“We thank Governor Rick Scott for signing House Bill 7065 into law today, which protects the 1993 Statement of Principles that has guided Florida’s restoration efforts for two decades and provides funding for construction projects to ensure water quality standards in the Everglades are finally achieved. These projects will bring needed jobs to Florida and when completed will treat polluted water before it further destroys America’s Everglades.”

“We encourage Governor Scott to continue his Everglades leadership by making a strong commitment that the state will do its part to complete the vital Central Everglades Planning Project and ensure that there are no delays that would prevent its timely implementation.”

Governor Rick Scott (left) signs HB 7065 into law this morning in West Palm Beach, FL. Among those also present (from left to right) Senator Joe Negron (R-FL), Ron Bergeron, Eric Draper, Eric Eikenberg, Herschel Vinyard.

Contact:
Brian Crowley, bcrowley (at) immediacypr dot com, 561.568.5709
Sarah Bascom, sarah (at) bascomllc dot com, 850.294.6636

In office less than two weeks, Jewell set aside time last week to discuss protecting and restoring America’s Everglades with members of the Everglades Foundation board of directors, Mary Barley, Carlos de la Cruz, Ellin Goetz, Dr. Jim Kushlan, Bill Riley and Mike Sole as well as CEO Eric Eikenberg and Senior Scientist Dr. Tom Van Lent.  

Members of Everglades Foundation board and staff with U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell.

The visit to Jewell’s office was the culmination of two days in Washington jammed with meetings with members of congress, senators, key congressional staff, the House Everglades Caucus, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the White House Counsel on Environmental Quality. In addition, the Foundation hosted a successful reception at Florida House where Miss Florida 2012 Laura McKeeman spoke about the need to educate children about the importance of protecting America’s Everglades. We were honored to have Florida U.S. Representatives Dennis Ross, Joe Garcia and Ted Yoho join us. The Foundation was also pleased to meet a number of cattle ranchers north of Lake Okeechobee at the reception.

Rep. Joe Garcia (D-FL) speaking at the Everglades Foundation congressional reception at Florida House.

Rep. Ted Yoho (R-FL) and Miss Florida 2012, Laura McKeeman, doing the University of Florida “gator chomp” at the Everglades Foundation congressional reception at Florida House.

Among the important topics discussed were the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP), Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), Tamiami Trail bridging, funding for Everglades restoration and more. Discussions were frank and the Foundation got a clear understanding on the status of these issues.

Individual meetings were held with U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida, Florida U.S. Representatives Daniel Webster, Tom Rooney, Patrick Murphy, Joe Garcia, Lois Frankel, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Mario Diaz Balart, Ander Crenshaw and Trey Radel. The Foundation also met with House Appropriation Interior Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson of Idaho and Ranking Democrat Jim Moran of Virginia.

Everglades Foundation board member Mary Barley and Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL).

Everglades Foundation CEO Eric Eikenberg (left) and Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-FL).

It became clear that success in Washington will depend on a unified Florida congressional delegation forcefully pushing for Everglades project money, an expedited CEPP Chiefs’ report from the Corps of Engineers, and inclusion of CEPP in WRDA. In addition, there needs to be continued cooperation and communication among federal, state and water management district partners

Both Republican and Democratic members expressed concerns about sequestration and the ban on earmarks that can impede Everglades restoration efforts

“We will do everything we can,” said Nelson about the need to ensure that CEPP is part of the 2013 WRDA bill.  Rooney said unity is important. “The more that we can work together in concert the better off the Everglades is going to be.”

One of the most serious roadblocks is the completion of the Corps’ CEPP Chiefs’ report. That report is required to move CEPP into the WRDA bill. Without it, a key restoration project, one that provides critical water supply, could be delayed for years waiting for funding.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, during a meeting of the House Everglades Caucus, questioned Col. Alan Dodd of the Corps of Engineers about the delay in completing the Chief’s report. “It’s already been an extraordinarily long time,” said Wasserman Schultz.

Dodd said the goal was to have it completed by December 2013 but that it “may be delayed 2 or three months.” Later, when the Foundation met with Corps officials, the Foundation was told the report would likely be delayed until July 2014. The Corps said the delay is the result of additional data being requested by the South Florida Water Management District. Despite the potential delay, the District and Corps both say they are still trying to meet the December 2013 deadline.

Meeting privately with the Foundation team, Wasserman Schultz said on the Hill, “winning more friends for the Everglades is really, really important.”

U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz Balart, founder and co-chair of the Everglades Caucus, told the Foundation that budget restraints continue to make appropriations difficult and that funding is “always going to be a heavy lift.”

Everglades Foundation Vice Chairman Carlos de la Cruz with Miss Florida 2012 Laura McKeeman and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL).

Bettina Poirier, senior staff of California Sen. Boxer told the Foundation that the senator “strongly supports” Everglades restoration.  “Everglades components of the (WRDA) bill are among the most important parts. It’s a driver of the bill. We are very much on your side.”  The Foundation was also pleased to share a number of these concerns with Senator Jean Shaheen of New Hampshire.  Sen. Shaheen serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee which will be dealing with Tamiami Trail funding, among other issues.

The Foundation was warmly received and our concerns were given careful consideration. The two-day trip helped keep the protection and restoration of America’s Everglades at the top of the environmental agenda in Washington.

Finally, we were glad to hear from Secretary Jewell that she plans to visit America’s Everglades this week.

Group photo of Everglades Foundation board members and staff with Miss Florida 2012.

Written by Brian Crowley, photos by Jessica Hodder.

The first set of experiments was conducted in the summer of 2011 and was led by Dr. Davis and Dr. Tiffany Troxler from FIU.  Through support of the Everglades Foundation, they were able to fund Dr. Lisa Gardner Chambers, then a PhD student from the University of Florida, to participate in the study as part of her dissertation research.  Contributions from Drs. Joe Boyer and Len Scinto from the Southeast Environmental Research Center at FIU, Dr. Fred Sklar and staff at the South Florida Water Management District, and Everglades National Park made the experiment possible.  “The experiment was a huge success, but it was only possible through the effort, expertise, and technical tools that all these individuals brought to bear,” said Dr. Davis.  “It really indicates that there is a growing need for answers to these challenging questions in south Florida and that we should try to tackle them collaboratively.”

Future experiments will begin as part of the next phase of the National Science Foundation-funded Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program based at FIU with additional support from Drs. Evelyn Gaiser (LTER Lead investigator) and John Kominoski.  Davis anticipates another mangrove soil experiment in the summer of 2013 to be followed by longer-term experiments using live mangrove plants in conjunction with field manipulations.  He and his colleagues from FIU and the South Florida Water Management District are trying to secure funds from various agencies to sustain this research.

Photo showing red mangroves growing in a tank at the Florida Bay Interagency Science Center, Everglades National Park. The mesocosm facility was constructed by the South Florida Water Management District in the late 1990’s to conduct experimental research on submerged aquatic vegetation. However, Davis and his colleagues have recently adapted this facility for sea level rise experiments.

Dr. Tiffany Troxler and Mr. Alan Downey-Wall (FIU) use an infrared gas analyzer and chamber to take gas flux readings from a mangrove soil. These data will help scientists understand how sea level rise will affect mangrove soil stability in south Florida.

Related links:

http://fcelter.fiu.edu

http://www.nps.gov/ever/naturescience/sfnrc.htm

 WEST PALM BEACH – Today the Everglades Foundation announced an exciting partnership with Florida Atlantic University and Pine Jog Environmental Education Center to develop a new Everglades Restoration curriculum for Florida’s K-12 teachers and students. 

“Education is a vital part of the mission of the Everglades Foundation,” said Eric Eikenberg, Foundation CEO. “If we want to protect America’s Everglades, one of the world’s most unique environmental ecosystems, we must educate young people about the importance of this spectacular natural wonder.

“In addition, as a science based organization, we want to have a curriculum that encourages high school students to consider the possibility of careers involving ongoing research that is critical for protecting and restoring America’s Everglades.”

“This is an important partnership with the Everglades Foundation,” said Ray Coleman, Director, Pine Jog Environmental Education Center, Florida Atlantic University. “The Foundation is highly regarded for its education outreach and as a leader in Everglades research. We look forward to working with educators in private and public schools to develop an outstanding K-12 curriculum that will enhance our student’s understanding of the environmental beauty and importance of America’s Everglades.”

In cooperation with the Everglades Foundation, FAU/Pine Jog will work with a panel of education experts to develop a new Everglades Restoration student curriculum and twelve grade specific teacher guides that meet the Florida Sunshine State and Next Generation Sunshine State standards. 

Pine Jog will lead a committee of 26 educators from both public and private schools to evaluate the curriculum and recommend practices that provide the best teaching opportunities. The committee will be comprised of two educators from each grade level – kindergarten to 12^th grade.

Lessons will be designed that allow for field experiences for students in 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grades.  High school level lessons will include emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math.

Teacher training will take place this summer and a pilot program will begin at each grade level at the start of the 2013/2014 school year.

For more information contact: 
Brian E. Crowley
ImMEDIAcy Public Relations
Office: 561.776.7659
Cell: 561.568.5709

Statement from Eric Eikenberg, Chief Executive Officer, Everglades Foundation

“The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government today released its budget recommendations, including $70 million for Everglades Restoration. On behalf of the Everglades Foundation, we are extremely pleased with this recommendation, and thank Chair Alan Hays and members of the Senate subcommittee for their resolute commitment to preserving and protecting America’s Everglades.

As these budget recommendations continue to move through the process, we encourage the members in the House and leaders in both chambers to support this allocation amount, so that America’s Everglades can continue to be preserved and protected for the 7.5 million Floridians who rely on it for their daily drinking water and as a symbol of Florida’s unique natural beauty.”

Released: 
Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Contact
Brian Crowley, bcrowley (at) immediacypr dot com, 561.568.5709
Sarah Bascom, sarah (at) bascomllc dot com, 850.294.6636

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“The Everglades Foundation is pleased by today’s passage of HB 7065 by the full House, which will ensure continued revenue for protecting America’s Everglades, while also protecting the 1993 Statement of Principles that guide Florida’s restoration efforts.  We also thank members of the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee for their support earlier this week of CS/SB 768, which mirrors HB 7065.

“HB 7065 and SB 768 protect water quality standards, provide a reliable source of funding for implementing the state’s Water Quality Plan and bring together all the stakeholders involved in the future of the Everglades.  Protection and restoration of the Everglades has historically been based on compromise and many parties working together, and I believe this legislation is further proof of that.

“We now look forward to working together with the Florida Senate to usher CS/SB 768 to the Senate floor for full approval, and also working with both chambers to ensure that needed funding is secured to implement the necessary projects and initiatives to continue to restore and protect America’s Everglades.”

Released:
Friday, March 22, 2013 

Contact
Brian Crowley, bcrowley (at) immediacypr dot com“>bcrowley (at) immediacypr dot com, 561.568.5709
Sarah Bascom, sarah (at) bascomllc dot com“>sarah (at) bascomllc dot com, 850.294.6636

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Tallahassee, Fla. – The Everglades Foundation and Audubon Florida encourage Florida lawmakers to VOTE NO on PCB SAC 13-01 during the House State Affairs Committee tomorrow, Thursday, March 7, 2013. The State Affairs’ Proposed Committee Bill 13-01 would negatively amend the Everglades Forever Act. 

“We strongly urge Florida lawmakers to vote no on the State Affairs’ Proposed Committee Bill 13-01 tomorrow,” said Eric Eikenberg, CEO of the Everglades Foundation. “This is just another instance where Florida’s sugar powers are trying to increase their profits on the backs of Florida taxpayers. Florida’s Constitution clearly states that those polluting the Everglades should be primarily responsible for its cleanup. The South Florida Water Management District has determined that 60 percent of the pollution entering the Stormwater Treatment Areas is coming from sugar farms, who only pay a fraction of the cost to clean up their pollution.” 

The legislation, as currently written, would nullify an existing lawsuit by Florida Audubon Society that seeks to ensure the worst polluting farms implement effective Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce their pollution.

“The bill removes enforcement of state water quality laws and relieves the sugar industry of paying their fair share of cleanup costs,” said Eric Draper, executive director of Audubon Florida. 

The Everglades Foundation, Audubon Florida and other concerned Floridians will be asking the House State Affairs Committee tomorrow to defeat this bill that clearly sides with the sugar industry at the expense of Florida taxpayers. Immediately following the committee meeting tomorrow at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. NOON EDT in Morris Hall (17 HOB), Eikenberg and Draper will be available to discuss the committee action.

Contact:
Brian Crowley
bcrowley (at) immediacypr dot com
561.568.5709

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“I commend Congressman Diaz-Balart and Congressman Hastings for their dedicated, bi-partisan committment as Everglades Caucus co-chairmen, and for their recent introduction of the Everglades for the Next Generation Act. Authorization of shovel-ready CERP projects is a huge step in the right direction for Everglades restoration, eliminating the potential for further bureaucratic delays in the future.

 The state of Florida has shown leadership over the years as a partner in the CERP process. This legislation, if enacted, will recognize Florida’s investment in Everglades protection with the authorization of these critical next generation projects.” 

Contact: 
Brian Crowley 
(561) 568-5709

Palm Beach, Florida – Jerry Seinfeld’s comic genius was on full display for an exclusive performance for more than 600 guests at the eighth annual ForEverglades Benefit held at The Breakers on February 15.

Seinfeld, who has a long personal and comedic relationship with Florida – his real mother is a resident of South Florida and his fictional TV series parents lived in “Del Boca Vista” – kept the audience laughing with his unique comic perspective on the ordinary details of life.

The event began with cocktails and then guests were welcomed into the Ponce de Leon ballroom. They were greeted by emcee Willie Geist, co-host of NBC’s “Today” and co-host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

Everglades Foundation CEO Eric Eikenberg also welcomed the guests and thanked them for their continuing support of the Foundation and America’s Everglades. 

After dinner in the tropical setting of the ballroom, Seinfeld showed the guests why The Miami Herald calls him one of the “greatest comics of all time.”  Following Seinfeld’s performance, Auctioneer Guy Bennett led spirited bidding for exclusive tours in Africa, Argentina and America’s Everglades. In addition, guests used electronic devices for a silent auction to support specific Everglades Foundation research programs.

Then ZZ Top took to the stage with guitarist Billy Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard, playing hits old and new for guests who rushed toward the stage, many of them wearing the dark sunglasses provided for each guest.

Notables in attendance included: U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and his wife Grace, U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia, U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Will Weatherford, State Rep. Patrick Rooney, music legend Jimmy Buffett and tennis great Mats Wilander.

Other notables included: Mary Barley, Brooks  and Allison Bishop, Georgina Bloomberg, Eva and Glenn Dubin , Tucker Frederickson, Mercedes and Stephen Gotwald,  Lou Hager,  Fenia and Carl Hiaasen, Paul Tudor Jones, Paul and Kathy Leone, Millie Dayton and Eric Levine, Garrison duP. Lickle, Sasha Lickle,  Danielle Moore, Thalia and Tommy Mottola, Barbara and Jack Nicklaus, Ashley and Mike Ramos, Alita and Nathaniel Reed, Wilder and Jason Regalbuto,  Samantha and Chris Storkerson,  and Diana Barrett and Bob Vila.

The ForEverglades Benefit raises money annually to support the science, communications, advocacy, education and legal programs of the Everglades Foundation — all geared to  protecting and restoring what remains of this fragile ecosystem. The board of directors supports all of the Foundation’s administrative and fundraising expenses, allowing 100% of the money raised at the benefit to directly support these programs.

Benefit chairmen for this year’s event included Eva and Glenn Dubin, Elizabeth Kieselstein-Cord and Edward Hamm, Jr., Kim and Chris Havlicek, Sonia and Paul Tudor Jones II, Elaine and Ken Langone, Kathy and Paul Leone, Meg and Keith Long, Michele Henry and Garrison duP. Lickle, Alice and Lorne Michaels, Mary Morse, Barbara and Jack Nicklaus, Sara Groff and Piper Quinn, Ashley and Mike Ramos, Lia Reed, and Toni and Andrew Wilshire.

About Florida’s Relationship with the Everglades

More than seven million people live in the Everglades watershed and depend on its natural systems for their livelihood, food and drinking water. Florida’s agricultural, boating, tourism, real estate, recreational and commercial fishing industries all depend on a healthy Everglades ecosystem, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and contributing billions to our economy. Its waters flow through the Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Ten Thousand Islands, National Wildlife Refuge, Biscayne National Park and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Together, these parks draw several million visitors each year contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to Florida’s tourism economy.

 
About the Everglades Foundation

The Everglades Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to protecting and restoring one of the world’s unique natural ecosystems that provides economic, recreational and life-sustaining benefits to the millions of people who depend on its future health. Since 1993, the Everglades Foundation has played a leadership role in advancing Everglades restoration through the advancement of scientifically sound and achievable solutions. The Foundation seeks to reverse the damage inflicted on the ecosystem and provides policymakers and the public with honest and credible resource to help guide decision-making on complex restoration issues. For more information, please visit www.evergladesfoundation.org.

Contact:    
Brian Crowley, 561.568-5709 or
Linda Soper, 612.308.4159

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