SJRWMD approves withdrawals from St. Johns River

Hi folks,

Despite our best efforts and a crowd that overflowed three rooms, the SJRWMD board approved Seminole's permit request to pump millions of gallons per day from the St. Johns.

While this is a very discouraging development, the huge turnout - about 300 people spent all day at the meeting - let the District know that we are not going to put up with this any more.

The vote was 5-4 in favor of the permit, but at least a few members expressed genuine concern about the project and the need for more science and real conservation.

The next steps are:

1) Appeal this ruling
2) Bring together all of the parties who opposed this plan into a single, cohesive group that can address the larger issues related to water conservation on a state level
3) Begin a major push to reform the St. Johns River Water Management District, including pushing for elected representation on the board

Thanks to everyone who showed up or sent letters and e-mails. Please do not be discouraged! We may have lost the battle, but we will win the war! I will be posting media accounts of the decision at www.MyFloridaRiver.com.

Thanks,
Steve