The Post Volume 5, Issue 22

Message from Secretary Colleen M. Castille

This week marked the beginning of the 2005 hurricane season. The events of last year’s hurricane season remain fresh in the minds of the millions of Floridians impacted when Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne ravaged the state from coast to coast. But, through our hardships have come triumphs. Never before have I witnessed the level of compassion and endurance that I saw last year when one hurricane after another shattered properties, possessions and lives again and again.

Tens of thousands traveled from around the country to help our neighbors, our friends and our families in the aftermath of the storms, helping to rebuild lost homes and businesses. And nearly a year later, thousands of volunteers still continue clean up efforts throughout the state.

The Department of Environmental Protection has worked laboriously, over that time, to prepare for this year’s season. With the devastation we learned valuable lessons that have enabled us to better help our residents while safeguarding the environment.

The frequency of the storms last year constrained fuel supplies in areas of the state. While there was ample fuel for evacuees, fuel availability immediately following storm impact presented significant challenges. This year, the Departments of Environmental Protection and Management Services are evaluating the benefits of contracting for “on-call” fuel for firm delivery from safe locations in adjoining states to storm-threatened or damaged areas. This will assure that state and local government agencies have access to enough fuel to conduct emergency recovery operations.

In addition, widespread power outages led to shut downs of water utilities in storm affected areas. Residents were left without drinking water and sanitary sewer services for a period of days until service was restored. Recently, the Department secured a federal grant to fund the Florida Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (Florida WARN), a virtual clearinghouse for water utilities to facilitate mutual aid agreements for sharing backup generators and assisting one another.

Local governments were confronted with the challenge of disposing of post-storm debris. While FEMA reimburses local governments for debris removal, debris staging areas must meet health, safety and environmental standards. In the past, staging areas were often selected after stormfall under emergency conditions. To better protect public welfare, the Department has prepared guidance for local governments to select appropriate staging areas in preparation for hurricane season. This planning will reduce process, improve efficiency and ensure that local governments are reimbursed quickly and easily.

As we begin this year’s hurricane season, we can all admit that we are a little apprehensive of what the 2005 hurricane season might bring. But through our experiences last year, we are now a stronger state and together will rise to meet, and conquer, any challenge laid before us.

Governor, Cabinet Sign Historic Agreement to Acquire Last Remaining Oil Leases in State Waters

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet today signed an historic settlement agreement between the State of Florida and Coastal Petroleum Company to forever eliminate the potential for oil drilling in State waters. In exchange for $12.5 million, Coastal has agreed to surrender all rights and interests in the last remaining oil leases in Florida waters putting an end to more than 15 years of legal wrangling.

“This landmark agreement is a monumental victory for Florida’s environment and taxpayers,” said Secretary Castille. “The State’s continued commitment to improved environmental quality means that Florida’s coastal waters and natural resources are permanently protected from the threat of offshore development.”

Coastal was granted three leases for oil exploration and production in the 1940s, including a lease for some inland lakes and two tracts within ten miles of the Florida coastline stretching from the eastern panhandle to the shores near Naples. Following litigation in the 1970s, the company gave up the right to drill in Lake Okeechobee without first obtaining permission from the Governor and Cabinet.

Florida banned drilling in territorial waters in the 1990s, which prompted an ongoing dispute between the State and Coastal Petroleum. Today’s landmark agreement draws years of disagreement to a close. Upon execution of the final settlement, the State will take ownership of the last outstanding oil leases for $12.5 million and Coastal will dismiss any pending litigation.

“The State’s legal team has provided an outstanding service in negotiating this agreement, achieving a long-desired settlement for a fraction of the asking price and certainty for Florida’s taxpayers,” added Secretary Castille.

DEP Finalizes Plan to Protect
Southeast Florida Reefs

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA – The Department this week released the final draft of a three-year interagency plan to protect and manage coral reefs in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties. The Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI) Team completed its Local Action Strategy -- a flexible, living document outlining immediate actions to preserve regional reefs.

“Florida is fortunate to provide a home for a substantial portion of the coral reefs in the United States,” said Secretary Castille. “Safeguarding and restoring these unique marine habitats will infuse local economies with the benefits of a healthy ecosystem, biodiversity and a piece of natural history right in our own backyards.”

The Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative Team -- a coordinated effort of public and private marine resource professionals, and reef users -- targeted coral habitats that are close to shore, co-exist with urbanized areas and currently lack a comprehensive management plan.

The Local Action Strategy addresses threats to local reefs through four focus areas: Fishing, Diving and Other Uses; Land Based Sources of Pollution and Water Quality; Maritime Industry and Coastal Construction Impacts and Awareness and Appreciation. Many projects outlined in the three-year action plan are already underway, such as assessing current reef resources and water quality, evaluating protective measures, developing educational materials and surveying public awareness.

“Healthy reefs promote recreation, education, scientific research and stewardship -- all of which are vital components of the Real Florida experience,” said Director of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas Katherine Andrews. “A thorough and transparent public process has generated a plan that will balance economic use with reef conservation to preserve this precious marine environment.”

Coral reefs protect coastal areas by reducing wave energy from storms and hurricanes. As a source of food and shelter, coral reefs also provide critical habitat for marine wildlife and sustain important recreational and commercial fisheries. Coral reefs are important centers of biodiversity and support the local economy through tourism, fisheries and biomedical research.

The Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative was developed by the Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with guidance from the United States Coral Reef Task Force. The Local Action Strategy has been in development since May 2003. For additional information on the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative Team and to read the Local Action Strategy, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/coral/.

DEP Recognized for Ecosystem Management Agreement

TALLAHASSEE – The Department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) received the Council for Sustainable Florida’s 2005 Sustainable Florida Governmental Award for forging a protective, comprehensive agreement with The St. Joe Company to save wetlands and conserve 20,760 acres along the Florida Panhandle. The agencies were recognized today by Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet together with nine other Sustainable Florida Best Practices Award winners.

“This comprehensive agreement provides far-reaching wetlands protection, preserving sensitive natural resources while still providing for responsible growth in the area,” said Secretary Castille. “By allowing the economy to grow while safeguarding important water resources, we are protecting the quality of life of those that live and work in Northwest Florida.”

The plan, known as an Ecosystem Management Agreement requires The St. Joe Company to go above and beyond standard environmental requirements to protect natural areas in a region known for its biological diversity, benefiting Bay and Walton counties. The agreement covers more than 31,350 acres of St. Joe owned property stretching from West Bay to Choctawhatchee Bay. Four years ago, the Department and the federal government urged St. Joe to take a comprehensive, regional approach to conservation and development that would provide for predictable community growth while affording greater protection to natural lands along the Emerald Coast.

St. Joe has extensive landholdings in Northwest Florida, some of which is earmarked for residential, commercial and recreational development, which requires environmental permits. The agreement provides protective guidelines for activities associated with building roads, homes and community infrastructure and establishes two mitigation areas for environmental enhancement and restoration. As part of the agreement, St. Joe is setting aside thousands of acres of high quality habitat for preservation. The conservation areas create a two-pronged “Bay to Bay” wildlife corridor linking public land from Choctawhatchee Bay to St. Andrew Bay and preserving the ecological integrity of two of Northwest Florida’s most rapidly developing watersheds.

The Council for Sustainable Florida, a program of the Collins Center for Public Policy, is a forum on innovative policies and practices linking economic development, environmental stewardship and healthy communities. The Sustainable Florida Awards Program recognizes outstanding leadership in management, technical and scientific innovations and collaborative partnerships. The Council’s board of directors and partners represent leaders from both the public and private sectors.

Local Environmental Education Program Wins Sustainable Florida Award

TALLAHASSEE – The Community Classroom Consortium, Inc., a local coalition of more than 30 area organizations, received the Council for Sustainable Florida’s 2005 Sustainable Florida Non-Profit Award for their support of after-school education. The Consortium, one of nine Sustainable Florida Best Practices Award winners, was today recognized by Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet for their achievements.

“By working with a large network of organizations, the Community Classroom Consortium is providing participants with a variety of non-formal educational opportunities and enriching Florida’s local communities. The Department is proud to be a member of this prestigious group,” said Secretary Castille. “The Consortium harnesses the unique historic, natural and cultural resources of communities to support Florida’s teachers and supplement classroom education for students.”

Based in Tallahassee, the Consortium is a coalition of cultural, scientific, natural history and civic organizations, including the Department, that provide educational experiences and resources for students, teachers and the public. Members of the coalition offer professional development workshops for educators, grants to support classroom projects and after-school student visits to local museums, parks and art centers. The Consortium has formed an ongoing partnership with students from the Frenchtown Community of Tallahassee to provide

The CCC provides a number of nonformal outreach programs and workshops. Beyond the Blackboard is a professional development event for educators, allowing CCC members to share their own expertise and experiences. Through its After-School Support Project, students from the Frenchtown Community of Tallahassee are introduced to local museums, parks and art centers. Also, the CCC provides Teacher Education Grants to encourage teachers to use the natural and cultural resources of the community through classroom projects, materials and field trips.

The Council for Sustainable Florida, a program of the Collins Center for Public Policy, is a forum on innovative policies and practices linking economic development, environmental stewardship and healthy communities. The Council’s Sustainable Florida Awards Program recognizes outstanding leadership in management, technical and scientific innovations and collaborative partnerships. The Council’s board of directors and partners represent leaders from both the public and private sectors.

Florida State Parks Celebrate National Trails Day

TALLAHASSEE - The Department invites residents to celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 4th, at events taking place at state parks and trails across the state.

“Florida’s trails offer more than 1,600 miles of recreational opportunities, providing visitors with many ways to ‘Take a Path to a Healthier You’,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “From a short afternoon stroll along boardwalks to day-long hikes through forests and swamps, trails throughout our park system offer positive experiences for all visitors to enjoy.”

June 4th marks National Trails Day, sponsored by the American Hiking Society to promote public awareness and appreciation for America’s trails. The theme of this year’s event, “Take a Path to a Healthier You,” encourages residents to participate in regular physical activity to prevent or control sickness. The long-range goal of National Trails Day is to establish a nationwide network of trails that would link the nation’s infrastructure of greenways, similar to the interstate highway system.

National Trail Days, Bulow Creek State Park – Ormond Beach, FL
Saturday, June 04, 2005
A park naturalist will lead a short, leisurely hike on the Wahlin Trail, exploring a live oak forest and sharing stories about the history of Bulow hammock. From the intersection at Granada Boulevard and North Beach Street in Ormond Beach, drive north 8.5 miles on Old Dixie Highway to the Fairchild Oak entrance.

Explore Your World - One Trail at a Time, Manatee Springs State Park – Chiefland, FL
Saturday, June 04, 2005
The event will introduce participants to the trail system at Manatee Springs, including a short hike on the “Sink Trail Loop.” Information on hiking footwear, items to bring on a hike for comfort and safety issues will be discussed, and additional recreational opportunities on state park trails will be offered.

Early Boat Tour, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park – Wakulla Springs, FL
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Enjoy an early morning sights and sounds as you cruise the scenic Wakulla River. Stop by for breakfast at the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge after your tour.

National Trails Day at Alafia River State Park – Lithia, FL
Saturday, June 04, 2005
The park, participating in National Trails Day for the first time, will offer a guided mountain bike ride, an introduction to mountain biking, a guided horseback ride, wildlife exhibits, bird walks, fossil programs, health screenings and more. Participants must supply their own bike or horse, and should wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen.

National Trails Day at Hillsborough River State Park – Thonotosassa, FL
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Come hike the trails, go on a nature walk or take part in the Leave No Trace Camping Program. Nature walks on the River Rapids Trail and the Baynard Trail are scheduled for 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. Join the Florida Trail Association for a group hike along the 3.4 mile Florida Trail, or take a hike, a horse or a bike down the newly-opened 8.9 mile Fort King Military Road Trail.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side, Lake Louisa State Park – Clermont, FL
Saturday, June 04, 2005
In honor of National Trails Day, the park will have a guided ranger walk at 9:00 a.m. from Lake Louisa’s nature trailhead. Whether this is your first trail hiking experience or you just want to sharpen up on your hiking skills, this guided walk will provide the basic tools needed to get the most out of your hiking and backpacking experiences. Visitors will start their hike at the edge of a cypress swamp and make their way through three of the park’s ten natural communities.

“National Trails Day,” Myakka River State Park – Sarasota, FL
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Join park staff and the Florida Trails Association to celebrate National Trails Day. The staff will offer guided trail walks to introduce visitors to the many trail hiking opportunities at Myakka River State Park. Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat, as the trails are a mix of sun and shade. Drinks and snacks are being provided by the Myakka Outpost and the Whole Foods store in Sarasota.

Hike on the Wild Side, William Beardall Tosohatchee State Reserve – Christmas, FL
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Visit the park’s living landscape, teeming with varied and unique plant communities, abundant wildlife, and habitat for rare and endangered species. In honor of National Trails Day staff will conduct a guided hike through some of the pristine landscape in the area, including pine flatwoods and hammock, swamps and virgin cypress forests. Hikers should have appropriate footwear, day pack, hat, rain jacket, insect repellent, plenty of liquids and snacks.

Bahia Honda State Park Among Nation’s Best Campgrounds

TALLAHASSEE – Bahia Honda State Park is on ReserveAmerica’s annual list of “Top 100 Family Campgrounds,” honoring parks that excel in family-friendly services. Bahia Honda State Park, one of Florida’s southernmost parks near Big Pine Key, provides cabins, RV camping and full-facility and primitive campgrounds.

“Bahia Honda State Park is a great place for families to go camping and experience the real Florida,” said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “Its designation as one of America’s top family campgrounds is an honor for the park and the entire Florida Park Service.”

One of the few subtropical getaways in America and the only place in the Florida Keys featuring 2.5 miles of natural sand palm–fringed beaches, Bahia Honda State Park offers a variety of educational and recreational opportunities. Visitors can picnic on the beach, swim and hike along the shores, while anglers can fish from shore or launch from one of the park’s boat ramps. The park rents kayaks and snorkeling gear and offers boat trips to the reef for snorkeling excursions. In addition, the nature center introduces visitors to the unique plants and animals of the island.

ReserveAmerica’s annual list was compiled through reviews of more than 3,000 parks across the country by campers, park rangers and regional park managers. Top campgrounds were selected based on requests from family campers, including educational programs, visitor centers, camping amenities and overall beauty and scenery. ReserveAmerica is a national camping reservation service that processes more than three million camping reservations each year.

Nominated as a finalist for the Gold Medal award honoring the Nation’s Best State Park Service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 159 parks spanning more than 730,000 acres and more than 100 miles of sandy white beach. From swimming and diving in rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-around outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.

To plan a visit to a Florida State Park, make a camping reservation or to find out about events, festivals and park activities, visit www.floridastateparks.org.

DEP Employees Win Productivity Awards

TALLAHASSEE – The Department is reducing paperwork, using the latest technology and saving Florida taxpayers millions of dollars conducting business in new ways. Department employees were honored for their innovation today at the 2005 Davis Productivity Awards Kick-Off Luncheon hosted by Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings in Tallahassee.

The Davis Productivity Awards, sponsored by Florida TaxWatch, The Florida Council of 100, and the State of Florida, recognize state government employees whose work measurably increases productivity, improves government services and saves taxpayer money. Since 1989, more than 8,000 individuals, teams and partnerships have been honored for producing more than $4.5 billion-worth of added value. More than 500 nominations were submitted this year, with honors going to the approximately 100 hurricane relief related nominations. All 18 Department nominations won awards, including six awards for hurricane recovery efforts.

“This recognition is well deserved by the employees that embraced challenges over the last year and found solutions to tough and complex environmental issues,” said Secretary Castille. “These employees are improving government efficiency, strengthening protection for the environment and enhancing Florida's quality of life through their continued commitment to public service.”

Surface Waters Rule Coding Team: Nancy Lewis, Wayne Magley, Kevin Petrus and Joe Hand
The four-member Impaired Surface Waters Rule Coding Team developed a computer code and template for creating and accessing information on thousands of waterbodies throughout the state at the push of a button. What once took environmental managers weeks to complete is now available in just a few days. The streamlining effort saved more than 1,600 hours of staff time annually.

Automated Data Analysis Team: Debra Harrington, Haizhi Chen and Brandon Bergenroth
The three-member Hydroport Development Team created a system to analyze groundwater and springs data from internal databases, making them universally available. This first-in-nation assessment model and web-based application developed in-house provides for an automated data assessment at a savings estimated at more than $100,000.

Steven A Ray
DEP’s Ray designed an on-line database to identify all the major hazardous waste facilities and their onsite managers in the areas affected by the 2004 hurricanes, making the information immediately accessible to emergency responders.

Picayune Strand Ecosystem Restoration: Ernie Barnett, John Outland, Judy Warrick, Juan Diaz, Tom Teets, Janet Starnes, Mike Duever and Ananta Nath
At a cost-savings estimated at $2.8 million, the Department team expedited restoration of a critical part of America’s Everglades by implementing an "early start" process to restore the Picayune Strand as part of the $8 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

DEP’s Hazardous Waste Management Section: Raoul Clark, Irene Gleason, John Griffith, Richard Neves, Jack Price, Glen Perrigan, Sheileen Smith and Laurie Tenace
Eight employees received the award for sustained excellence in hazardous waste management and improved productivity that has saved the state more than $1.1 million since 2001. The Department’s household hazardous waste and used oil programs are rated among the best in the nation.

Clabe Polk
Clabe Polk developed a statewide digital distance learning system for Department Park Patrol officers, investigators and emergency responders to minimize travel and training costs.

Topsail Hill Hurricane Ivan Recovery
The 31-member Topsail Hill Hurricane Ivan Recovery Team combined efforts to reopen Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in rapid time. The team worked 1,141 hours, generated $54,686 by opening the park to the public within seven days after the storm and saved the State close to $47,000 by accomplishing the work in-house.

Citizen Support Organization Accountability Project: Phillip Werndli and Jennifer Paul
Werndli and Paul created new financial management reporting and operational review procedures for the oversight of agency citizen support organizations (CSOs). The new guidelines allow CSOs to avoid high costs of audits while providing detailed financial information that conforms to standard accounting principles for non-profits. When fully implemented, this program will provide an added value of $102,000 to the operations of agency CSOs.

Greenways and Trails Hurricane Recovery: Morris Pigott, Chris Mckendree, William Watson, Bill Gerian, Kenton Lambert, DJ Wells, DJ Hill, Marty Boyd, Lance Lalaverne, Kelly Conley, Rodney Barksdale, John Dehoof and Tommy Smith
The team traveled to each hurricane-impacted state park with heavy equipment to clear tons of debris. Their assistance saved more than $460,000 in contractor fees and allowed damaged parks to open earlier than expected, preventing a revenue loss of more than $52,000.

Certificates of Commendation were also awarded to DEP’s Rapid Inventory Management System Team, Patrick Higgins, Florida State Parks AmeriCorps District 1 and the Law Enforcement Education and Training Team. For more information about the Davis Productivity Awards and this year’s winners, visit http://www.floridataxwatch.org.

Cannons Marina Receives Environmental Designations

LONGBOAT KEY – The Department is proud to announce that Cannons Marina in Manatee County is the state’s newest designated Clean Marina and Clean Boatyard. Cannons Marina is the first designated Clean Boatyard in Manatee County.

“We’re excited to have Cannons Marina on board as both a Clean Marina and Clean Boatyard,” said Deborah Getzoff, Director of the Department’s Southwest District Office. “Clean water is vital to Florida’s environment and economy and Clean Marinas such as Cannons lead the way in protecting this precious resource.”

Cannons Marina is proud to have a staff which implements best management practices relating to environmental protection and pollution prevention. Marina staff educates visitors about local natural resources and environmental conditions. In addition, the facility utilizes native vegetation throughout the grounds including a natural mangrove shoreline.

“We learned so much through the program, even after more than 50 years in business!” said David Miller, owner of Cannons Marina. “We are thrilled because this rewards our commitment to protecting the environment and identifies our leadership in that arena.”

Florida’s marinas currently provide services to thousands of boaters using state waters daily. The effects of year-round boating activities contribute to constant and growing pressure on Florida’s sensitive aquatic and marine ecosystems. Formed in 2000, the Clean Boating Partnership, which includes the Department, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, developed the Clean Marina Program to help marinas, boatyards and boaters protect Florida’s waterways using simple environmental practices that prevent pollution.

“With thousands of boaters using Florida waters every day, this public-private partnership benefits the marine industry and the environment,” said Department Division of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Maury Kolchakian. “The Department of Environmental Protection and the Clean Boating Partnership are proud to recognize Cannons Marina for their commitment to the boating community and to protecting the waters of this state.”

Florida’s Clean Marinas go above and beyond required environmental regulations by adopting safeguards that keep solvents, sewage, fuel and oil out of the water, while protecting manatees and other marine creatures. By educating boaters and improving operations at marine facilities, Florida’s Clean Marinas are helping to ensure a sustainable future for the environment, for boaters and for the billion-dollar marine industry.

“Clean boaters are vital to the Partnership’s goal of protecting marine resources while ensuring continued enjoyment of Florida’s waters,” said Allison Underwood, Chair of the Clean Boating Partnership. “By seeking out clean marinas and clean boatyards, clean boaters can apply ‘pier pressure’ on behalf of our environment.”

Governor, Cabinet Expand Blackwater River State Forest

SANTA ROSA COUNTY – Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet today voted unanimously to add more than 350 acres to the Blackwater River State Forest through the Florida Forever program. Located in one of Florida’s fastest growing counties, the two parcels will expand the boundaries of the State Forest, improve public access from US 90 and provide additional protected habitat for Florida’s wildlife.

“Increasing protection for valuable natural resources benefits our environment, economy and quality of life,” said Secretary Castille. “This acquisition will improve access and manageability for the State Forest while providing additional land for recreation.”

Located in the Florida panhandle northeast of Pensacola, Blackwater River State Forest spans both Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, bordering the Conecuh National Forest to the north and extending south toward Eglin Air Force Base. The State Forest, along with Conecuh National Forest and Eglin Air Force Base, contains the largest holding of longleaf pine trees in the world.

A number of streams meander through the State Forest, including Blackwater River, Juniper Creek, Coldwater Creek and Sweetwater Creek, making canoeing, fishing and boating popular recreational activities. In addition, several species of rare carnivorous plants are found in the water-saturated soils of the forest, including pitcher plants, glistening sundews, butterworts and bladderworts.

The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program established by Governor Bush and the Florida Legislature conserves environmentally sensitive land, restores waterways and preserves important cultural and historical resources. For more information, visit www.floridaforever.org.