TALLAHASSEE – In order to better assist land owners, sellers, buyers and interested members of the public, the Department’s Division of State Lands recently launched a redesigned Web site that streamlines access to state lands resources. The improved Web site demonstrates the Department’s commitment not just to the environment, but to customer service as well, offering clear and navigable information in a ‘one stop shop.’

“Beyond acquiring lands for protection and providing oversight for the management of activities on more than 11 million acres of public lands, the Division of State Lands is committed to ensuring that its resources are open and accessible to all,” said DEP Director of State Lands Deborah Poppell. “The revised State Lands Web site confirms that commitment, by allowing anyone with access to the internet the ability to point, click and retrieve forms, maps, records and history for public lands throughout the state with ease.”

The redesigned Web site is broken down by ‘highlights’—quick links to all resources necessary for buying, selling and using state-owned land, in addition to information on the Florida Forever Program, land stewardship, surveying and mapping resources.

Web users can also find information on the Division of State Lands’ rulemaking items, meetings, history, frequently asked questions and news. To view the redesigned Web site, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/lands. Web site highlights include:

Florida Forever
History of Land Conservation in Florida
Stewardship
Survey & Mapping

DEP’s Division of State Lands provides oversight for more than 11 million acres of state lands, including lakes, rivers and islands. These lands cleanse and restore the state’s water and air, and provide a home to numerous rare and endangered species. These public lands help assure all Florida’s residents and visitors have the opportunity to appreciate Florida’s unique landscapes.

The 20-year, $6 billion Florida Forever program is the largest land-buying initiative in the nation, conserving environmentally sensitive land, restoring water resources and preserving important cultural and historical sites. Nearly 2.5 million acres throughout the state have been placed in public ownership or protection under Florida Forever and its predecessor program, Preservation 2000 (P2000). For more information on the Florida Forever program, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/lands/fl_forever.htm.

TALLAHASSEE – As part of its ongoing Florida-Friendly Landscape Best Management Practice Educational Program, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF-IFAS) announce completion of a revised Green Industries Best Management Practices (BMP) manual, Florida-Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries.

The Green Industries manual is focused on the lawn care professional, with detailed discussions of fertilizer chemistry, irrigation systems, pesticide licensing, storage, selection, handling, and landscape design and installation. The manual provides information and guidance on turfgrass and landscape management practices to conserve and protect Florida’s water resources. The practices cover both the establishment of new turf and landscapes as well as the care of existing turf and landscapes, including construction activities, irrigation, nutrient management, and pest management.

Another new manual by the Department and UF-IFAS, Florida-Friendly Landscape Guidance Models for Ordinances, Covenants, and Restrictions, is available on the web. This manual provides local and regional government officials, developers, and homeowner associations with guidance that can be incorporated into local land development regulations or property owner association requirements. The manual is expected to be available in print by mid-March.

“These manuals are components of the statewide efforts to reduce nutrient pollution associated with urban landscapes and to conserve the state’s water resources. The Department, in cooperation with UF-IFAS, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay Estuary Programs, local governments, and the landscaping industry, has been working since the early 1990’s on non-regulatory Best Management Practice programs for urban landscapes,” said Eric Livingston, chief of the DEP Bureau of Watershed Restoration. “Partnerships and coordination are critical to increasing environmental awareness and protection in this important area and are the key to the success of this program.”

These programs now comprise the Florida Friendly Landscaping Program which includes the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program (FYN), the FYN Builder Developer Program, the Green Industries BMP Program, the Landscape Irrigation and Florida Friendly Design Standards, the Florida Golf Course BMP Manual, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Urban Turf Fertilizer labeling rule, and the Urban Turf Grass Research Program.

The new Green Industry BMP manual helps assure a uniform, consistent statewide educational program for use by county extension faculty, government trainers, and other volunteer trainers, as well as raising awareness of this issue among local and state policy makers. While the emphasis for the educational program has historically been private business and local governments, the audiences for these training sessions come from a variety of backgrounds including private business, local governments, state and federal government agencies, universities/academia and citizens.

The manuals are available at no-cost. However, there may be a nominal fee for participation in the Green Industries classes to cover lunch, snacks, and incidental expenses. These classes allow landscapers to easily obtain hands-on information about DEP and other agency rules, plant needs, and special local area issues, in addition to obtaining a Certificate of Completion from the University of Florida.

“There are approximately five million acres of home lawns in the state of Florida, many of which are in close proximity to water bodies or naturalized areas,” said Dr. Laurie Trenholm, Associate Professor, Extension Specialist, and turfgrass researcher with UF-IFAS. “This rapid urbanization is resulting in increased public concerns regarding use of turf in the landscape and turf care, particularly fertilization and water use issues.”

Since 2003, more than 6,000 people have completed formal training through this program. As a purely voluntary program, more than 2,200 people passed the six-hour course in the first four years. Since the City of Naples adopted a fertilizer ordinance requiring this training for commercial applicators in 2006, more than 3,800 additional people have taken the class and passed the examination in either English or Spanish.

Success of the program is measured by participants being given a pre- and post-test. The average increase in test scores from pre-test to post-test was 14 percent for UF-IFAS statewide classes from 2003-2006, but jumped to 19 percent in 2007. Rookery Bay has noted the difference between pre and post testing in the one year they have been in operation as 30 percent for English speakers and more than 50 percent for Spanish speakers. This increase in learning during the course is believed to reflect the larger percentage of students coming from the actual field workers instead of owners, managers, and government employees. To learn more about the BMP educational program visit http://yourfloridalawn.ifas.ufl.edu/BMPtraining.html.

To view the Green Industries Best Management Practices (BMP) manual and the Florida-Friendly Landscape Guidance Models for Ordinances, Covenants, and Restrictions manual, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/water/nonpoint/pubs.htm.

MIAMI –The Department is recognizing Miami Palmetto High School students for their commitment to protecting and preserving Florida’s natural resources by winning the statewide K-12 Recycling Pledge Card Contest. Across Florida, more than 18,000 participants pledged to adopt conscientious living habits such as reusing, recycling, buying recycled products and encouraging others to develop these important habits in 2009. DEP, Recycle Florida Today, Creative Recycling Systems, Inc. and Publix Super Markets hosted the contest to recognize Florida schools for outstanding environmental commitment.

“Recycling is perhaps the most important and easiest way for citizens to conserve Florida’s natural resources and reduce waste,” said DEP Southeast District Director Jack Long. “I am pleased to see students from Miami Palmetto High School leading the way to a cleaner, safer and healthier environment by pledging to reduce, reuse and recycle.”

DEP officials are awarding teacher Ms. Pamela Schlachtman’s class with a refurbished computer, courtesy of Creative Recycling Systems, Inc., for the class’s pledge of environmental stewardship. The High School was one of three Florida schools that submitted the greatest number of pledge cards. All pledges were entered into a statewide America Recycles Day drawing and eligible for one of three $100 gift certificates donated by Publix and a $100 gift card courtesy of Recycle Florida Today.

“We are extremely proud that our students took part in this statewide green movement,” said Miami Palmetto High School Principal Howard Weiner. “There are challenges to making sure our school is environmentally friendly but our students have pledged their commitment to our ongoing recycling efforts and we’re glad they are being recognized.”

Florida celebrates America Recycles Day each November to encourage residents to make the world a better place by reducing waste. In 2006, more than 8.5 million tons of municipal solid waste was recycled in Florida, including 615,000 tons of newspaper, 117,000 tons of glass, 43,000 tons of aluminum cans and 57,000 tons of plastic bottles. For more information about recycling, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling/.

To increase recycling throughout Florida, last summer Governor Charlie Crist signed the Energy, Climate Change, and Economic Security Act of 2008 into law which establishes a new statewide recycling goal of 75 percent to be achieved by 2020. Within the law DEP is directed to develop a program to achieve this goal and submit it to the Florida Legislature for consideration by January 1, 2010. For more information on the new statewide recycling goal of 75 percent, and to share your comments on ways to achieve this goal and view comments from others on our web-based forum, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/recyclinggoal75/.

Contact your local county recycling coordinator to learn where to recycle in your community, by visiting http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling/pages/contact_counties.htm.

TALLAHASSEE- As the winter season comes to an end and Floridians begin to think about spring cleaning, the Department encourages residents to apply the 3 R’s – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – and discover ways to recycle items that may not normally be considered recycle-friendly.

“We all understand the importance of recycling,” said Mary Jean Yon, Director of DEP’s Division of Waste Management. “Reducing waste can also help keep our landfills from filling up. Most people think of recycling newspapers, cans and bottles, but your closets, desks and drawers are filled with items that can also be recycled.” Tips and resources for practicing the 3 R’s while de-cluttering your home or office:

• Athletic shoes - Local running clubs often collect athletic shoes for charitable causes such as homeless shelters and women’s refuge houses. One World Running club will send still-wearable shoes to athletes in need in locations such as Africa, Latin America and Haiti (http://www.oneworldrunning.com). Soles4Souls collects gently worn shoes of all kinds and donates them to those in need (www.soles4souls.org). Nike's Reuse-a-Shoe program turns old shoes into playground and athletic flooring (http://www.nikereuseashoe.com/).
• Sports equipment - Resell or trade used sports equipment. Look up “used sporting equipment” in the yellow pages or online.
• Dry cleaning hangers and plastic bags - Some dry cleaners will accept wire hangers and reuse them. They may also recycle plastic bags or you may be able to put them in your regular recycling bin. To be even more eco-friendly, you can also research (Google: environmentally friendly dry cleaners) whether dry cleaners in your area use environmentally friendly solvents that are biodegradable in water and in soil. Another option is to avoid buying clothes labeled “dry clean only”. Techno-trash - As you upgrade your technology, many outdated items can be reprocessed, such as VHS tapes, game cartridges, digital cameras, MP3 players, cords, cables, cassette tapes, VCRs and computer monitors. GreenDisk will take these items and reprocess them in an eco-friendly way. Call 1-800-305-DISK or visit www.greendisk.com to learn how you can pay a small amount for shipping to relieve your conscience and your clutter. In addition, www.flipswap.com can provide you with a number of local businesses that recycle used cell phones.
• Exercise videos -Video Fitness offers a video exchange service (www.videofitness.com).
• Mattresses - Although in most places you cannot recycle mattresses and most charities will not take them, you may be able to find a good home for a mattress in usable condition through the Freecycle Network. This Internet service helps people offer up items that other people will happily take (www.freecycle.org). Also, you can offer things for free to people in your area on an online bulletin board.
• Toothbrushes and Razors - Buy a recycled plastic toothbrush or razor from Preserve and the company will take it back to be recycled again into plastic lumber. Preserve toothbrushes and razors are made from used Stonyfield Farm Yogurt Cups (www.preserveproducts.com).
• Clothes - Wearable clothes can be donated to charity organizations or local shelters. Women's business clothing can be donated to Dress for Success, which offers them to disadvantaged women looking for employment (www.dressforsuccess.org). Un-wearable clothes may be donated to pet shelters for bedding.
• Eyeglasses - Local Lions Clubs recycle glasses and provide usable eyeglasses to children and adults throughout the world (www.lionsclub.org). Local eye care chains may also collect them, such as LensCrafters, Target Optical, or other participating stores and doctors’ offices, which will send them to www.givethegiftofsight.org. Metal frames can be recycled in scrap-metal recycling bins.
• Ink/toner cartridges - Many office product suppliers will take back empty ink/toner cartridges, recycle them for you, and allow store credit towards future purchases. Recycleplace.com will pay up to $1 for returned ink/toner cartridges (www.recycleplace.com).
• Film Canisters – Check with your local recycling center to find out if it takes gray film-container lids (No. 4) and black bases (No. 2). If not, many photo labs will accept them.
• Food Processors - Some communities accept small household appliances for recycling- if not in curbside collection, then in drop-off locations. Since most appliances are about 75 percent steel according to the Steel Recycling Institute, your appliance will probably qualify unless you know it is mostly plastic.
• Carpeting - Some carpet manufacturers take part in recycling programs. Google search “What can I do with my old carpet?” to learn more about carpet-reclamation or check with your carpet’s manufacturer.
• Crayons -The National Crayon Recycle Program (www.crazycrayons.com) melts down crayons and reforms them into new ones.
• Hearing Aids – The Starkey Hearing Foundation (http://www.sotheworldmayhear.org/) recycles used hearing aids of any make or model and no matter how old. Lions Clubs also accept hearing aids for reuse (www.lionsclub.org).

To increase recycling throughout Florida, last summer Governor Charlie Crist signed into law the Energy, Climate Change, and Economic Security Act of 2008 which establishes a new statewide recycling goal of 75 percent to be achieved by 2020. Within the law DEP is directed to develop a program to achieve this goal and submit it to the Florida Legislature for consideration by January 1, 2010. For more information on the new statewide recycling goal of 75 percent, and to share your comments on ways to achieve this goal and view comments from others on our web-based forum, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/recyclinggoal75/.

Contact your local county recycling coordinator to learn where to recycle in your community by visiting http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling/pages/contact_counties.htm.

BREVARD COUNTY – The Department, together with the Clean Boating Partnership, recognized Sebastian Inlet Marina as a member of the Florida Clean Marina Program on Tuesday. Located in Brevard County, Sebastian Inlet Marina is the 187th designated Clean Marina, the 30th Clean Boatyard and the 7th Clean Marine Retailer in the state. Sebastian is only the 2nd marina in the state to achieve this triple designation.

“DEP is proud to recognize Sebastian Inlet Marina as one of two marinas in the state, both in the Central District, to receive three designations,” said Vivian Garfein, Central District Director. “By implementing practices to reduce waste and prevent pollution, Sebastian Inlet Marina is helping to protect Florida’s marine resources for its citizens and future generations.”

Florida Clean Marina Program facilities are required to meet a variety of Best Management Practices to receive the designation. These practices include, but are not limited to, properly storing and disposing of used oil, using fertilizers and pesticides according to directions, and using cleaning methods that prevent the release of pollutants.

Designated Clean Marine Retailers provide information on clean boating practices to those who purchase vessels and employ environmental best management practices in boat and engine service operations and facilities.

The Florida Clean Boatyard program encourages boatyards to implement Best Management Practices such as using dustless sanders, oil and solvent recycling and re-circulating pressure wash systems to recycle wastewater.

“The Clean Marina Program recognizes everyone's hard work to preserve the Indian River Lagoon for recreational boaters now and generations to come,” said Stephen Haigis, Marina Manager. “To achieve all three of the Clean Marina designations makes me proud to be part of the Sebastian Inlet Marina family.”

The Clean Boating Partnership is a consortium of industry leaders who contribute time and input to the Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard, Clean Marine Retailer and Clean Boater programs, which DEP administers, to protect Florida’s waterways. The partnership includes DEP, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

“The Clean Boating Partnership applauds the Sebastian Inlet Marina for its commitment to Florida’s environment,” said the Partnership’s Chair Mark Leslie. “The dedication and hard work in becoming a Clean Marina is an accomplishment this facility can be proud of and we welcome it to our growing Clean Marina family.”

With more than one million registered motorized vessels in Florida, environmental education within marine industries is the first step toward safeguarding the state’s natural resources. By providing “green” education and alternatives the Florida Clean Marina Program, part of DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives, helps ensure a sustainable future for the environment and the billion-dollar marine industry. For more information about the Florida Clean Marina Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.

DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting the environment. The Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging Program and the Florida Pollution Prevention Program offer a variety of services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present population without compromising resources for future generations. To learn more about DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green/.

NAPLES – The Department, along with the Clean Boating Partnership, recently recognized Naples City Dock as the 185th member of the Florida Clean Marina Program. With the addition of Naples City Dock, Collier County now has 11 Clean Marinas.

Florida Clean Marina Program facilities are required to meet a variety of best management practices to receive designation. These practices include, but are not limited to, spill prevention and emergency preparedness, proper storage and management of products and wastes such as used oil and use of cleaning methods that prevent the release of pollutants.

“Naples City Dock sets an important example of environmental stewardship to the community by protecting the natural resources of the area for the enjoyment of its citizens and visitors,” said DEP South District Director Jon Iglehart. “DEP and the Clean Boating Partnership are pleased to welcome Naples City Dock to the Clean Marina Program.”

The Clean Boating Partnership is a consortium of industry leaders who contribute time and input to the Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard, Clean Marine Retailer and Clean Boater programs, which DEP administers to protect Florida’s waterways. The partnership includes DEP, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary. “The Clean Boating Partnership applauds Naples City Dock for its commitment to Florida’s environment,” said the Partnership’s Chair Mark Leslie. “The dedication and hard work in becoming a Clean Marina is an accomplishment this facility can be proud of and we welcome it to our growing Clean Marina family.”

ISLAMORADA –The Department and the Clean Boating Partnership recognized Caribee Boat Sales & Marina as the eighth Clean Marine Retailer in Florida and the second Clean Marine Retailer in Monroe County on Thursday. Caribee Boat Sales & Marina was previously recognized as the state’s 107th Clean Marina in 2005. There are now 192 Clean Marinas, 30 Clean Boatyards and eight Clean Marine Retailers statewide.

“This marina’s commitment to environmental stewardship is truly commendable and we are proud to recognize Caribee Boat Sales & Marina for expanding its commitment to the retail side of the business,” said DEP South District Branch Manager Gus Rios. “The environmental education it is providing will help reach the increasing number of boaters enjoying Florida’s waters.”

Clean Marine Retailers provide education and training to new boat owners to encourage safe and responsible enjoyment of Florida’s waterways. Caribee Boat Sales & Marina provides DVDs and printed information to new boat owners, as well as hands-on training to operate new vessels. Caribee also partners with the United States Coast Guard to offer an annual open house to raise awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship in protecting Florida’s 1,350 miles of coastline.

“All of us in the boating and marina business in the Florida Keys depend upon our beautiful coastal waters to help attract customers,” said marina owner Bill Gilbert. “DEP’s Florida Clean Marina and Clean Marine Retailer programs are a sure way we can help contribute to improving and then maintaining the quality of our area waters for everyone.”

The Clean Boating Partnership is a consortium of industry leaders who contribute time and input to the Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard, Clean Marine Retailer and Clean Boater programs, which DEP administers to protect Florida’s waterways. The partnership includes DEP, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

“The Clean Boating Partnership applauds Caribee Boat Sales & Marina for its commitment to Florida’s environment,” said the Partnership’s Chair Mark Leslie. “The dedication and hard work in becoming both a Clean Marina and a Clean Marine Retailer is an accomplishment this facility can be proud of and we are pleased to recognize this latest accomplishment.”

TALLAHASSEE – Ten new properties recently joined the Department’s Florida Green Lodging Program and two existing members received Two Palm designation, bringing the program total to 419. Florida Green Lodging properties go green and save green by adopting practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

“By minimizing waste, water and energy consumption, these properties are maximizing their green potential – saving money and reducing their carbon footprint,” said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. “As a state that depends heavily upon tourism, we value the proactive measures adopted by these lodging facilities to protect Florida’s natural beauty.”

Each property must meet a minimum set of criteria for designation; however, many go above and beyond what is required. Facilities can achieve up to three levels of green within the Florida Green Lodging Program, ranging from One Palm to Three Palm based on increased reductions in waste, water and energy consumption. Lake Louisa and Silver River’s state park cabins use solar technology and the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami uses green key cards that biodegrade in a landfill or compost after 18 months.
New designations statewide include:

Southwest
• Tampa Airport Marriott— 14th Two Palm

Southeast
• Intercontinental Hotel, Miami— 13th Two Palm

South
• Banana Bay Resort, Key West
• Cayo Costa State Park Cabins, Boca Grande
• GreenLinks Resort & Conference Center, Naples
• The Weatherstation Inn, Key West

Central
• Lake Louisa State Park Cabins, Clermont
• Silver River State Park Cabins, Ocala
• The Fountains Resort, Orlando Northwest
• Hampton Inn, Tallahassee
• Springhill Suites, Tallahassee
• Three River State Park Cabins, Sneads

To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must implement a variety of green practices. These practices include, but are not limited to, water conservation measures by installing low flow plumbing fixtures and implementing a linen reuse program, and energy efficiency achieved by installing ENERGY STAR® appliances and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria are met by providing the opportunity to recycle, purchasing items in bulk, purchasing recycled materials and by recycling ink and toner cartridges. All designated properties must also use green cleaners and high efficiency air filters, and clean air handler units frequently.

Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. As reward for designation, the state is recommending designated properties in the Florida Green Lodging Program to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities. For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.