Fall 2009 NRLI Alumni Newsletterv2

8/2/2019 Fall 2009 NRLI Alumni Newsletterv2

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Page 10 of 15 FNRLI Alumni Association

Florida Natural ResourceLeadership Institute AlumniNewsletter

What's Inside!

President's welcome

In Memoriam

Dues Reminder

Milestones

Welcome NRLI Class IX

Alumni News

Calendar of Events

Hello NRLI Alumni! I hope everyone enjoyed their summer and found time to relax and spend time

with family. I am so happy to present our second edition of the NRLI Alumni AssociationeNewsletter! This is only possible because alumni like you contributed to the pages that follow.

Without your contributions, the newsletter and much more would not be possible. This eNewsletteris produced by and for the alumni of theFlorida Natural Resources Leadership Institute. I hope you

will enjoy reading about what the growing community of NRLI Alumni (155 IN ALL!) is doing aroundthe State of Florida to help conserve and manage our natural resources.

I would also like to welcome NRLI Class IX! There are 16 fellows in all. This years class representsboth the public and private natural resources sector in Florida. We are hoping to have alumni located

near each session attend and provide an opportunity for the new Fellows to learn about the ongoingbenefits of the NRLI program. Please make sure you take a look at thescheduleto find the classnearest you!

One way that you can help continue this effort is by participating with NRLI recruiting, submitting anarticle for the next eNewsletter, providing financial support via membership dues, or by stayinginformed by visiting theNRLI Alumni Associations website. You can download the NRLI program

brochure, download a NRLI presentation to help recruit new Fellows for Class IX, or join theNRLIalumni blogto help stay connected with former classmates. Job announcements are also often posted

on the blog. Job opportunities can also be sent via the NRLI program listserv. Please make sure youare connected in order not to let a great opportunity pass you up!

We welcome your participation and support for ongoing fellowship in the NRLI Alumni Association.

Please do not hesitate to contactmeor any of the Directors listed below if you have any questions orwould like to participate. Best wishes to all alumni and hope to see you at a Class IX session soon!

President's Welcome Deborah Burr, Class IV

The NRLI

AlumniAssociationMission is tofoster effectiveleadership andprofessionaldevelopment,provide networkingopportunities,enhance the NRLIprogram,andpromote itslong-term viability.

Fall 2009; Volume 1, Issue II

Your NRLI Alumni Board of DirectorsDeborah Burr-President, Class IVTeresa Watkins-Vice President, VIIWes Wheeler-Treasurer, Class IVBryan Fluech-Secretary, Class VIIIDianne Hughes, Annual Meeting Coordinator, Class VIII

Stan Bronson, Class IIEd Wright, Class VIBob Tietz, Class VIHank Vinson, Class VIIPat Gostel, Class II

The BOD would like to welcome our newest board member, Pat Gostel, Class II, who recentlyretired from the South Florida Water Management District where he worked on projects related to

watershed planning and coastal issues throughout South Florida.
http://nrli.ifas.ufl.edu/http://nrli.ifas.ufl.edu/http://nrli.ifas.ufl.edu/http://nrli.ifas.ufl.edu/schedule9.shtmlhttp://nrli.ifas.ufl.edu/schedule9.shtmlhttp://nrli.ifas.ufl.edu/schedule9.shtmlhttp://fnrli-alumni.org/http://fnrli-alumni.org/http://fnrli-alumni.org/http://nrli.spaces.live.com/default.aspxhttp://nrli.spaces.live.com/default.aspxhttp://nrli.spaces.live.com/default.aspxhttp://nrli.spaces.live.com/default.aspxmailto:[email protected]?subject=NRLI%20Alumni%20Associationmailto:[email protected]?subject=NRLI%20Alumni%20Associationmailto:[email protected]?subject=NRLI%20Alumni%20Associationmailto:[email protected]?subject=NRLI%20Alumni%20Associationhttp://nrli.spaces.live.com/default.aspxhttp://nrli.spaces.live.com/default.aspxhttp://fnrli-alumni.org/http://nrli.ifas.ufl.edu/schedule9.shtmlhttp://nrli.ifas.ufl.edu/


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FNRLI Alumni Association Page 2 of 14

John Brenneman was honored by commission for his work

ByTom PalmerTHE LEDGER

Published: Monday, June 22, 2009 at 9:12 p.m.BARTOW | John Brenneman, longtime Polk County extension agent, died Monday. He was 57.

John Brenneman holds the Congressional Record he received from Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, during the Polk CountyCommission meeting Wednesday in Bartow.RICK RUNION | THE LEDGER

Brenneman, who had been battling cancer for some time, was honored at last Wednesday'sCounty Commission meeting for his years of service to the community.The honors included an announcement that the south auditorium at the W.H. StuartConference Center in Bartow was being named in his honor, U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, had inserted remarks praising Brenneman as "an outstanding naturalist and publicservant" into the Congressional Record, and praise from the Polk County Farm Bureau.

Brenneman had worked in Polk County since 1975, first as a 4-H and dairy extension agent. Hlater worked as a natural resources extension agent in Polk and Hillsborough counties, and winvolved in expanding the Lakewatch program, which uses volunteers to collect water quality-data on local lakes. He became Polk County extension director in 2005.

Brenneman was also the organizer of the Polk County Water School, which educated residen

about local water issues, and the Living on the Lake program, which was designed to educateresidents about maintaining lake water quality and about the ecology of local lakes. In additionhe was a Sunday school teacher and deacon at First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland.He is survived by his wife, Teri, his daughter, Emily Hough, and sons, Jacob, Adam and Joseph,and four grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

[Tom Palmer can be reached [email protected] 863-802-7535. Read more views on county government atcounty.theledger.com. ]

John Brenneman, or Uncle John was a very influential person and a role model for me. Im sure he was the same for a lot of peoplethat were fortunate to have known him. He influenced my decision to major in agriculture at the University of Florida, join the Alph

Gamma Rho Fraternity and he helped me find my career. If it were not for Uncle John, I would never had the opportunity toexperience NRLI. For those that knew him, he exemplified all of the qualities that NRLI teaches.

Andrew T. Walmsley, Class Assistant Director Agricultural Policy Divis

Florida Farm Bureau Federati

IN MEMORIAM

John Brenneman, Class I
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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FNRLI Alumni AssociationPage 3 of 14

NRLI Alumni Milestones

Promotion? New business venture? Award?NRLI Alumni want to know! We would love to include a mention of your achievement

in the upcoming eNewsletter. Please send your milestone to:[email protected].

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Greetings to my fellow NRLI Alumni!

I am writing on behalf of your Board to

explain and encourage the payment ofannual dues. The Association has adues structure of twenty-fivedollars ($25) annually or one-hundred and twenty-five dollars($125) for a life-time membership.These dues will support the Associationin promoting alumni interaction with theprogram through sponsoring meet andgreet socials at the various seminars

Don't Forget Your Annual NRLI Alumni Dues! Wes Wheeler, Class IV

around the state. Funds will also support theAssociations web site and eventual alumnidirectory. Other suggested ideas have also

included polo shirts, speaker fees, areception at the annual conference, etc. Weencourage each of you to continue in yourparticipation with FNRLI through investingyour time and money in the Association. Iencourage you to attend a seminar(s) in yourarea and to contact Board members (or yourClass Representative) to ask about the latestactivities and events. And, please, dontforget to send in those dues to: FNRLI Alumni

Association, PO Box 1396. Winter Haven, FL

33882-1396

Commissioner Billy Williams, Class VI, ElectedGulf County Commissioner Billy Williams, NRLI Class VI, has been elected to the position of 2ndVice-President in the Florida Association of Counties. Billy has been a tireless advocate for theneeds of Floridas small counties. Commissioner Williams was an active and engaged Fellowwhile participating in NRLI and will no doubt apply that same energy to his new position.

NRLI Alumni Betty Staugler (Class VI-back row, 2nd from left), Bryan Fluech (Class VIII-front rowcenter), and current NRLI Fellow Joy Hazell (back row- 2nd from right) along with other members ofthe Florida Sea Grant's Fisheries Work Action Group were presented with the 2009 Jim App Awardat the University of Florida Extension Professional Association of Florida Conference in Orlando inSeptember. The team award was given to the group for their state and regional efforts to educate andtrain recreational saltwater anglers on new state and federal reef fish gear regulations and sustainablefishing practices.

NRLI Alumni Honored for Outstanding Team Efforts
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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NRLI Class IX Kick-OffBruce Delaney and Laila Racevskis, NRLI Project Team

Class IX of the Florida Natural Resources Leadership Instituteheld its first session at Day Spring Episcopal Retreat Center onSeptember 13th, 14th and 15th. The issue focus of this sessionhighlighted economic and environmental considerations

associated with port expansion, with a specific focus on theexpansion of Port Manatee.

An additional goal of the first session, as alumni will remember,is for the new Fellows and the NRLI leadership team to getacquainted with one another. We accomplished this throughexercises such as Steps to NRLI and a late-night discussionof what we all do in our professional lives. These exercisesserved the purpose, as they havein years past, of helping thenew Fellows to learn about each others education,background, travels, and experiences.

Day Spring has been the site of NRLI sessions in years past

and, once again, provided a serene and relaxed atmosphere ina beautiful natural setting. The Fellows seemed to bond quicklyand settled right into the work of the session.Class VIII alumna Lisa Marie Phillips hosted a reception for usat the Beach House Restaurant on Anna Maria Island. Thecombination of Lisa Maries hospitality, the generouscontribution of hors doeuvres by the restaurant, and thebeautiful setting(which included a spectacular sunset over thegulf and the sighting of a waterspout) helped get Class IX offto a great start!

The session was greatly enhanced by the presence andparticipation of several alumni, including: Lisa Marie Phillips(City of Bradenton Beach), Kevin Hennessy (Lewis Longman

and Walker), Bryan Fluech (University of Florida Sea Grant)and Joanne Semmer (Ostego Bay Environment, Inc), all fromClass VIII; Stan Bronson (Florida Earth Foundation, NRLI ClaII); and Betty Staugler (University of Florida Sea Grant, NRLIClass VI). It was wonderful for the new Fellows to meet somany alumni at the first session, and as always, we welcomeand value alumni participation at all of our sessions.

We have 16 Fellows in Class IX, making it smaller than thepast average NRLI class size of about 20. We accepted 25qualified applicants into this years class, but due to currenteconomic conditions, many of the Fellows who were accepteinto the program had to decline, citing limits on travel and

training within their organizations. We have been encourageby the continued strong interest among individuals around thstate in participating in NRLI, and we realize that much of thsupport is due to the continuing efforts of NRLI Alumni inhelping us with recruitment. The recruiting help provided byNRLI alumni this year was critical to the formation of Class and we want tothank you again for your help. We could notcontinue to do this successfully without you!

Ginger Adair County of Volusia

Staci Braswell Florida Farm Bureau Federation

Phil D'Amo University of Florida

Adrienne Dessy City of Fernandina Beach

Scott Dudley Florida League of Cities

Joy HazellFlorida SeaGrant

Jeffrey Hill University of Florida IFAS

Christopher Johns Tater Farms, LLC

Gregory LangCedar Key Community RedevelopmenAgency

Will MillerSouthwest Florida Water ManagementDistrict

Paul Monaghan University of Florida IFAS

Shenley NeelyLevy County Board of CountyCommissioners

Robert Northrop University of Florida IFAS

Thomas OstertagFlorida Fish and Wildlife ConservationCommission

Emily Ott McNeal & Saini, P.L.Joshua Wilks Blackwater River Foundation, Inc.

Natural Resources Leadership Institute

Class IX Fellows


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Alumni NewsEcosystem Restoration for the Wild and Scenic Northwest Fork

Loxahatchee RiverKimball Love, Class IV

Floridas first federally designated Wild and Scenic River the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee - is well on its wayto getting additional and more consistent flows due to twoprojects.The Kitching Creek and Cypress Creek RestorationProjects sponsored by the Loxahatchee River Preservationnitiative, Martin County and the South Florida WaterManagement are well underway with completed 90% design,submitted permit applications, and construction schedules tobegin in 2010.

With little to no planning or engineering in the basin

for residential and agricultural development, the hydrologyhas been altered in a way that has disturbed natural

deliveries of freshwater to the river. In the meanwhile, the JupiterInlet, which historically would open and close depending on oceanactivity, has been permanently opened for navigational purposes. Thecombination of these events has allowed saltwater to intrude upriverresulting in the conversion from a riverine hardwood to mangroveswamp ecosystem.

Water management modeling and engineering for thesetributaries, Kitching from the north and Cypress from the west, will

provide for attenuation that providesconsistent low flows whilereducing high water impacts to residential areas and the

confluence of Cypress Creek and the Northwest Fork. Thisarea has been devastated by storm activity in the past due to lackof water control facilities. The new structures will provide forrestored wetlands, habitat enhancement and increased floodprotection level of service for the built and natural environments.

Kimball Love is the TetraTech EC project manager for both ofthese projects. She works out of the Stuart, FL office and has been thesteward of these projects since their inception under her leadership asWater Resource Manager at Martin County. Recently downsized due tocorporate belt tightening, Ms. Love is interested in returning to publicservice where she has many years of experience in water resource andeconomic development project management. She may be contacted [email protected].

he Santa Lucia reef is one of Collierountys most heavily fished artificialefs because of its proximity to theast and abundance of fish speciesund on the site. The reef sits in 25et of water north of Gordans Pass,hich is one of the most traveled

sses in the County. It is made up of46-foot long concrete Cuban turtleoat surrounded by concrete pilings.s a result of its popularity, the reefcumulates large amounts of fishingar specifically cast nets as well ashing line, lures, boat anchors andher debris.

esides the threats theabandonedar has on marine life such as

entanglement or ingestion, it also acts asa hazard to anglers who commonly gettheir equipment caught up on the site.

In an effort to minimize these impacts

Bryan Fluech, the Florida Sea GrantExtension Agent for Collier County hascollaborated with local agencies andcharter boat captains to organizescheduled underwater clean up eventson this popular site.

Since January 2008 the partnership hasremoved dozens of cast nets and othergear equating to over 3,000 lbs ofremoved debris! Efforts are underway toexpand the clean ups to other heavilyutilized sites around the County. The

eeping Collier's Reef's Clean Through CollaborationBryan Fluech, Class VIII

collaborative partnership has also allowed theCounty's artificial reef program save money at a timewhen the program has faced severe budget cuts.Artificial Reef staff are now allowed to ride with theCounty Sheriff's Dive Team instead of chartering aboat to participate in the clean up events. For more

information, contact Bryan Fluech at [email protected].

Divers use a lift bag to bringabandoned cast nets andother gear to the surfaceduring the August clean upof the Santa Lucia Reef

Photo by Eric Strachan


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The St. Johns River Water Management District has won an internationalprize from an Australian river advocacy organization for its role in

restoring wetlands in the upper St. Johns River basinthe headwaters ofthe 310-mile-long St. Johns River.During a September 2008 ceremony in Brisbane, Australias InternationalRiverfoundation announced the District as the winner of the InternationalThiess Riverprizethe worlds largest award for innovative rivermanagement. NRLI Class III alumnus Maurice Sterling, the water districtsdirector of project management, accepted the award in Australia.

After 10 years of planning and almost 20 years under construction,the Upper St. Johns River Basin Projectnow in the final stages ofcompletionbalances environmental sustainability with the need forreliable flood protection in Brevard and Indian River counties in Florida.The 247-square-mile project is one of the most ambitious wetlandrestoration projects of its kind in the world. The project is co-sponsored

by the District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.The Upper St. Johns River Basin Project is a model of modern floodplain managementbalancing the needs of the river wthe people and creatures who depend on it, says Sterling. Our efforts to restore the river have shown that working with nature isoften preferred to working against it.Riverprize Judging panel chairman, Professor Paul Greenfield, said in a news release issued by the Riverfoundation that thegroundbreaking results achieved by the St. Johns River Water Management District were outstanding and those involved in deliverinthe project should be very proud of their efforts.

Noting that the upper basin project addresses environmental degradation and flood control issues in the rivers headwatersGreenfield said, It is one of the largest river restoration projects in the United States and has been a 30-year collaboration betweenstate and federal water managers.Greenfield added, The project uses innovative approaches in design and management to combine environmental benefits with floodcontrol over 60 kilometers of river length and 60,000 hectares of floodplain.

The inspirational outcomes of this initiative exemplify the spirit of the International Thiess Riverprize and its an honor toreward a project that has done such a brilliant job taking river and water issues into its own hands and delivering such exceptionalresults, Greenfield said in the news release.

Prize money is (AUD) $350,000, or about $220,000 in U.S. currency. The District used the prize winnings to convert a largesection of cattle pasture to river marsh as part of its Moccasin Island restoration project near Viera in Brevard County.

Judges chose the upper basin project over two other outstanding international finalistsLake Macquarie in New South Wales and thSwan Canning River System in western Australia.

Since last years all time record high oil prices, alternative energy has become one of the countrys largest and mostdebated topics. Is there a true alternative to fossil fuels? Are bio fuels the answer? Solar, wind, geothermal can theyproduce enough to be effective? During a recent event a comment was made that we must connect kids to energy

because after all they will be the ones who will have to answer these questions and find the solution. How do we dothis? How can we energize youth to find these answers?

In St Lucie County, a coalition of business groups, residents, and educators have come together to develop theEXtreme Energy Education Event 2010 (XE3). A two day event dedicated to developing the interest, skills and

passion in the youth for science and technology. XE3 was developed for high school students to design; build; then race alternative fkarts on a 1/8 mile paved course within the Treasure Coast Education and Research Park. (continued next page)

NRLI Alum Collects International Prize for River RestorationMaurice Sterling Class III

EXtreme Energy Education Event 2010 (XE3) JP Gellermann, Class VI


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EXtreme Education(continued)

Each highschool in StLucie Countythat fields a

team will beprovided aracing cartand engine ofchoice. It isanticipatedthat teamswillconstructengines thatrun oneverything

from compressed air to bio diesel. Engines cannot though be

fueled by standard fossil fuels. The limitations for power arelimited only by imagination and creativity of the teammembers. The XE3 identified cart racing because it containedthe essential elements to capture the interest of high schoolstudents-creativity, speed and competition.

The first day of the event will begin with a studentbus tour. Students will visit four local high technology

businesses, providing theman inside view of innovation and trecognition of their own creative potential. Our goal is toimmerse our students in the science of energy and vehicledesign by providing a close up look of technology at work inSt. Lucie County.

Race day will be a combination of an alternativeenergy expo and cart race. Along with the race XE3 2010woffer area residents who attend a wide assortment of shortcourses in energy and water conservation, ademonstration area for commercially available hybrid andalternative fueled vehicles and local exhibitors highlightingtechnological products and services

The XE3 event has developed strong support fromour local elected officials, business community, and residentsIt is anticipated that the 1st annual XE3 will attract between 2and 500 participant growing substantially in future years.The challenges for developing a complex event with many anvarying organizations is substantial. I believe the consensusbuilding skills I developed in NRLI have been invaluable indeveloping the XE3 event. (There is always plenty of food and a

John Dain Stretch break!)Jp Gellermann, Growth Management Agent II

St Lucie County/ University of Florida Extension

Florida Farm Bureau has been monitoring a proposal that could have catastrophic effects on agriculture ifadopted into rule. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the U. S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are proposing to enact new stringent numeric nutrient waterquality standards in lakes, flowing waters and Class III waters by January 2010 and in coastal waters by

January 2011.

Florida Farm Bureau members have adopted policy that supports efforts to protect Floridas waterquality. We have been instrumental in working with the states model Total Maximum Daily Loadsprogram and have developed the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES)program to recognize agricultural operations that are actively participating in the program. However,the proposed numeric nutrient criteria that the DEP has published to date, and potentially even morerestrictive criteria that may be forthcoming from the EPA, are 1) technically and scientifically debatable;2) economically unattainable, creating major hardships for Florida agricultural economy; and 3)potentially adverse to the health of f lora and fauna (i.e. freshwater and marine-based plant and animallife).Florida Farm Bureau has developed a white paper on this topic (Proposed New Water Quality Regulations for the State of Florida).If you wish to receive a copy of the white paper, please contact Charles Shinn, Asst. Director, Government & Community Affairs,Florida Farm Bureau Federation [email protected].

Florida Farm Bureau Federation Updateby Charles Shinn III, Class VIII
https://mail.ufl.edu/OWA/redir.aspx?C=b5d49346381547e88580308ce4c67228&URL=mailto%3acharles.shinn%40ffbf.orghttps://mail.ufl.edu/OWA/redir.aspx?C=b5d49346381547e88580308ce4c67228&URL=mailto%3acharles.shinn%40ffbf.orghttps://mail.ufl.edu/OWA/redir.aspx?C=b5d49346381547e88580308ce4c67228&URL=mailto%3acharles.shinn%40ffbf.orghttps://mail.ufl.edu/OWA/redir.aspx?C=b5d49346381547e88580308ce4c67228&URL=mailto%3acharles.shinn%40ffbf.org


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Various groups, including the commercial fishing industry, have identifilost and abandoned crab traps as a problem in Floridas marineenvironment. Lost and abandoned traps may spark user conflicts

because they ghost fish, continuing to trap marine organisms until thtraps degrade to the point that escape is possible. They also visuallypollute, damage sensitive habitats and become navigation hazards.

Traps may become abandoned for a variety of reasons, including stormwhich may move the trap making it difficult to locate, being snagged anmoved by passing vessels or being abandoned by their owner.Tampering with a trap is illegal and may result in fines up to $5,000 anrevocation of ones fishing license, even if the trap is derelict.

Earlier this year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissio(FWC) passed a new rule establishing six regional closed seasons for t

harvest of blue crabs using traps in an attempt to address the issue of abandoned crab traps. This rule applies to both commercial arecreational harvesters (unless a trap is attached to private property). The closure applies to the trap gear only, so harvesting of blu

crabs during the closure is still allowed as long as other gear types are used. During the closures, organized groups, who havereceived permission from FWC, are allowed to conduct volunteer cleanup activities.

Southwest Floridas Charlotte Harbor is located within Region 4, Broward to Pasco counties, and was within the first area to close(July 10th through the 19th). Charlotte and Lee Sea Grant Agents, in collaboration with Charlotte and Lee County CommercialFishermen conducted three FWC authorized volunteer cleanups during the closure, recovering 200 traps from the water.

These cleanup events followed a statewide Train the Trainer practice session held in April of this year in Charlotte County, which whosted by the Charlotte and Lee Sea Grant Agents. The goal of the training session was to develop strategies to assist the Florida Fand Wildlife Conservation Commission educate stakeholders about the newly adopted 10 day rotational closures for blue crab trapsthe State of Florida and to build capacity for conducting volunteer blue crab trap cleanup events in a short time over large regions.Another Train the Trainer practice session is being scheduled for the Panhandle region later this year. More information about theclosures and volunteer blue crab trap cleanup guidelines may be found on the FWC website:http://myfwc.com/RULESANDREGS/SaltwaterTraps_index.htm.

Floridas natural beauty and diverse habitats attracted wildlife to the state long beforethey attracted people. However, as our population grows, habitat for wildlife isshrinking. More than half of Floridas endangered or threatened species live on privatelands. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has found a wayto conserve this wildlife and help private landowners by offering safe harbor.

Red-cockaded woodpeckers (RCWs) have lost about 97 percent of their habitatold

pine forestsand since 1973 have been protected under the Endangered Species Act.The occurrence of this endangered species on private property caused landowners toavoid managing for long-rotation timber or old longleaf pines, which attracted RCWs.Maintaining these old pines can increase the RCW population and thereby increase thelandowners regulatory responsibilities.

Some landowners were cutting their older pines to prevent RCWs from setting up homes there. This was a no-win situation for thelandowner and the wildlife. So Safe Harbor was created. (continued next page)

Abandoned Crab Trap Cleanup Events in SW Florida Betty Staugler, Class VI

Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Safe Harbor:A Creative Program for Conservation Kristina Jackson, Class II
http://myfwc.com/RULESANDREGS/SaltwaterTraps_index.htmhttp://myfwc.com/RULESANDREGS/SaltwaterTraps_index.htmhttp://myfwc.com/RULESANDREGS/SaltwaterTraps_index.htm


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Red-Cockaded Woodpecker(continued)

The Safe Harbor program offers private landowners an opportunity to preserve habitatfor RCWs while maintaining flexibility in using their property. A landowner commits toprotecting the birds already on their land and adding to RCW habitat. If new birds moveonto or are born on a property, they can be relocated by our biologists if the landowner

needs to cut timber or build on the site. The program is voluntary and a landowner withsuitable habitat can sign up even before they have birds.

Dixie Plantation is a 9,000 acre tract of land in Jefferson County in Northwest Floridaand is a charter member of the Safe Harbor program. It is located in an area dedicatedto preserving habitat for quail hunting. The frequently burned, open longleaf pinelandfavored for hunting bobwhite quail is good habitat for RCW and other rare Floridaspecies such as Bachmans sparrow, Eastern indigo snake and gopher tortoises.

Before the Safe Harbor agreement we did not want an endangered species to comeon Dixie Plantation because of the severe restrictions that the Endangered Species Actplaced on [landowners], said John Finlayson, a Dixie Plantation trustee. Now thatweve signed the Safe Harbor Agreement, we welcome the red-cockaded woodpecker

to come and live on Dixie Plantation. The Safe Harbor Agreement is the greatest thingthat has happened for endangered species.

Most landowners are good stewards of their land and can make an important contribution to the recovery of imperiled species. SafeHarbor engages private landowners in activities that create or improve wildlife habitat. The Safe Harbor Program helps landownersbalance their land-use needs with the needs of an imperiled species such as RCW.

You may not own land with old pines, but you can help by spreading the word. Contact Kristina Jackson at the FWC,[email protected] 352-732-1225. Learn more on the FWCs Web site at:www.MyFWC.com/SafeHarbor.

Two years ago, the Forest Service and the Division of Forestry began brainstormingways in which theiragencies could help in getting children back to nature.Simultaneously, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was pursuing itown children-in-nature initiative. When these two groups became aware of each otherstatewide coalition emergedan incomparable partnership uniting public and privatepartners that includes federal and state land managers; state conservation organizationshealth and education agencies; educators; health care providers; nonprofits, andbusinesses. The Get Outdoors Florida! coalition brings this highly energized group togethunder a common mission statement: engaging communities, families and individuals inoutdoor experiences to achieve healthier lifestyles and sustain Floridas natural resourc

Because an array of social issues can be connected with our nature deficit, the Get

Outdoors Florida! coalition ambitiously aspires to be more than a champion of kids enjoythe outdoors. While getting people back into nature remains the common purpose, thpartnership came together and continues to grow because of the shared knowledge thaby connecting our communities with nature, we enhance opportunities for greaterenvironmental education, public health, child welfare, increased tourism, fish and wildlifeconservation and ongoing land management. (continued next page)

Get Outdoors, Florida! An Environmental Education CoalitionDenise Rains, Class III
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.myfwc.com/Safe%20Harborhttp://www.myfwc.com/Safe%20Harborhttp://www.myfwc.com/Safe%20Harborhttp://www.myfwc.com/Safe%20Harbormailto:[email protected]


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Sustainable Water Resources Management: a conceptual planfor restoring and protecting the water resources of the Peace Creek watershed and WinteHaven, FloridaThomas L. Singleton, Project Director, Water, PBS&J, Class 1

The City of Winter Haven hired PBS&J to develop a Sustainable Water ResourcesManagement Plan for the Peace Creek watershed. The primary objective of the plais to preserve and protect the surface water and groundwater resources of the cityfor human and environmental use. The backbone of the plan is an interconnected,hydrologic network of lakes, canals, wetlands, aquifers, open spaces, and parks,designed to meet the long-term water resource needs of the entire community,including supply (water quantity), treatment (water quality), flood protection, and thpreservation of natural resources. The plan is an investment in the Citys naturalinfrastructurepreserving and enhancing the innate ability of the watersheds uniqlandscape to provide multiple water resource benefitsas opposed to engineeredinfrastructure. Using the natural infrastructure to provide these benefits will in thelong-term result in a less costly, more efficient water storage and delivery system foall future uses. In contrast, the hydrologic system is currently operated to meet the

flood protection needs of the stakeholders living along the Peace Creek Canal.

PBS&J convened a number of one-on-one meetings over the last several monthswith over 20 key stakeholders in the community, including community developmentand public works staff from the City and Polk County, members of the LakesAdvisory Committee, concerned citizens, and staff from the Southwest Florida WatManagement District and the Lakes Management District. The stakeholders providkey insights into a) how water historically moved through the watershed; b) how thwatershed was drained by the Peace Creek Drainage Canal in 1925 for agriculturaldevelopment and subsequently for improved navigation, followed by stormwaterimprovements associated with urban development; and c) how new development,especially in the southern third of the watershed, might result in further dewateringof the watershed.

The city is located at the headwaters of the watersheds surface water andgroundwater systems. To make use of these resources, the city must capture the water before it leaves the watershed. Historicallythe area south of Lake Hamilton was a wetland slough and broad floodplain, much like the Everglades, that held vast quantities of wa(Figure 1). With the construction of the Peace Creek Drainage Canal and canals connecting many of the lakes, water levels in thelakes and the surrounding surficial aquifer have been reduced by approximately 10 feet over the last 90 years. (continued next page)

LakeHamilton

WetlandSlough

WetlandSlou h

Peace Creek

Figure 1. 1856 military map (J.C. Ives), showing LakeHamilton and the wetland slough and broad floodplainsouth of the lake, flowing to Peace Creek.

Figure 2. Conceptual community water demand graph,showing how the decrease in water storage (blue line) andavailable water (storage + rainfall [low and high rainfall]) (yellowand green lines) associated with the increase of developed land

can lead to water shortages during periods of low rainfall andeven high rainfall, i.e., when the water demands of humans andthe environment (orange line) exceed the available supply.


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Sustainable Water Resources Management (continued)

The ability to recharge the lakes and surficial aquifer has also been compromised in downtown Winter Haven by paving over the landfor urban development. This area of high aquifer recharge historically helped maintain water levels and water quality in the lakes.

Restoring the hydrology of the watershed to increase the local storage of water is critical to meeting the long-term water needs of tcity. As Figure 2 shows, the continued drainage of the land to create more developable land decreases the storage of water, whichcan lead to water shortages during periods of low rainfall and even high rainfall, i.e., when the water demands of humans and theenvironment exceed the available supply.

PBS&J and the University of Florida, Howard T. Odum Center for Wetlands, used the information provided by the stakeholders todevelop a conceptual plan for increasing water storage throughout the watershed (Figure 3):

In the upper portion of the watershed, which encompasses thedowntown area of Winter Haven, rainwater will be directed to rain

gardens, swales, and small isolated wetlands to recharge the surficialaquifer and provide water quality treatment. This will increase waterlevels in the surficial aquifer, increase groundwater flow into the lakes,and increase water levels and the water-holding capacity of the lakes.

The middle portion of the watershed, currently dominated by thePeace Creek Drainage Canal and the Wahneta Farms Drainage Canal,will be transformed into a series of sloughs and floodplains intended toslow the movement of water through the system and provide sedimentcontrol. During peak rainfall events, it will be designed to dischargefloodwaters very quickly.

The lower, downstream portion of the watershed, encompassing thesouthern loop of the Peace Creek Drainage Canal and the

downstream portions of the creek leading to the Peace River, will betransformed into large water storage areas and broad floodplains tomanage very large hydraulic loads of water and provide floodattenuation.

More detailed designs of the various elements of the conceptual plan areincluded in a final report that was presented to the City in September2009. For more information on the plan, please contact Thomas L.Singleton, Project Director, Water, PBS&J, [email protected], or850-580-7929.

Figure 3. Draft conceptual plan for increasing water storagethroughout the Peace Creek watershed. The inset graphics show cross-sections of projects designed to increase the water-holding capacity ofthe watershed.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Calendar of Events: Oct 2009-Mar 2010

OCTOBEREnergy Awareness Month, U.S Department of Energy

http://www.energy.gov/

NRLI Session: Oct 8-10, Jacksonville: "Ocala to Osceola National Forest Ecological Greenway,the O2O: Coordination of Private, Local, State and Federal Efforts"

NOVEMBERFlorida Brownfields Conference: Nov 1-4http://www.floridabrownfields.org/Conference/Default.htm

NRLI Session: Nov 12-14, Steinhatchee: "Working Waterfronts Communities: Economic Development and Coastal Access"

American Water Resources Association meeting: Nov 20th Florida Gulf Coast University

http://www.awraflorida.org/

DECEMBERNRLI Session: Dec 10-12, Miami: "Preparing for Sea Level Rise through Local Government Planning andCommunity Engagement"

JANUARYNRLI Session: Jan 14-16, Apalachicola: "Tri-State Water Wars: Upstream Uses, Downstream Effects"

Florida Artificial Reef Summit: Jan 21-23, Coco Beach. www.flseagrant.org

FEBRUARYNRLI Session: Feb 11-13, Clewiston: "Agriculture and Conservation: The Process of Large-Scale Public Lands Acquisition"

MARCHNRLI Session: Mar 18-20, Gainesville: Practicum and Graduation

American Water Resources Association meeting: March 19. Location TBAhttp://www.awraflorida.org/

Whats on your calendar? Send any upcoming events, conferences, etc. for inclusion in the nexteNewsletter to:[email protected]
https://mail.ufl.edu/OWA/redir.aspx?C=6ad20660ab524d4cbbc997ceb637dfff&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.energy.gov%2fhttps://mail.ufl.edu/OWA/redir.aspx?C=6ad20660ab524d4cbbc997ceb637dfff&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.energy.gov%2fhttps://mail.ufl.edu/OWA/redir.aspx?C=6ad20660ab524d4cbbc997ceb637dfff&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.floridabrownfields.org%2fConference%2fDefault.htmhttps://mail.ufl.edu/OWA/redir.aspx?C=6ad20660ab524d4cbbc997ceb637dfff&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.floridabrownfields.org%2fConference%2fDefault.htmhttps://mail.ufl.edu/OWA/redir.aspx?C=2c5764a1308346198dd7c9551baec47b&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.awraflorida.org%2fhttps://mail.ufl.edu/OWA/redir.aspx?C=2c5764a1308346198dd7c9551baec47b&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.awraflorida.org%2fhttps://mail.ufl.edu/OWA/redir.aspx?C=2c5764a1308346198dd7c9551baec47b&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.awraflorida.org%2fhttps://mail.ufl.edu/OWA/redir.aspx?C=2c5764a1308346198dd7c9551baec47b&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.awraflorida.org%2fmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://mail.ufl.edu/OWA/redir.aspx?C=2c5764a1308346198dd7c9551baec47b&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.awraflorida.org%2fhttps://mail.ufl.edu/OWA/redir.aspx?C=2c5764a1308346198dd7c9551baec47b&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.awraflorida.org%2fhttps://mail.ufl.edu/OWA/redir.aspx?C=6ad20660ab524d4cbbc997ceb637dfff&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.floridabrownfields.org%2fConference%2fDefault.htmhttps://mail.ufl.edu/OWA/redir.aspx?C=6ad20660ab524d4cbbc997ceb637dfff&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.energy.gov%2f


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Resolving Conflict Through Leadership!

Be a Part of the NRLI Alumni Newsletter!We encourage you to submit an article about a project you have been involved with orone of interest to other NRLI alumni. Our next newsletter will be published in spring2010. Submissions must be received by March1st to be included in the nextnewsletter. Articles should be 500 words or less and pictures are encouraged. Pleasesend submissions to Bryan Fluech at:[email protected]

http://fnrli-alumni.org
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Documents

Fall 2009 NRLI Alumni Newsletterv2