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Events

2020

March 28, 2020 – Dr. Sylvia Earle

March 10, 2020 – Dr. Edie Widder

March 7, 2020 – No Plastic in the Park (RiverKidz Event)

March 5, 2020 – Dr. Ken Lindeman, Ph.D.

March 5, 2020 – Elliot Museum Lunch & Lecture Everglades Restoration

Feb 27, 2020 – LOSOM Meeting

Feb 27, 2020 – WRAC Public Forum

Upcoming Events

 

August 2019

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Northern Everglades Basin Management Action Plan Notifications Update

Blue-Green Task Force August 1- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Fort Pierce

Florida oceanographic August opportunities to get involved

 

July 2019

Mom’s for Clean Water Flyer

July 1- Ft. Myers Blue-Green Task Force

July 10, 2019 South Florida Water Management District Workshop

July 27, 2019 City of Stuart River Clean-up Saturday

 

March 2019

March 1, 2019 6:30pm ORCA (George Jones):  Dr. Edie Widder, Location: St. Lucie Community Center – 2195 S.E. Airoso Blvd.Port St. Lucie, Florida 34984 What Goes Around, Comes Around: Where Water and Health Meet

March 5, 2019 at 6:30pm Native Plant Society of Martin County (Regina Wood,): Location:  IRSC

March 9, 2019  Native Trees for Your Landscape – Field Trip MC Farms

March 12 9:00 am Save The IRL.org (George Jones): Indian River Administration Complex, Stop the John’s island Wastewater Effluent Pipeline from being drilled. (pdf)

Date: TBD Diane Goldberg is doing a lecture on butterfly and moths at Kilmer Library in Ft Pierce.

March 18th 11:30 Martin County League of Women Voters (Bobbie Deemer): Kane Center Former Governor Bob Graham

March 30 1:00 IRSC Martin County Conservation Alliance (Tom Tomlinson):    Dr. Larry Brand lecture on neurotoxins and BMAA (pdf)

Martin County (Dianne Hughes) “Host the Flock” application (pdf)

 
February 2019

EVENT : Corps invites public to provide input on new Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual

https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/1742909/corps-invites-public-to-provide-input-on-new-lake-okeechobee-system-operating-m/

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District invites the public to provide scoping input on the development of the new Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM). A series of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) public scoping meetings will be held throughout south Florida during the month of February and public scoping comments will be accepted
until March 31, 2019.

“At this point in the process, it is critical we hear about concerns and priorities from the public,” said Lt. Col. Jennifer Reynolds, Deputy Commander for South Florida. “What issues are important to you? What study outcomes do you want to see? How would you measure success? What solutions would you like us to consider? These are some of the important questions we
need to explore, and we want to hear your thoughts.” 

“This series of public scoping meetings in south Florida is just the beginning of the process. There will be many other opportunities to become engaged and informed, including two series of workshops and opportunities to review the draft documents,” said Reynolds. “We look forward to working with the many people and groups who have expressed interest, and hope to get even more people involved during this robust public process. We value their time and suggestions, and appreciate their contributions.”

The Corps is beginning preparation of a NEPA assessment for the LOSOM, which is required by Section 1106 of the 2018 Water Resource Development Act.

The purpose of this effort is to reevaluate and define operations for the Lake Okeechobee regulation schedule that take into account additional infrastructure that will soon be operational. The additional infrastructure that will be taken into consideration includes the Herbert Hoover Dike rehabilitation, Kissimmee River Restoration Project, as well as the
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) C-43 West Basin Storage Reservoir and C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area.

This effort will result in a System Operating Manual that will include a new lake regulation schedule that addresses the congressionally authorized purposes that include flood risk management; water supply for agricultural irrigation, municipalities and industry, environment, and Native American Tribes; navigation; enhancement of fish and wildlife; and recreation. The process will be informed by public workshops to set goals and objectives, develop and evaluate alternatives (operational scenarios), and NEPA to incorporate CERP projects that will be completed in the near future. Information gained during recent extreme high and low water levels and harmful algal blooms will also be considered. The intent of the new lake regulation schedule is to balance the impacts from operations and achieve
multiple authorized project purposes.

Members of the public are invited to provide scoping comments, including the identification of issues with the current regulation schedule for Lake Okeechobee, what aspects need to be changed, and how those issues and changes should be implemented and evaluated.

All comments will be summarized, addressed, and used to inform the LOSOM.

Members of the public are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the water control plan from 2008. It is available for reference at:
https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll7/id/8423
and on the LOSOM web page at: www.saj.usace.army.mil/LOSOM.

Public scoping meetings scheduled for the Lake Okeechobee System Operations Manual (LOSOM)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Jacksonville District announces a series of public meetings to begin preparation of a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) assessment for the Lake Okeechobee System Operations Manual (LOSOM) required by Section 1106 of the 2018 Water Resource Development Act.

Members of the public and other stakeholders are invited to learn more and provide input to the team at the following series of public scoping meetings:

Lehigh Acres
Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 
Lee County Mosquito Control District Training Center
15191 Homestead Road, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971

Okeechobee
Wednesday, February 6, 2019, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 
Indian River State College
Williamson Conference and Education Center
2229 N.W. 9th Avenue, Okeechobee, FL 34972

Clewiston
Monday, February 11, 2019, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
John Boy Auditorium
1200 South W.C. Owen Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440

Stuart
Tuesday, February 19, 2019, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Indian River State College
The Clare and Gladys Wolf High-Technology Center
2400 SE Salerno Road, Stuart, FL 34997

Broward County
Tuesday, February 26, 2019, Time TBD
Location TBD

West Palm Beach
Wednesday, February 27, 2019, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
South Florida Water Management District
Governing Board Auditorium
3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406

Miami Gardens
Thursday, February 28, 2019, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
North Dade Regional Library
2455 NW 183rd Street, Miami Gardens, FL 33056

Public Scoping Comments

The Corps believes this effort will benefit significantly from public
involvement and encourages participation in the NEPA scoping process. We
welcome your views, comments, concerns, suggestions and solutions. Scoping
comments may be provided during public meetings, via email or by mail.

The public comment period ends on March 31, 2019.

Submit comments by email:
LakeOComments@usace.army.mil

Submit comments by mail:
Dr. Ann Hodgson
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District P.O. Box 4970
Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019

“Scoping” is the step in the NEPA process when the public is invited to participate in identifying issues, alternatives, and potentially significant effects to be considered in the analysis. This helps the Corps identify and eliminate any issues that are not significant or that have been covered by prior environmental review.

The Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM) is a component of the Central & Southern Florida (C&SF) System Operating Plan.

Authority:
Section 1106 of the 2018 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) directs “The Secretary shall expedite completion of the Lake Okeechobee regulation schedule to coincide with completion of the Herbert Hoover Dike project, and may include all relevant aspects of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration
Plan described in section 601 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 (114 Stat. 2680).”

Information will be available at the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual
(LOSOM) web page: www.saj.usace.army.mil/LOSOM and on social media on the
Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict/ and on Twitter @JaxStrong.

Contact: Erica Skolte 561-340-1527 or cell 561-801-5734 or Erica.A.Skolte@usace.army.mil.

————————————
Thanks for getting the word out!
Erica

Erica Skolte
Public Affairs Specialist
Corporate Communications Office
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District Palm Beach Gardens
NOTE: NEW OFFICE PHONE 561-340-1527
Cell:  561-801-5734
erica.a.skolte@usace.army.mil
Twitter @JaxStrong
Jacksonville District Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict
Jacksonville District: A team of professionals making tomorrow better “Keep
Calm and Essayons”

 

 

Feb 2018

EVENT : The Blessing of the Fleet will once again be donating to the RiverKidz this year 2018 –  Saturday 2.10.2018

Click Here to view Official Site!
May 2016

EVENT : Lost River Fishing Tournament & Chili Cook-off on May 21st    

Click Here to view Official Site!

Lost River Fishing Tournament & Chili Cook Off

 

May 2013

EVENT : Paddlefest 2013    

Click Here to view full Flyer!

2013 Rivers Coalition Paddlefest Event

 

September 2012

EVENT : RiverKidz 2nd Annual Lemonade Stand and Cleanup       
                                   

Click Here to view videos from the Event!

 

September 2012

EVENT : RiverKidz Protest   

Click Here to view videos from the Event!

 

2011

EVENT : RiverKidz 1st Annual Lemonade Stand and Cleanup       

 

April 5 & 6, 2008

EVENT :        THE RIVERS COALITION WILL BE AT BOTH EARTH DAY THEMED EVENTS!
Saturday April 5, 2008 9:00-1:00 Well Life 1st &
Sunday April 6, 2008 1:00-4:00 Jazz Fest                                    

WHEN:           Saturday April 5, 2008 Well Life 1st Event in Downtown Stuart 9:00am-1:00pm the Rivers Coalition “Slimeman” will lead the historic walk starting at 9:00am and the Rivers Coalition, Chairman, Leon Abood will be speaking and giving a presentation around 10:00am. Sunday April 6, 2008 The Rivers Coalition will be at the Jazz Fest in Downtown Stuart from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

On April 5, 2008 The Rivers Coalition will have a booth and be hosting the “Slimeman Walk” at the Flagler Recreation Center, 201 S.W. Flagler Avenue in downtown Stuart.
The month’s theme is “Earth Day” and natural wellness lifestyle options.

9:00am:

  • “River*Walkers” Community Walk sponsored by Fleet Feet Sports of Stuart
  • Health Assessment by IRCC and Med Tech
  • Free massages by “Serendipity”
  • Bike Safety Rodeo for KIDS, Stuart Police and Pro Cycle, with free helmets
  • Rivers Coalition presents “Slimeman” walk.

10:00am:

  • Leon Abood, President of the Rivers Coalition – Speaking/Presentation
  • Variety of Fresh Organic Produce and products, information and sale. Participating are: Decker Farms, Peggy’s Natural Food, Wholistic Families, Organic Produce Buying Club, Whole Foods Pharmacy, Pelican Cafe, Ken Coe and Vikki Gorny
  • Lecture: “What’s in our Water?” – Culligan
  • Lecture: “Introduction to Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine” by Corlene Chen LAP
  • Lecture/Participation: Qi Gong “Get Energized” with Master Chen
  • “Kids Zone” sponsored by Stuart Parks & Recreation Department and Cookie the Clown face paint and Girl Scouts make a bird feeder.

11:00am:

  • “Belly Dancing” with Donell Wicklund
  • “Yoga” with Sariah

Well*LIFE 1st is a free event.  For more information call the Flagler Recreation Center at 772-288-5335.

 

 

March 27 – 29, 2008

Run for the Rivers; Mike Melton, Ultra Runner, Environmental Advocate

Mike Melton: “I’m running for the river to bring attention to the critical need to restore and save the St. Lucie River. We must stop the discharges of polluted water from Lake Okeechobee that damage our estuary in wet years.”
Dates:                        March 27-29, 2008
Event Name:              Sunrise to Sunset Relay
Description:               One of a kind, 170 mile “Ultra Endurance” relay event
Time:                          Early afternoon on the 28th “waves” of relay teams will start every ½ hour. Solo runners (i.e., our own local Mike Melton – see info below) will begin early on Thursday the 27th (approximately 3 AM). Runners will complete the event on Saturday the 29th at approximately 3-5 PM. Most competitors are in teams of 6-12 relay runners. Last year Mike requested to run this lengthy race alone and thus created the “solo” participant category. He is one of (3) who ran solo last year and one of two who finished it. Last year he finished in about 64 hours, 29 minutes. The course record is approximately 61 hours, 50 minutes. There are 30+ teams participating this year. 
Where:                      Beginning at Indian Riverside Park, Jensen Bch; Ending at the Edison & Ford estates in Ft. Myers. There are 36 segments to the race. They run along the roadside. Mike will have the same support team to assist him this year as last. They are Bob Pope, Hobe Sound, and Steve Strait, Jensen Beach, who are both Ultra Event runners also. They’ll man the supply and rest van following in Mike’s wake across the state.
When:                       The solo runners have earlier start times than the relay teams as they require rest breaks. Mike Melton plans (weather permitting) to leave Indian Riverside Park at 3:00 am on Thursday, March 27th.
Why:                           Personal goals – to finish the ultra run. Bring awareness to the St. Lucie & Caloosahatchee Rivers.

CONTACT PERSON:
Mike Melton, Jensen Beach
Ultra Distance Runner, Advocate for the Rivers Coalition
Home # 772-334-3469
Cell # 772-349-1704
Email: mike@mcmelton.com

 

 

January 26, 2008

PORT SALERNO SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Port Salerno Seafood FestivalWe are happy to participate in the 2nd annual Port Salerno Seafood Festival on January 26, 2008.  This is a fundraising event for the Rivers Coalition lawsuit and for the Port Salerno Commericial Dock Authority to develop an environmentally friendly dock concept that allows public boat access to the Manatee Pocket Riverwalk.  The Port Salerno Commericial Dock Authority is a member of the Rivers Coalition.  Please join us as a sponsor, exhibitor, community partner or volunteer and enjoy a day of seafood by the sea, music and fun, fun, fun!

 

 

January 24, 2008

Save Our River Banquet

Sell-Out Crowd Attends

The Rivers Coalition Defense Fund’s campaign to save and restore the St. Lucie
estuary received powerful community support at a banquet Jan. 24, raising some
$85,000 for the cause and providing additional momentum for river
management reform.

Surpassing expectations, several dozen late-callers couldn’t be fitted into the special
event at Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach. More than 250 citizens enjoyed a fastmoving evening of socializing, auctions, drawings and information presentations about the periodic pollution and devastastion of the estuary mainly due to discharges from Lake Okeechobee.

Many of those who couldn’t attend the banquet made special contributions anyway. The Rivers Coalition urges others to make donations now as the lawsuit against the Corps of Engineers and other advocacy continues. (See Donor Honor Roll.)

The estuary thanks the host of volunteers who made the banquet click, handling a
mountain of details. They include:

Jim Harter
Mike Conner
Paul Strauss
Jessica Briske
Rufus Wakeman
Henry Caimoto
George Mittler
Dave Osborne
Drew Wickstrom
Patty Gibson
Ace Tschud
Helen Harralson
Jay Honan
Bob Voisinet		 John Warren
Brian Gorsky
Grayson Kyte
Chuck Locke
Ben Swann
Bob Washam
Jim Langone
Kristin Carbone
Sam Hudson
Ron Romano
Holly Wickstrom
Terry Gibson

 

 

May 9, 2007

RIVERS COALITION DEFENSE FUND RAFFLE!

1st Prize Maverick Boats Fully loaded Hewes Redfisher 16’ Flats/Inshore boat.

Special thanks to Lindsay Marine for making this boat raffle possible!

Congratulations to 1st Prize Winner
Henry Westcarth, Belle Glade, FL

Click here for the full Boat Raffle Story!!

2nd Prize Ocean Kayak Fully equipped Ocean Prowler 13’ Kayak.

Congratulations to 2nd Prize Winner
Rev. Jim Nimmo, Port St. Lucie, FL

3rd Prize Crowder Rods Pair of Crowder rods with matching Penn reels.

Congratulations to 3rd Prize Winner
Joe Rosetti, Delmar, NY / Jensen Bch, FL

 

 

April 11, 2007

RUN FOR THE RIVERS

Run for the Rivers

Mike Melton Run for the RiversOn April 14th, after 170 miles, 3 days and nights and an actual course time of 64:29:50, ultra marathon runner Mike Melton finished his “Run for the Rivers” during the first ever Sunrise To Sunset Relay Race from  Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach to the Ford/Edison Winter Estates in Fort Myers. 

The course across the state paralleled the waterways of the St. Lucie River, Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River and Mike said “It just made sense to me to try and bring some awareness to the problems we have here with the St. Lucie River Estuary”.  

Thanks to Mike and his road crew, Steve Strait and Bob Pope. Run for the Rivers was featured on the radio, in the press and on television and created a lot of attention for our cause.

 

 

February 26, 2006

The Dirty River Dance

Dirty River Poster Click to EnlargeHeld in on the grounds of the U.S. Sailing Center on Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach, The Dirty River Dance Rally was the first fundraising event for the newly formed Rivers Coalition Defense Fund to raise money for a legal battle to stop the discharges from Lake Okeechobee into the St. Lucie River Estuary.

The day’s activities included Live Music by The Dirty River Band, A River Ambassadors Educational Tent feature Florida Oceanographic Society exhibits, a Kids Area including the Kids For The River donation booth, Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital Exhibits, Captains Table raffles and Silent Auctions.

Despite horrendous weather in the morning, 100 volunteers and 700 concerned citizens came out to support the fundraising efforts for the Rivers Coalition lawsuit and helped us exceed expectations by raising close to $30,000.00.

<< Click Poster to Enlarge