Wednesday, January 27, 2010

A cold January creates fatal situation for state's manatees

Manatee death toll from cold tops 100

By DINAH VOYLES PULVER
for the West Volusia News-Journal Online
on January 27, 2010

A record number of endangered Florida manatees died as a result of the 11 days of frigid cold in early January.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported Tuesday that more than 100 dead manatees have been recovered so far this year and the number continues to mount daily.

At least 77 adult manatee deaths were attributed to cold-stress syndrome, a condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold water. That number breaks the record 56 cold-related deaths set in 2009.

Meanwhile, commission biologists also suspect the cold caused the deaths of several newborn manatees.

One adult manatee was found dead in the Intracoastal Waterway in Flagler Beach and a newborn was found dead in the St. Johns River near Orange City, according to commission records.

The freezing cold temperatures caused water temperatures to plummet statewide, which had a dramatic impact on much of Florida's wildlife, forcing the rescue of thousands of green sea turtles, killing hundreds more and killing thousands of fish.

The wildlife commission asks anyone who spots a dead or distressed manatee to call its wildlife alert hot line at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/WestVolusia/wvlWEST07ENV012710.htm

Jaxport CEO: St. Johns River won’t be deep enough in 2014

Jaxport CEO: St. Johns River won’t be deep enough in 2014

By, Mark Szakonyi
for bizjournals.com
on January 25, 2010

Jacksonville Port Authority CEO Rick Ferrin said the St. Johns River won’t be deep enough to handle fully loaded post-Panamax ships when the expanded Panama Canal opens in 2014.

Ferrin said the soonest he expects the river channel to be deep enough to handle the fully loaded larger ships will be 2016. Post-Panamax ships will have to be loaded light enough so they don’t run aground of the river bottom, which is between 40 feet and 41 feet deep.

Shipping companies are aware that, although the port will have post-Panamax-ready terminals, it could take until 2017 before its channel is deep enough to handle packed ships, he said.

Although other shipping customers may develop supply chains into fully post-Panamax-ready competing ports, Ferrin said Jacksonville will still be able to attract business.

The Port of Jacksonville has the strength of being a landlord port, where private tenants, not the authority, run terminal operations. Plus, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. and Hanjin Shipping Co. Ltd and shipping alliance members will make it an attractive port of call, Ferrin said.

He expects the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to release the result of a study on deepening the river in February 2011. He hopes the project will be authorized in 2012, with funding appropriations made in 2013 or 2014.

Copyright 2010 bizjournals.com

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=ACBJ&date=20100125&id=11055149

Monday, January 25, 2010

For those wishing to speak on the EPA's proposed Florida water quality standards...

Proposed Water Quality Standards for the State of Florida's Lakes and Flowing Waters

Overview
EPA has proposed numeric nutrient water quality standards for lakes and flowing waters, including canals, within the State of Florida and has proposed regulations to establish a framework for Florida to develop “restoration standards” for impaired waters. EPA issued this proposed rule pursuant to a determination that EPA made on January 14, 2009, under section 303(c)(4)(B) of the Clean Water Act. The determination states that numeric nutrient water quality standards for lakes and flowing waters and for estuaries and coastal waters are necessary for the State of Florida to meet the requirements of Clean Water Act section 303(c). EPA signed the proposed rule addressing lakes and flowing waters on January 14, 2010, per the terms of a consent decree. This proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register shortly.

If you have questions about the proposed rule contact Danielle Salvaterra at 202-564-1649.

Stakeholder Input on Proposed Rulemaking
EPA is holding three public hearings in Florida during the public comment period for the proposed rule. The public comment period will begin on the day the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, and will last for 60 days. The public hearings will afford an opportunity for the public to provide comments on EPA’s proposed rule. Brief oral comments and written comments will be accepted at the hearings. Due to the large number of expected commenters, EPA expects to limit each oral comment to five minutes or less in order to give everyone an opportunity to speak. You do not have to be present at the hearings in order to provide written comments on the proposed rule (the proposed rule will contain information on how you can submit written comments). The dates and locations of the hearings are as follows:

* February 16, 2010: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Capitol East, 1355 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32301
* February 17, 2010: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal, 7800 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819
* February 18, 2010: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Palm Beach Airport, 1301 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33405

Participation in Public Hearings
EPA encourages you to pre-register for this hearing. Registration is strongly encouraged, as we expect a large number of participants. Everyone who attends will have the opportunity to speak, however those who have registered will be able to speak first. EPA expects to limit each oral comment to five minutes or less. You do not need to register to attend and/or speak at the hearings. In addition, you do not have to be present at the hearings to provide written comments on the proposed rule (the proposed rule contains information on how you can submit written comments).

If you have questions about the public hearings contact Sharon Frey (frey.sharon@epa.gov) at 202-566-1480.

http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/rules/florida/

New federal standard looms as Florida water interests meet in Lake Mary - OrlandoSentinel.com

New federal standard looms as Florida water interests meet in Lake Mary - OrlandoSentinel.com

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One perspective on the SJR...

Nature Scenes with Lynn Bowen: St. Johns River offers beauty, recreation and commerce
News image

(Visit the site link at the bottom for a great photo)

By Lynn Bowen
West Volusia Beacon
Jan 24, 2010

The St. Johns River is such a beautiful place to enjoy nature! This is when a photo is worth a thousand words — for words alone cannot convey the beauty of the meandering waterway, the spiritual concepts, and the wonderful feeling of just being there.

The ebb and flow of my thoughts sometimes splash figuratively when I hike or go boating. Why is the water mysteriously dark? Gee, how did this place look when the Indians lived here? Are there any alligators basking in the sun now? How many fish has that hawk caught today?

As for the dark water, Google explained that leaves falling in the water are like tea being brewed, which explains the brown tannic acid making the water murky. History tells us that much of the river remains the same as a century ago.

Wildlife isn't too puzzling if you're observant, but I try to just soak up the view to store in my memory and relax. Fish, alligators, turtles, frogs, snails, birds, otters, dolphins, manatees and all sorts of other wildlife depend on the St. Johns River for shelter, food, and pleasure. In the sunshine, the ripples and swirls sashay slowly along the watery path. Marshy, soggy land by the river is paradise to many birds, mammals and reptiles. Lily pads and other vegetation on the surface add to its wonderful scenery.
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Getting factual rather than sentimental as I tend to do, this river's claims to fame are that it is one of the few rivers anywhere that flow north and it is the longest river in Florida. The 310 miles of twists, turns and bends provide lots of recreational opportunities, such as fishing, boating, sightseeing, and, sometimes, swimming, although one must beware of alligators. Commercial opportunities abound as parks, camps and tour boats draw tourists and residents. Fish are caught and sold to restaurants and grocery stores; resorts and marinas dot the landscape; and all earn money for the owners.

The St. Johns River is primarily fed by rains, but some of the water comes from the Floridan Aquifer, which is a natural underground reservoir. Through the years, much has been altered for agricultural and residential purposes. Much pollution and human interference resulted, but we can hope that this will improve as ecologically minded folk make decisions now and in the future.

May we all enjoy and treasure our natural surroundings that bless Florida.

— Bowen lives in DeLand. Send e-mail to abowen27@cfl.rr.com.

http://www.beacononlinenews.com/news/daily/2349

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Castaway Island Ribbon-Cutting











Captions: Top, Interested on looker. 2. The new boardwalk. 3. Preservation Project North Florida board members Warren Anderson and Alexa Graf. Board member Susie Wiles also attended. 4. View from the boardwalk observation platform. 5.From left to right: Mayor Peyton, Nathan Rezeau, chief of waterfront management and programming, Recreation and Community Services deputy director Kelley Boree,and RCS division director Roslyn Phillips. 6. Mayor Peyton opens the ceremonies at Castaway Island.

Mayor Peyton officially opened the boardwalk and observation platforms at Castway Island Wednesday. The newest project follows the dredging of the canoe and kayak trail completing the planned improvements at Castaway, one of Jacksonville's showcase preserves.

The 900-ft. boardwalk traverses the park's big island, once slated to be a subdivision with eight homes. The preserve, an old trailer park, was purchased in 2000 by the City with the assistance of the Florida Communities Trust. The restoration of the canoe/kayak trail was partially funded with the assistance of the Florida Inland Navigation District. The Trust for Public Land handled the acquisition. The preserve is nestled in a densely suburban area known as San Pablo and is the only public access on the western bank of Pablo Creek, a tributary of the St. Johns River. Pablo Creek is also part of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Manatees: Cold is good for state count but bad for sea cows' health - OrlandoSentinel.com

Manatees: Cold is good for state count but bad for sea cows' health - OrlandoSentinel.com

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Agencies monitoring dredging project

by Mike Sharkey
for Financial News & Daily Record
on 01/15/2010

At some point in the relatively near future, the Army Corps of Engineers will begin its deepening of a 15-mile stretch of the St. Johns River from the mouth to Dames Point. Portions of that stretch are anywhere from 38 feet to 41 feet. However, the project will assure the 41-foot depth is consistent.

The project will allow ships who qualify as “post-Panamax” to deliver cargo to Jacksonville’s port. The Panama Canal is currently undergoing a widening and deepening project that will allow enormous cargo ships from Asia to pass through instead of sailing around South America.

The highly-anticipated dredging project here is expected to help generate thousands of jobs and infuse millions of dollars into the local economy. It also has local environmentalists gripping.

Surprisingly, the St. Johns Riverkeeper and the Jacksonville Port Authority are closer to being on the same page than you might think. Both recognize the role the port plays in the local economy and both are cognizant of each other’s wishes as the project moves towards starting.

“When the Panama Canal opens, it will really change the way trade moves through Jacksonville,” said Dave Kaufman, senior director of planning and properties for the Port Authority.

Kaufman, speaking at Thursday’s Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting, said both the MOL terminal and the planned Hanjin terminal would have economic impacts of $300 million and generate about 5,000 jobs each.

“That’s a large increase in economic activity for this region,” he said. “In order to accommodate larger ships, we need to deepen that portion of the river. We are also charged with looking out for the interests of the community, not just economically, but environmentally.”

According to one study done by the St. Johns River Water Management District, the deepening project will affect the salinity — and therefore the ecosystem — of the St. Johns for many miles upstream. Kaufman and Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon both contend that reports aren’t done and the true affects of the dredging aren’t known yet. Armingeon said the salinity report won’t be done for another year and it’ll take another year for all of the affected entities to review it and offer up their opinions.

“We don’t really have a position other than following the process that is underway,” said Armingeon, who agreed with Kaufman’s assessment that the growth of the port is good for the local economy. “When the decision ultimately comes, we will be part of it. We do have concerns that the dredging and deepening could cause the salinity line to move upstream.

“We are a ways away from having the data to analyze. The process is underway and we all have to monitor it. This is not a decision that will be made tomorrow or in April.

“We have met with Port officials for a couple of years and expressed our concerns. They have been open and answered all of our questions. We support Jaxport and certainly recognize its importance to the community. What’s best for the river is best for the community. This is a decision that, ultimately, as a community we will come together and make.”

Also at the Waterways Commission meeting, Lisa Rinaman of the mayor’s office said the City is currently updating its manatee protection plan. She said the City has been working with several local and state agencies on the basics of the plan. Next week, the City will put out a request for proposal to coordinate and write the plan. Responses to the RFP are due Feb. 12 and Rinaman said she expects the City to award a contract in early March.

“We hope to have it done by mid-summer,” she said, adding the Waterways Commission will get to review the plan and give its approval. “Then we will go through the formal process of City Council approval.”

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=530057

Friday, January 8, 2010

It's Manatee Season in Blue Spring

Hundreds of manatees head to warmth of Blue Spring

By Dinah Voyles Pulver
for West Volusia News Journal Online
on January 7, 2010

ORANGE CITY -- The arrival of cold weather each year means a reunion with old acquaintances and a welcome to new ones for Wayne Hartley as he greets manatees arriving at Blue Spring to seek refuge from the chilly waters of the St. Johns River.

This week Hartley, a ranger at Blue Spring State Park, has much to celebrate.

A record 305 of the endangered marine mammals have appeared in the park this season, Hartley said. That includes a single-day record of 245 manatees a week ago. The total number is more than 2 1/2 times than 10 years ago, when Hartley reported a season high of 112.

On Wednesday morning, the water temperature in the St. Johns River was 50 degrees, Hartley said, much colder than the relatively balmy 72- or 73-degree ground water flowing from the spring.

Manatees of all sizes clustered together along the banks of the spring run, while the two dozen swimming in the spring boil were the most active, rolling over and over.

"It must be like a spa," observed Patsy Weaver, who visits the spring each winter with her husband to see the manatees. The Lynchburg, Va., residents spend the winter in DeLand and said they love to take visitors to the spring. They said they'd never seen as many manatees as they saw Wednesday.

"They look like they're enjoying the warmth of that spring," Dwight Weaver said.

The Weavers were among dozens of visitors peering over the water from boardwalks, cooing in delight each time a manatee's whiskered nose broke the water's surface.

At the end of the run, where it flows into the St. Johns, Hartley sat in a canoe about 10 a.m., debating whether to attempt a count in the windy, freezing conditions.

The count ritual is nearly as old as the park itself. The yearly counts began during the winter of 1974-75, when 24 manatees visited the run. For decades, the task has fallen to Hartley, who documents the manatees in photos and diagrams, identifying them by propeller scars and other body features.

One recent visitor was a manatee named Merlin, Hartley said, one of 11 manatees in the spring run when the late Jacques Cousteau filmed a documentary called "The Forgotten Mermaids" in 1971.

Another one of the original 11, Brutus, has been seen in Silver Glen Springs, Hartley said. Silver Glen is on the west side of Lake George, farther north on the St. Johns River.

An observer monitoring the manatees in Silver Glen Springs, Salt Spring and DeLeon Springs has taken photos of both the old manatees this winter.

There was a time when manatees only made pit stops at Silver Glen, Hartley said, "but now they're starting to hang out there."

He said that group includes young manatees that haven't been seen at Blue Spring,

On Monday night, a marine mammal rescue crew released a manatee in Blue Spring that had been picked up in Jacksonville earlier in the day.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/WestVolusia/wvlWEST01ENV010710.htm