Monthly Meeting Set!

The Rivers Coalition monthly meeting will be next Friday July 28th at the Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Road, Stuart ( near East Ocean Avenue) at 11:00 am.

We know it's been frustrating these past few months but the Board Members of the Rivers Coalition want you to know that once scheduled, all meetings will take place going forward. In the past, when many board members indicated conflicts with other county and state activities, meetings were cancelled, sometimes at the last minute. Starting with this meeting , regular monthly meetings will be held and the public is always invited to attend! We're going to try something new with this month's meeting, including agendas in the FORCE newsletter!

July 28, 2006 AGENDA

Business Matters

• Chairman’s Comments Leon Abood
• Organizational Review Leon Abood
• EPA Resolution Leon Abood
• Legal Update Karl Wickstrom

Coalition Committee Reports

• Water Quality Mark Perry
• Local issues Mark Perry / Ed Fielding
• State / Federal Issues Kevin Henderson / Paul Gray
• IRL / CERP Kevin Henderson / Paul Gray

Progress Reports

• South Florida Water Mgmt
• DEP / Issues Team

Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)

Some of you have been involved from the moment this Act was proposed. How satisfying to learn that it finally made it to the floor of the Senate and that it was passed overwhelmingly! We persevered through too many calls, too many Email campaigns, too many letters to legislators, and way too many grasses, fish, manatees and dolphins dead in the uninhabitable water! It's not over yet so let's trust that this will not be too little too late!

The Indian River Lagoon was proposed to be the first component in the WRDA plan to be implemented. There are still hurdles to overcome as committees hash out the details but we must stay angry and stay focused on the ultimate goal to Stop the Discharges from Lake Okeechobee!

Next Fundraiser in the Works!

Last month, the Rivers Coalition was approached by the Port Salerno Commercial Dock Authority to partner on a fundraising effort to benefit us both.

On January 27, 2007 we will jointly present the First Annual Port Salerno Seafood Festival! A core group of inspired volunteers are well on their way after laying the groundwork following some hands on research around the state.

Together we will raise funds and awareness about the health of our rivers and estuaries. Proceeds will be directed to the Rivers Coalition Legal Defense Fund to Stop The Discharges from Lake Okeechobee and to the Port Salerno Commercial Dock Authority (PSCDA) for development of a new environmentally friendly dock concept that will offer boating access to the new Manatee Pocket Riverwalk! Win-win!!

Thank You for your Support!