserve environmentally-sensitive land, and $266.8 million to safeguard Florida’s rivers, lakes, springs and coastal waters. “Florida’s ‘green’ budget is providing debt-free environmental protection,” said Secretary Castille. “Because of the commitment of Governor Bush and the Legislature, the State can invest taxpayer dollars wisely and build on our progress to restore America’s Everglades and preserve a piece of every part of Florida in perpetuity.” Conserving Florida’s Land, $306.9 million, cash -- This year’s budget sets aside more than $300 million in cash, without bonding, to conserve environmentally sensitive land, restore water resources and protect open space for recreation through the Florida Forever program. The nation’s most successful effort to conserve land has placed close to a million acres in public ownership over the last five years. Restoring America’s Everglades, $100 million, cash -- Through continued funding, Governor Bush is keeping restoration of the famed River of Grass ahead of schedule and under budget. Florida has acquired more than 50 percent of the land needed to complete the massive restoration project. Including cash and bonds, Florida’s total financial commitment now tops $2 billion. Restoring Florida’s Water, $245.1 million -- The State is investing billions of dollars to clean up pollution, upgrade drinking water facilities and improve wastewater treatment in Florida’s communities. This year’s appropriation includes $10 million to improve wastewater treatment in the Florida Keys and protect the nation’s only barrier coral reef. Protecting Florida’s Springs, Rivers and Lakes, $21.7 million – With $6.6 million in funding, Florida is restoring lakes and rivers through the Total Maximum Daily Load program, which uses sound science to identify and clean up degraded waters. The budget also provides $12.6 million to improve water quality in Lake Okeechobee -- the nation’s second largest freshwater lake. For a fourth year, the Florida Springs Initiative received $2.5 million to further protect Florida’s 700 freshwater springs. Springs are early gauges of trends in Florida’s drinking water quality and quantity. Expanding Recreation and Tourism, $1 million -- To strengthen the economy of rural Florida, this year’s budget includes $1 million to build and expand a network of trails and campgrounds in rural areas along the Suwannee River. Through a public-private partnership, the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail provides new recreational adventures and economic opportunity for communities along the 207-mile historic waterway. Safeguarding Florida’s Oceans, $1 million -- Recognizing the need to enhance science-based ocean management, Governor Bush proposed funding to advance state-of-the-art coastal observation technologies, expand recreation and ocean education, and increase protection for seagrass beds, marine fisheries and coral reefs. Drawing millions of visitors each year, Florida’s clear waters, world-class beaches and coral reefs support a $53 billion tourism industry, a $14 billion marine industry and a fishing industry that injects more than $8.5 billion a year into Florida’s communities.
Governor Bush Applauds $1.3 Million for Conservation BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE– Governor Bush and Secretary Castille applauded a $1.3 million grant from the Department of Interior to conserve natural areas, restore wetlands and control invasive plants in Florida on May 27. National Park Service Director Fran Mainella presented the State with a ceremonial check on Wednesday to initiate more than a dozen conservation projects throughout Florida in partnership with state and local governments. “Together with the state’s efforts, this additional federal funding is helping to conserve land and enhance habitat,” said Secretary Castille. “Combining resources allows us to restore more land and water and protect some of the most diverse natural environments in the nation.” Part of the funds will be put toward a 50/50 partnership between the National Park Service and the Department to continue eradicating Brazilian pepper from natural areas within the Big Cypress National Preserve and other national parks throughout Florida. The initiative follows a similar partnership that successfully harnessed the growth of the exotic melaleuca tree throughout the 729,000-acre Preserve allowing native habitats to recover. Brazilian pepper, native to South America, was introduced to Florida as an ornamental in the mid 1800s and now affects approximately 25,000 acres of the Preserve. One of the most aggressive of the invasive nonindigenous plants in Florida, Brazilian pepper impacts aquatic and terrestrial habitats, reducing the quality of native plant communities in the state. The $1.3 million grant is a part of $21 million in challenge cost-share awards under President Bush’s Cooperative Conservation Initiative to complete 377 conservation projects nationwide in conjunction with states, local communities, businesses, landowners and other partners. The conservation projects will be carried out in 43 states to conserve, restore or enhance more than 565,000 acres of habitat. EPA, Army Corps of Engineers and FDEP Recognize Clean up Progress at Jacksonville Superfund Site JACKSONVILLE– The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Department celebrated the completion of the first phase of clean up at the Coleman-Evans Superfund site. The event was held at the project site on Celery Avenue in Whitehouse, FL. Guest speakers recognized the strong community support and extensive agency coordination that made this milestone a reality. Speakers included representatives from the Corps, EPA, the Department and the City of Jacksonville. Phase I of the cleanup entailed soil excavation and on-site treatment in a thermal desorption unit (TDU). Approximately 200,000 tons of wet soil was treated. “This marks a milestone in returning this site to the community,” said Carol Monell, Superfund Remedial and Technical Services Branch Chief, U.S. EPA. “EPA is working diligently to systematically clean up and restore environmentally hazardous sites around the nation.” After five years of intensive work, a major milestone was accomplished in the process of making this land a “good neighbor” for Jacksonville residents. On March 15 the last bucket of soil was delivered to the TDU for treatment. “The Army Corps of Engineers is proud to be a partner in this effort,” said Richard Bonner, Deputy District Engineer for Program Management, Jacksonville District. “Coleman-Evans is one of 20 Superfund sites the Corps is working on throughout Florida and the Caribbean. Progress on these sites is progress for our communities and the nation.” Mario Taylor, Northeast District Director, recognized the strong State-Federal responsibilities and partnerships linked to identification and clean up of hazardous material. “Restoring sites impacted by historical pollution brings environmental and economic benefits to this state and its residents. Florida will continue to commit the technical expertise, time and resources needed to reclaim land and secure a clean, safe and healthy environmental future for our communities.” For more information, contact Laura Niles, Environmental Protection Agency at 404-562-8353, Sonya Goines, Army Corps of Engineers at 904-232-1004 or Jill Johnson, Department of Environmental Protection at 904-759-2795. Florida Continues Restoration of Rivers, Lakes TALLAHASSEE-- Florida marked another milestone in the campaign for cleaner water on May 27. Secretary Castille signed a final order identifying the second of five groups of waterbodies targeted for restoration. Waters identified for clean up include rivers, estuaries and lakes in the Apalachicola/Chipola Basin, Charlotte Harbor Basin, Lower and Middle St. Johns River Basins, St. Lucie/Loxahatchee Basin and the tributaries of Tampa Bay. “Floridais cleaning up its waterways,” said Secretary Castille. “The State’s science-based method systematically targets impaired waters and guides water quality improvements to assure healthier natural resources.” Under the federal Clean Water Act, each state must identify impaired rivers, lakes and estuaries for clean up. Science-based pollution limits, called Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), are then developed for each impaired waterway. A TMDL is the maximum amount of a specific pollutant a waterbody can absorb and still meet its designated uses, such as fishing, swimming, shellfish harvesting or as a source of drinking water. Florida adopted a nationally recognized program to govern TMDL development and implementation. To target impaired waterways for clean up, the Department divided the state into 30 watersheds. Each year the State assesses groups of waters to determine which are impaired and require restoration and which need further study. Over time, Florida will design plans to evaluate, restore and monitor degraded waterbodies in the state. After collecting extensive scientific data, the State established a second group of rivers and lakes for restoration, identifying 446 waterbodies as impaired. This second verified list of impaired waters underwent extensive public review and will now be submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval. Last year, the EPA approved Florida’s first group of impaired waters. The State has developed close to 30 TMDLs for those waterways, including the Ocklawaha River chain and Lake Okeechobee. The State is working with federal and local governments, water management districts, public and private utilities, industry, agriculture and environmental groups to establish other TMDLs, which promote improved farming practices, increased wastewater and stormwater treatment, and better land use planning to reduce pollution. Together with the TMDL program, the Department is improving water quality through long-standing environmental regulations, technical assistance, and an annual investment of hundreds of millions of dollars to build water infrastructure, acquire conservation lands and restore waterways. The Group Two impaired waters list is available at: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/tmdl/index.htm.  Environmental Education Expands for Franklin County Students APALACHICOLA— Environmental education for Franklin County students is stepping out of the classroom into the natural setting of the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. On June 2, Secretary Castille and Franklin County School Superintendent Jo Ann Gander launched Learning in Florida's Environment (LIFE) -- a field-based science program for seventh graders. “The Research Reserve provides a classroom without walls, encouraging students to experience science and nature,” said Secretary Castille. “By exploring one of Florida’s most unique natural communities, students gain a broader understanding of their environment and the importance of protecting coastal lands and waters.” Franklin County is the first school district in the state to participate in the LIFE program, designed to expand science education with hands-on, field based learning. Teachers lead in developing field laboratory activities that integrate and reinforce the existing curriculum. The program targets rural schools and aims to improve student achievement, support teacher development and enhance stewardship of the region’s unique natural resources. “We are blessed in Franklin County with a pristine natural environment," said Franklin County School Superintendent Jo Ann Gander.  “This experience fosters students' environmental stewardship of our natural resources while supplementing their current school curriculum.” LIFE combines the Department’s scientific, research and conservation expertise with the needs of Florida’s teachers, students and schools. The program creates a statewide network of environmental and marine-science field laboratories at state-owned facilities that foster interest in research, technology and environmental science. Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of only 26 reserves in the nation. Including more than 50 miles of the Apalachicola River, the reserve spans over 246,000 acres of floodplain, salt marsh, barrier islands, estuary and uplands. The Apalachicola Bay supports a recreational and commercial fishery that produces 90 percent of Florida’s oysters, 10 percent of the nation's oysters and supports the state’s third-largest shrimp harvest Multi-Agency Farming Program Receives Honor TALLAHASSEE– On May 25, The Council for Sustainable Florida recognized the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) for adopting business practices that protect Florida’s natural resources. The voluntary seven step program for farmers uses best agricultural techniques to prevent agricultural pollution from reaching Florida’s waters. “Even today, nearly half of Florida’s land is in some type of agriculture or forestry. This program recognizes the significant contributions that farmers are making to protect our natural resources,” said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson. Launched four years ago by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Environmental Protection, and the Suwannee River Water Management District, the CARES pilot program was initiated in the Middle Suwannee Basin. Because of a high concentration of farms in the region, the Suwannee area was targeted to reduce nitrate levels in ground water, springs and surface waters within the watershed. “Together with traditional regulations, voluntary programs can improve the way farms operate to reduce pollution,” said Secretary Castille. “This honor acknowledges this innovative program and the significant efforts made by farmers to become stewards of their own local environment.” CARES is an incentive-based program designed to protect Florida’s water resources by promoting environmentally sound and economically viable farming. The program is supported by 46 trade associations, corporations and government agencies working together in partnership with farmers to implement farm specific nutrient management plans. CARES provides recognition for farms that voluntarily implement and maintain best management practices. “This honor really belongs to the farmers participating in the partnership and the CARES program,” said Suwannee River Water Management District Executive Director Jerry Scarborough. “It is their commitment and cooperation that has made this program a success, and allows us to continue to move forward with our efforts to improve water quality in the Suwannee River Basin.” Within the Middle Suwannee watershed, 86 percent of dairies, 95 percent of poultry operations and 24 percent of row crop farmers are participating in the program. CARES has certified 115 farms, with another 50 in the process. The dramatic success of the program has prompted its expansion to other basins across the state. “The regulations require only the largest operations to follow best management practices. This voluntary program reaches out to all operations,” said Florida Farm Bureau Federation President Carl Loop Jr. “Farmers in this state have stepped forward and made this program a tremendous success. Good stewardship of the land and water is imperative to continue to farm that land for generations. The recognition for this award goes to our farmers.” Each year, the Council for Sustainable Florida recognizes businesses, organizations and individuals from across the state for their successful efforts to manage, protect and restore Florida’s coastal areas. The CARES program was honored with the 2004 Sustainable Florida Business Partnership Award. Hydrogen Business Partnership Reconvenes  ORLANDO-- Executives from the world’s leading energy technology companies met in Lake Mary on May 26 to discuss Florida’s business climate and strategies for developing advanced hydrogen energy technologies. Today’s meeting was the second gathering of the Partnership – aimed at exploring strategies to commercialize hydrogen technologies. “Floridais taking a leadership role in clean fuel technology,” said Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy Allan Bedwell. “Our investment in pollution-free technology benefits Florida’s environment, quality of life and economy.” The Department first gathered hydrogen technology developers, fuel and power producers and major energy consumers in April to assist the State with the development of Florida’s hydrogen future. In July, the Hydrogen Business Partnership will recommend government and industry approaches to accelerate the development, demonstration and commercialization of hydrogen technology. “More than $1.5 billion is invested in hydrogen technology each year,” said Deputy Secretary Bedwell. “Florida’s leadership in the development of hydrogen technology will protect the environment and bring new investment, companies and jobs to the State.” The Partnership is comprised of senior executives from 19 leading companies including: Air Products, Air Liquide America, Apollo Energy Systems, Ballard Power Systems, BP America, Cummins Westport, Disney, DynEco, Florida Power & Light, Fuel Cell Energy, Gulf Power, Plug Power, Praxair, Progress Energy Florida, Shell Hydrogen, Siemens Westinghouse Power, Stuart Energy Systems, Tampa Electric Company and Teledyne Energy Systems. Local Leaders Rally to Drive Energy Efficient Vehicles PENSACOLA- During Clean Air Month, state and local governments are investigating ways to reduce both air emissions and fuel consumption. Northwest District Director Mary Jean Yon together with Escambia County Administrator George Touart and City of Pensacola Manager Tom Bonfield navigated an obstacle course using eco-friendly hybrid cars on May 25. “Our area economy and quality of life depend on a clean and healthy environment,” said Director Yon. “Choosing hybrid vehicles, with near zero emissions, protects Florida’s air, reduces reliance on gasoline and saves taxpayer dollars.” Florida agencies currently utilize more than 900 alternative fuel vehicles, shaping the market for clean air transportation and technologies. Adding to its fleet of over 200 alternative fueled vehicles, the Department now owns 45 fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles, with eight of those in the Northwest District. Selecting hybrid vehicles for the state vehicle fleet reinforces Florida’s commitment to clean air and environmental protection. “With a growing population, more vehicles traveling along our highways and a greater demand for energy, protecting air quality will remain a priority,” said Director Yon. “Reducing emissions and investing in clean energy technology ensures a stronger, healthier environment and economy for future generations.” The burning of petroleum-based fuels like gasoline is the primary cause of air pollution from mobile sources. To learn more about Clean Air Month or for information on Florida’s air quality, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/air.  Film and Photographs Bring Florida's Aquatic Preserves to Life FLORIDA’S LIVING WATERS – Through film and photographs, take a magical journey into the living waters of Florida’s aquatic preserves. Airing statewide on public television, the documentary Living Waters: Aquatic Preserves of Florida showcases a dozen of the State’s 41 aquatic preserves, highlighting their natural and cultural significance. “Living Waters: Aquatic Preserves of Florida highlights the environmental and economic significance of Florida’s diverse water wonderlands,” said Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “This film promotes stewardship for the State's 41 'liquid parks,’ increasing awareness and understanding for protecting Florida’s preserves, their waters and important wildlife.” Florida designated its first aquatic preserve, Estero Bay, nearly four decades ago. Recognizing the environmental diversity and alluring beauty of Florida’s coastal waters, the 1975 Florida Aquatic Preserve Act ensured that aquatic preserves’ “natural condition…their aesthetic, biological and scientific values may endure for the enjoyment of future generations.” “Florida’s preserves truly are an irreplaceable natural resource,” said DEP’s Director of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas Katherine Andrews. “Situated where the land meets the sea, our aquatic preserves’ abundant seagrass beds and mangrove forests provide homes for marine life, and attract wading and shorebirds, manatees and other endangered species.” Produced and directed by the Live Oak Production Group’s Elam Stoltzfus, the documentary is hosted by renowned Florida artist Clyde Butcher and features original music by Floridian Sammy Tedder. Living Waters: Aquatic Preserves of Florida will air on public television across Florida: June 6, 2004: WSRE/Pensacola June 8, 2004: WFSU/Tallahassee June 29, 2004: WEDU/Tampa. The Department of Environmental Protection, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, The Ocean Conservancy and The Gulf of Mexico Foundation supported the film’s production. Protecting Florida...Forever Established by Governor Bush, the 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program conserves environmentally sensitive land, restores water resources and preserves important cultural and historical resources. Florida Acquires Rare Coastal Scrub Habitat BREVARD COUNTY-Florida has acquired 131 acres of one of the most endangered natural communities in North America. Purchased through Florida Forever, the acquisition in Brevard County protects rare coastal scrub -- a critical habitat for the endangered Florida scrub-jay. “Few parcels remain of this original landscape that once dominated coastal areas of Florida,” said Secretary Castille. “Conserving this sensitive habitat safeguards waterways and guarantees protection for rare wildlife.” Only small fragments of the once common coastal scrub parallel to the Indian River now remain. The State is targeting more than 56,600 acres dotted throughout Brevard County for acquisition. The area is home to many rare and endangered species, including at least eight rare species of plant. Earlier last month, the Governor and Cabinet voted to purchase another 30 acres of the project, providing protection for Turkey Creek, a key habitat for the manatee. More than 17,000 acres of the project have already been acquired, nearly half of the total project. The property will be managed by Brevard County as a conservation area. Historic Tomoka State Park Expands Boundaries TALLAHASSEE— Governor Bush and the Florida Cabinet voted to add more than 400 acres to Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach on May 25. Located near the convergence of the Tomoka and Halifax rivers in Volusia County, Tomoka State Park encompasses more than 1,600 acres where early Native Americans once lived off the fish-filled lagoons. “Expanding Tomoka State Park provides additional recreational opportunities in one of Florida’s most beautiful natural areas,” said Secretary Castille. “Adding hundreds of acres further protects natural resources, conserves more environmentally sensitive land and preserves Florida’s heritage.” Renowned for fishing, scenic hiking and canoe trails, Tomoka State Park attracted more than 87,000 visitors last year and contributed more than $2.9 million to the local economy. The park protects the site of the ancient Indian village of Nocoroco, which was once a thriving community along the banks of the Tomoka River. Along with bottle-nosed dolphins and manatees that inhabit offshore waters, Tomoka State Park is home to more than 280 plant species and 175 bird species. The State is acquiring two land parcels for 92 percent of appraised value, adding to a natural land corridor in Northeast Florida. Archeologists have unearthed plantation ruins on one tract, uncovering the historical remnants of a residence and kitchen. Florida's state park system is one of the largest in the country with 158 parks covering 713,000 acres. Last year, Florida’s state parks celebrated record attendance with more than 18.2 million visitors pumping nearly $574 million into local economies. For more information about Florida State Parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org.    State Expands the Cross Florida Greenway PALATKA – Over 255 acres were added to the Etoniah/Cross Florida Greenway last week through the state’s premier land conservation program, Florida Forever. Stretching from the St. Johns River to the Gulf of Mexico, the 110-mile greenway covers more than 94,500 acres with close to 200 miles of trails. “Increasing protection for valuable natural resources benefits our environment, economy and quality of life,” said Secretary Castille. “Every piece of land added to the Greenway conserves habitat for wildlife and provides outdoor enthusiasts with more open space for recreation.” Close to 28,000 acres of Etoniah/Cross Florida Greenway are now in public ownership – almost half the total lands needed to complete the Florida Forever project. Acquisition provides a critical connection to the Ocala National Forest and preserves habitat for the Florida black bear and other rare wildlife, including the fox squirrel, gopher tortoise, scrub jay and the federally listed Etoniah rosemary. Purchase of the 255-acre parcel, part of the Deep Creek floodplain, also protects water quality in the Ocklawaha River. “The Cross Florida Greenway is the crown jewel in our statewide greenways and trails system,” said Greenways and Trails director Jena B. Brooks. “Whether exploring by land or water, the Greenway is a gateway to nature’s secrets.” The Etoniah parcel will be managed by Office of Greenways and Trails as an addition to the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, which includes America’s first land bridge. Trailheads provide opportunities to hike, bike, horseback ride, off-road cycle and canoe through four counties -- Citrus, Levy, Marion and Putnam. Calendar June 5 National Trails Day June 16-19 2004 FAWQC Conference, Naples, Florida July Florida State Parks Month July 21-23 Marco Island Marriott Resort, Marco Island, Florida September 12-14 Annual Air & Waste Management Association's (A&WMA) Conference, Orlando, Florida September 20-24 National Brownfields Conference, St. Louis, Missouri Send feedback