In the Aftermath of the Bugaboo Fire

2 Suwannee-St. Johns Sierra Club October 2007

Suwannee-St. Johns Group Now much more environmentally sensi- tive lands are proposed for development, The Impact of Impact Fees and there is a genuine lack of understanding By Rob Brinkman es to the impact fees. At the last hearing, the or appreciation for the protections needed ast month I wrote about pro-development interests packed the room to preserve at least some of the ecosystem Sierra ClubNewsletter and dissuaded a majority of the Alachua functions which clean our water and renew Nature’s Mandate and Na- ture’s Trust. These concepts County Commission from enacting impact our air. Published monthly except June and August from Gainesville, Florida fees that reflect the actual costs of needed As I discussed last month, there is a strong VOLUME 37 • NUMBER 8 • October 2007 Lhave been in my mind over the last infrastructure for new developments. They incentive for landowners to annex into mu- month as the Suwannee St. Johns argued that a sales tax increase would gener- nicipalities to escape Alachua County pro- Sierra Club Executive Committee ate far more revenue and spread the tections for strategic ecosystems. East has worked on several important cost over more people. CHAIR’S Gainesville has long been passed over GENERAL MEETING issues with far reaching implica- The people who make money by developers, but now one develop- In the Aftermath of Thursday, Oct. 4, 7:30 PM from real estate development want er has proposed a large development Entomology/Nematology Building on the UF campus tions. (Just east of the Performing Arts Center. Turn south off everyone to pay for the costs of their there, although he is attempting to the Bugaboo Fire Hull Road on to Natural Areas Road.) Among these have been impact fees, an- developments to allow them to make evade the required Development of nexation of significant ecosystems into mu- more money; this is simply unfair Regional Impact review process. by Bill Radunovich behind to the natural areas it affected. bugaboo nicipalities whose land use regulations are and amounts to public subsidy of CORNER The property in question, which n Saturday night, May 5, Dorman is a native Floridian going sev- fire not protective enough of such important private profit. surrounds Gainesville’s Ironwood double lightning strikes eral generations back. He received his bach- bob dorman natural resources, and other developments Fortunately, Commission Chair Paula Golf Course, is extremely critical to the elor’s degree in Zoology from the University wildlife biologist that threaten to make restoration of a sig- Delaney has indicated that she is consider- water quality of Little Hatchett Creek and occurred on Bugaboo Is- osceola national forest of Florida, after which he worked in biol- nificant impaired water body extremely dif- ing changing her vote. Please show up and Newnan’s Lake, now the most eutrophic Oland in the Okeefenokee Swamp ogy research and consulting for many years, ficult. speak in support of full cost impact fees lake in Florida. While preventing any deg- National Wildlife Refuge. Nour- mostly in the southeast. The common theme is that the status quo now. radation or even improving the water qual- ished by strong winds out of the He joined the US Forest Service in 1991, is unacceptable. If our communities do not Most of the easy to develop land has now ity of Little Hatchett Creek will not by itself north, the resulting wildfire crossed heading first to the Kootenai National For- make significant changes to the way we are been used up, yet there is unrelenting pres- solve this problem, intensive development into northern Florida the following est in northwestern Montana. He spent 10 growing, the next generation will suffer the sure to continue development for the sake that add more nutrients to this watershed Tuesday morning. years working in the Northern Continen- consequences. of economic prosperity. Recent history has could sign the death certificate for Newnan’s tal Divide Ecosystem, where he focused on On Oct. 9, the Alachua County Com- demonstrated that growth benefits a small lake. Eventually, the Bugaboo Fire, as it came grizzly bear research. He eventually found mission will again discuss proposed increas- portion of our communities. see CORNER, page 7 to be known, burned over 300,000 acres his way back to Florida and the Osceola Na- in northern Florida tional Forest in Co- The staff at the Osceola National Forest Visit the National and Local Sierra Club Websites! FOLDING PARTY and southern Geor- lumbia and Baker is also trying to add to its size and trying to National: http://www.sierraclub.org • Local: http://www.gatorsierra.org Interested in hosting a newsletter folding gia, shut down both counties. add acreage in the Pinhook Purchase Unit party? Contact Scott Camil at 375-2563 Interstate Highways As part of his work to bring together larger areas. Suwannee-St.Johns Group Chairs & Executive Committee 10 and 75, and cost in the Osceola Na- This will help build up the natural eco- Suwannee-St. Johns Group Sierra Club over $14,000,000, tional Forest, Dor- system, as well as help the forest’s black Chair Rob Brinkman 337-1757 [email protected] Newsletter (UPS 317-370) is published 10 before being finally man is working on bear population move between the Osceola Conservation Co-Chair Paula Stahmer 373-3958 [email protected] months a year, except June and August, contained in the thinning the pine National Forest and Ocala National Forest, Education Chair Jay Peacock 337-0646 [email protected] by the Suwannee-St. Johns Group Sierra latter half of June, strands through pre- which has its own healthy population of Public Lands Issues Kathy Cantwell 395-7441 [email protected] Club, 1024 NW 13th Ave, Gainesville, over 2 months after scribed burning to black bears. Program co-chair Bill Radunovich 375-2354 [email protected] 32601. Non-member subscription rate igniting. reduce the levels of The new corridor would allow for- in Co-Legislative Liason Betsy Hurst 332-6684 [email protected] is $5.00. Periodicals Postage Paid is paid The speaker at the fire fuel in the forest terbreeding of the two groups, allowing Treasurer Roberta Gastmeyer 336-2404 [email protected] at the Gainesville, FL 32608 post office. Oct. 4 general meet- NASA image of the Bugaboo Fire. to more historically for greater genetic diversity. Additionally, Membership Chair Whitey Markle 392-0270 [email protected] Postmaster: Send change of addresses to ing of the SSJ Sierra normal levels. the staff in the Osceola National Forest is Administrative Chair Russell Roy 372-7305 [email protected] Suwannee- St. Johns Group Sierra Club Newsletter, c/o The Sierra Club, Mem- Club, Bob Dorman, They are currently working to maintain the population of red Outings Chair Karen Garren 371-0008 [email protected] ber Services, P.O. Box 52968, Boulder, the Wildlife Biologist for the Osceola Na- burning 12–to-14 thousand acres each year cockaded woodpeckers, which serves as an Outings Knox Bagwell 352-468-1790 [email protected] Events Coordinator Sherry Steiner 375-2563 [email protected] CO 80328-2968. Send both your old tional Forest, will speak on the Bugaboo in an effort to gain more control over the indicator species for forest management and Political Chair Dwight Adams 378-5129 [email protected] and new addresses and a Sierra address Fire, how it spread, and the damage it left fires that occur. restoration. Co-Legislative Chair Steve Williams 386-397-2945 [email protected] label, which contains your member- Co-Secretary Rudy Rothseiden 352-318-3844 [email protected] ship number. PLEASE ADDRESS ALL ALACHUA COUNTY IMPACT FEES ON THE TABLE...... 2 Newsletter Folding Scott Camil 375-2563 [email protected] GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE FOR ENERGY SALES COSTING GRU CUSTOMERS...... 3 Webmaster Louis Clark 373-5377 [email protected] THE SUWANNEE-ST. JOHNS GROUP Newsletter Editor/Design Colin Whitworth 372-2464 [email protected] OF THE SIERRA CLUB TO: P.O. BOX SIERRANS VISIT BARR HAMMOCK PROPERTY...... 6 13951, GAINESVILLE, FL 32604. 2 Suwannee-St. Johns Sierra Club October 2007

that using them to produce even a small the state legislature to protect customers of In a glowing review, Publisher’s Weekly amount of energy can raise the total fuel utilities regulated by the PSC. notes that Mirage “should become vital cost for the month significantly. Neither the PSC nor the OPC has over- reading for citizens and policymakers as Energy Using GRU data, Deevey showed that sight authority over GRU or any other mu- Ocala Water Wars global concerns over water scarcity grow.” SUMMIT TO ADDRESS PROPOSED WATER TRANSFERS GRU does not charge wholesale customers nicipal utility. So who exercises oversight of Barnett will focus her expertise on the pipe- the full costs of the extra fuel. The uncol- municipal utilities and protects their cus- line threat at the Ocala summit. lected fuel costs were more than $6 million tomers? BY smart growth coalition Part investigative reporting, part environ- Other summit speakers include: Brad For Sale in 2006. In theory, city commissioners exercise orth Central Florida en- mental history, the book tells how the east- Rogers, editor of the Ocala Star Banner; These costs are added to the fuel costs of all necessary oversight and can be held ac- vironmental activists, po- ern half of the nation—historically so wet Nancy Argenziano, member of Florida’s By Paula Stahmer all retail customers—a subsidy no investor- countable by utility customers at election litical leaders, journalists that early settlers predicted it would never Public Service Commission; State Rep. Kurt owned utility in the country would ever be time. In reality, few commissioners have the even need irrigation—has squandered so Kelly, Marion County Commissioner Andy ou might be wondering andN scientist to address St. Johns allowed to charge. necessary technical expertise to oversee the much of its abundant fresh water that it Kesselring; environmental consultant Rob- about the fuss about Gaines- River Water Management District’s ville Regional Utilities’ Florida’s Public Service Commission reg- policies and practices of an electric utility. now faces shortages and conflicts. in Lewis; Karen Ahlers, director of the Put- Y ulates investor-owned utilities, but the PSC Federal and state governments impose in- plan to drain water from the Ock- Barnett’s book also examines Florida’s wa- nam County Environmental Council; and wholesale contracts with Alachua has limited authority to regulate municipal dustry standards on investor-owned utili- lawaha River. ter wars, the politics of development, and Guy Marwick, environmental activist and and Seminole Electric Cooperative. utilities like GRU. GRU would have to get ties, but few commissioners have any idea inequities in the price of water, the bottled- a member of the SGC, Marion Audubon GRU is overcharging residential PSC approval for any new generator larger what these standards are, or the purposes Marion County residents and many of water industry, privatization, and new-wa- Society and other organizations. For details and business customers because it than 75 megawatts, but that’s about it. they serve. their neighbors in North Central Florida ter-supply schemes. call 352-685-2434 or 352-694-4461. doesn’t bill its wholesale customers are fighting mad over the St. Johns River for the full cost of producing the Water Management District’s plan to pump officials trying to tap the ocklawaha river up to 108 million gallons daily from the power they buy. In 2006, this over- Florida’s Public Service Commission regulates Ocklawaha River to 20 utilities in Central By Karen Ahlers quested the development of a basin-wide charge amounted to more than $6 Florida. No doubt you recall the Council of 100’s surface water management plan that in- million. investor-owned utilities, but the PSC has limited That’s why the Smart Growth Coalition 2003 plan to redistribute water from the cludes reservations for fish and wildlife Two years ago, Dian Deevey was the of North Central Florida, in Conjunction water-rich north to the water-poor popu- and addresses the water supply potential principal author of a report for the county’s authority to regulate municipal utilities like GRU. with the Putnam County Environmental lation centers of central and south Florida. of the lower Ocklawaha River under an Environmental Protection Advisory Com- Council, is sponsoring the “Ocala Water Their report generated widespread media appropriate river restoration scenario. We mittee that challenged GRU’s plans for GRU would have to get PSC approval for any new Wars Summit” Oct. 7, from 2-4 p.m., at the response, incredible public outcry, and, fear that the volume of water the SJR- a coal-fired power plant a couple of years Marion County Commission Auditorium, provoked many rural counties in north WMD decides is available will be based ago. In June, Deevey produced a new report generator larger than 75 megawatts, but that’s about it. which is in the McPherson Government central Florida to pass resolutions against more on projected human needs than sci- showing how these overcharges arise. Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave., in Ocala. the plan. ence and may depend on keeping Rod- GRU has two cheap generators it uses as Event planners fear environmental dam- Little did we know that our water man- man Dam in place. much as possible, but when the demand The PSC reviews and approves rates Gainesville City Commissioners must of- age will occur if the 126-mile, $500 million agement districts were already planning to Restoration of the Ocklawaha is about for electricity exceeds the utility’s capacity, charged by investor-owned utilities, scru- ten turn to the professional staff for advice pipeline is built. They also point out that carry out the Council’s wishes to supply more than just doing what’s right. It is GRU must turn on extremely inefficient tinizes their accounting and their earnings about technical subjects with which they losing the Ocklawaha River deprives resi- water to facilitate out-of-control growth. about the preservation of ALL the rivers and expensive generators. Producing power reports to ensure they do not overcharge are unfamiliar. When citizens challenge the dents of Marion, Putnam and other coun- And first on the chopping block is the and their floodplains in North Florida. for Alachua and Seminole means they must rate-payers, and ensures that these utili- professional advice of GRU’s staff, commis- ties of a possible local water supply for their Ocklawaha River. It alarms us that the minimum flows and use these expensive generators more often ties follow established industry standards. sioners are put in an uncomfortable posi- own future needs. We have not given up on restoring the levels are being set with no consideration than they otherwise would. Utilities are also monitored by the Office tion. Lacking requisite knowledge of the In addition, they question the legality, ne- Ocklawaha. We will not stand by and al- for restoration, thereby denying the obvi- These generators are so costly to operate of Public Counsel, an agency established by see GRU, page 7 cessity and methods being used to justify the low our rivers to become an easy alterna- ous ecological benefits to the Ocklawaha, pipeline. “We’ve assembled a host of quali- tive water source for places like Orlando. Silver Springs and the beleaguered St. fied people—journalists, elected officials, If we do, the 40-year battle to restore the Johns rivers. In typical “adaptive manage- Sharkwater Movie Outing “We turn tap water into environmental activists and a scientist—to Ocklawaha River by removing Rodman ment” style, water managers are proceed- drinking water. It’s better address these issues,” says Susan Dunn, the Dam will have been for naught. The local ing without the science to address impacts Oct. 5, 7:10 pm summit’s moderator. “We want to inform Putnam County Environmental Council downstream from withdrawal sites, issues (time(time subjectsubject toto change)change) than bottled!” the public about the issue, the need for good has developed a solid strategy to achieve regarding Aquifer Storage and Recovery at the science, the possible lawsuits and legislative the long-sought goal shared by conserva- wells, or disposal of concentrate discharge Regal Cinema 14 attempts to stop the pipeline, and the need tion organizations across the country and resulting from reverse osmosis systems. Butler Plaza for the public to speak out against what’s to squelch this outrageous water grab. The District is also claiming that the snacks/cocktailssnacks/cocktails afterwardsafterwards happening.” PCEC is concerned with the current current impaired condition of our rivers A visually stunning adventure documentary. It takes you The key speaker is Cynthia Barnett, a vet- minimum flows and level studies being represents a “new equilibrium”; we believe toto thethe shark-richshark-rich waterswaters ofof SouthSouth AmericaAmerica wherewhere sharkssharks eran reporter for Florida Trend magazine, conducted on the Ocklawaha and Silver current conditions represent continu- have gone from predator to prey. and author of Mirage: Florida and the Van- rivers in Marion County. PCEC has re- see WATER, page 6 For more info go to: www.sharkwater.com ishing Water of the Eastern U.S. October 2007 Suwannee-St. Johns Sierra Club 3 4 Suwannee-St. Johns Sierra Club October 2007

raised. Capt. Bouley is an experienced salt- water fishing guide who is finding difficulty Florida’s Fabulous Fall in attracting clientele with his “Catch & By Karen Garren Oct. 14—Day hike at O’Leno State Release” policy, so he is branching out as a utumn is the best time for Park. The Santa Fe River, which is Alachua nature tour guide to share his love of the re- Florida outdoor activities. County’s northern boundary, flows west to- gion. Learn about concerns with this evolv- Leaf color change is most wards the Suwannee River. Just above High ing dredge proposal. Springs it tumbles down a sinkhole and Nov. 2-4—Backpack and camping at vividA along waterways and is pro- runs underground for seven miles before Goldhead Branch. This beautiful state park moted by cold snaps. There’s a say- resurfacing just east of US Highway 441. is nestled into the heart of North Central ing that the first frost follows dog We will be hiking this natural land bridge Florida’s eastern sandhills and features a fennel blooms by six weeks, watch in an easy 5-mile round trip. Learn about 3-mile tropical ravine and several perched for snowy plumes in old fields and the mesic hammock uplands that are in the and doline lakes. The Florida National Sce- Barr Hammock Trip a Success count the days. process of being restored to the rare red oak/ nic Trail winds down from Camp Blanding. hickory/long leaf pine The primitive campground By Kathy Cantwell ecosystems in North Central There are so many threats to the environ- association. The hike is an easy half-mile hike wenty Sierra Club Florida. It preserves significant ment in Florida and elsewhere that it’s diffi- will take us through from the paved road, and members got a rare prehistoric archaeological sites cult to stay informed on all issues. Several of scrub uplands and across well-equipped cabins are look last month at and will provide the citizens of our planned outings promote environmen- bottom-land sloughs. available for those whose Florida with a beautiful space tal quality and a healthy planet. We will picnic on a bluff backs won’t tolerate sleep- Tone of Alachua County’s for recreational activities, such as Oct. 5—Sharkwater movie outing at overlooking Sweetwater ing on the ground. We will greatest treasures, Barr bird watching and hiking. Butler Plaza’s Regal Cinemas, time TBA Branch before hiking the remaining mile to have planned activities, group dinners and Hammock. In 2000, the majority of the (around 7 p.m.). The topic of this - docu the Rise. time for individual explorations or naps. On Sept, 23, led by by Mike voters in Alachua County passed mentary is illegal shark finning and the Oct. 21—Boat trip (tentative) with All Sierra Club outings are educational Campbell of Conservation Trust a property tax to raise $29 mil- alarming population decline of the oceans’ Capt. Rick Bouley, from Steinhatchee. The and open to the public. Please contact SSJ of Florida, we learned the histo- lion for buying conservation top predator. We will meet for discussion, issue of dredging the mouth of the Suwan- Outings Program Chair Karen Garren at ry of this over 2,000-acre parcel, lands. This program, called Ala- snacks and libations afterwards. nee River at McGriff’s Pass is again being 371-0008 or email [email protected]. which was recently purchased chua County Forever, is com- WATER, from page 4 by the county through the Ala- ing to an end with most of the Ocklawaha deprives the St. Johns of vital the SJRWMD as “The Big Meeting”—was chua County Forever program. money spent. The county has ing harm and minimum flows and levels freshwater flow from its largest tributary. held at the Orlando Utilities Commission Campbell showed us historical stretched the amount by almost should be set accordingly. Salinity levels in the St. Johns are already to bring together 38 entities that have ex- maps of the roads we were trav- $2 for every tax dollar raised by We question how removal of more fresh- increasing. The cumulative effect of these pressed interest in the District’s alternative eling on were originally Indian applying to the state and water water from this river system, or any being massive withdrawals may well be the final water supply plan. In their new interpreta- trails and hundreds of years old. management agencies for grants. considered for alternative water supply, will insult to Florida’s only American Heritage tion of “local sources first,” the water man- This unique property, which is For example, the Barr Ham- affect pollution levels. The state is spending River. In spite of the acknowledged uncer- agement districts have determined that not bordered by Levy Prairie on the mock purchase was made in a lot of time and money assessing the pres- tainties relating to proposed ecologically only inter-basin transfers of water are ac- north and Ledwith Prairie to the 2002 using $10 million of ACF ent levels of pollution in our waterways for safe levels of withdrawal of water from any ceptable but inter-district transfers are per- south, was used as citrus planta- funds. The county then applied their Total Maximum Daily Load program. river, the SJRWMD is pushing their plan missible as well. At the meeting, the plan tion land, pine plantation and a for a Florida Communities Trust Current conditions may allow for dilution to use the Ocklawaha and St. Johns for al- to pipe out about 43 million gallons a day hunting preserve in the past. grant last year and was reim- of pollution in the water, in some cases ternative water supply. The SJRWMD has from the sparsely populated Withlacoochee We learned how this property, bursed with $6 million dollars enough to keep the stream or river from partnered with South Florida and South- River basin was also discussed. It concerns which is not yet open to the for the purchase. As a result of being biologically or chemically debilitat- west Florida Water Management Districts us that if this plan for inter-district trans- public, acts as a wildlife corridor excellent stewardship of county ed. We can take water from the river but to develop the Central Florida Coordina- fers is enacted, the precedent will put all regionally between Paynes Prai- moneys, the ACF program so we inevitably will be leaving behind higher tion Area. Meetings have been held with cit- North Florida rivers at risk. rie and Kanapaha Prairie and is far has purchased $56 million of concentrations of pollutants. ies and counties throughout central Florida Our rural north Florida rivers are being part of a much larger state corri- property using only $20 million The District estimates about 100 million to discuss the need to develop alternative targeted to supply the unsustainable growth dor that connects the Ocala Na- in county money. gallons a day are available from the Ockla- water supplies to fuel projected, unchecked to the south and our ecosystems should not tional Forest to the east with the Sierra Club and others will be waha. Rumors of “optimizing” the source and unsustainable population growth. At have to pay for their poor planning. Goethe Forest to the west. working to have another land- may push this figure to 150 million gallons these meetings, local water managers were Please support PCEC in their effort. Go According to the CTF web- buying program passed by the a day. Based on minimum flows and lev- told to sign on now and take advantage of to www.pcecweb.org to make a contribution site, Barr Hammock and its sur- voters in 2008. If you would like els already in place for the upper St. Johns, this cost-share opportunity or foot the bill and get on their action alert list. Karen Ahlers rounding uplands are some of more information and would like they intend to take in excess of 150 million for their future alternative water supply is President of PCEC and a long-time Sierra the most important, ecologically to get involved, contact Kathy gallons a day. needs on their own. Club member. Kristina Jackson contributed intact examples of prairie/lake Cantwell at 352-395-7441. Every drop of water withdrawn from the On July 18, a gathering—dubbed by to this article. October 2007 Suwannee-St. Johns Sierra Club 7 Suwannee-St. Johns Group Periodicals Sierra Club Tip of the Month on Global Warming clothes outside—you can reduce your carbon footprint by U.S. POSTAGE news¬es about 400 pounds a year for a family of two, better than using NEWSLETTER PAID a CFL (but do both). The cost is small for 20-30 feet of line P.O. Box 13951 Gainesville FL 32608 Susan Wright Memorial Go Solar! (get plastic coated) and maybe a post or two. Put it up in back Gainesville FL 32604 Service scheduled Oct. 13 By Dwight Adams so the neighbors won’t squawk too much. If a homeowners With so much sunshine (aren’t we the Sunshine State?), association tells you it is not allowed, correct them by point- Susan Wright died this past summer it’s a shame to not use it to reduce our carbon footprints. ing out that state law forbids such bans. after a three-year battle with a brain There are three obvious ways to do this: a solar clothes I have recently added solar electric that will meet most tumor. We will be honoring her life dryer, a solar water heater, and solar electric generation. of my power needs. Email me ([email protected]) if you Oct. 13, at 11 a.m. The program will With a solar clothes dryer—a line on which to hang your have questions about it. be held next to the John Mahon Park and behind the Life South complex on GRU, from page 3 forecast to the PSC every April, but this year Newberry Road. Refreshments will be declined to do so. For many years, GRU has served afterwards. subject matter, they are compelled to give routinely produced a compilation of produc- Susan was a mother, wife and a po- deference to GRU. However, citizen critics— tion, sales, and revenue projections needed for litical and environmental activist. She including the Sierra Club, Women for Wise its annual budget, but this year GRU decided was a leader in her neighborhood, Growth, Sustainable Alachua County and the not to publish this compilation. Repeated spearheaded campaign finance reform Civic Media Center, among others—have in- public information requests finally yielded in the county and worked actively to creased credibility with the public and elected three pages: the 2007 forecast and some rev- have Alachua County Forever passed. officials because they accurately pointed out enue data, a mere fraction of the 38 pages of She was active in Sustainable Alachua the flaws in GRU’s plans to build a 220- data about the electric utility routinely pro- County, Women for Wise Growth and megawatt coal-fired power plant. Recent ac- vided in 2006 and in earlier years. Sierra Club. tions taken by other states and countries have GRU has printed and distributed an analy- Those three organizations will be confirmed the wisdom of recommendations sis of Deevey’s work, in which it presents an Explore, enjoy and protect the planet placing a bench in her name at John advocated by citizen activists. alternative estimate of the extra costs of serv- Mahon Park. Susan was essential in get- Given Deevey’s findings, dropping the ing wholesale customers, along with some in- ting the park (named after a deceased wholesale sales entirely would be in the best accurate statements regarding Deevey’s meth- long-time Sierran) protected. We miss interests of GRU’s retail customers/owners. odology. her very much. Unfortunately, GRU may be including The Regional Utility Committee, a sub- If you would like to make a contribu- these sales in its projections of future capac- committee of the Commission presently tion in her name for John Mahon Park, ity needs through 2026, at least according to chaired by City Commissioner Jack Dono- October 2007 CALENDAR OF EVENTS please send a check made out to Sus- GRU’s 2007 forecasts of energy production van, agreed on the importance of a full and OCT 4—SSJ Sierra Club Group general meeting, 7:30 p.m., in the Entomology/Nem- atology Building on the UF campus (see page 1 for details). tainable Alachua County, Susan Wright and peak demand through that year. This open exchange between Deevey and GRU on fund, and send it to Kathy Cantwell, forecast was not made readily available to the the methodologies and conclusions of both OCT 5—Outing to see movie Sharkwater. See ad on page 3. For more info, call 400 NE 13 Ave, Gainesville, Fl. 32601 public this year. parties, at a special public meeting still to be Karen Garren at 371-0008 or email her at [email protected]. By Kathy Cantwell GRU is also required to submit a 10-year arranged. Stay tuned. OCT 7—Ocala Water Wars Summit, 2 p.m., at the Marion County Commission Audi- torium, in Ocala (see page 4 for details). CORNER, from page 2 the plans to pipe water from our rivers to the plans to transfer our water. OCT 11—SSJ Sierra Club Executive Committee meeting, 7 p.m., at the Santa Fe Central and South Florida. While the Ock- While there are powerful interests who Community College Downtown Gainesville campus. Board meeting room. One way in which everyone can help pro- lawaha River is one of the primary targets want our water, I am reminded of a chant OCT 13—Memorial program for Susan Wright, 11 a.m., at John Mahon Park (see tect Nature’s Assets is to get involved in local of water managers, it is not the only one— I learned marching with Cesar Chavez 20 page 7 for details). government, find out what issues are before there are plans for the St. Johns, Withla- years ago: “the people united shall never be OCT 14—Outing to O’Leno State Park. For more info, call Karen Garren at 371-0008 your local elected officials and speak out. coochee and many other rivers. defeated!” My recent experience with deci- or email her at [email protected]. Tell them they are the trustees of Nature’s All of this is totally unnecessary; in the sions, some of which I have recounted in OCT 21—Boat trip with Capt. Rick Bouley out of Steinhatchee (tentative). For more Assets and that you want them to not just last quarter century Florida is the only state previous columns, reinforce this strategy. info, call Karen Garren at 371-0008 or email her at [email protected]. protect, but improve them for your chil- where per capita water consumption con- When citizens show up at public hearings OCT 26—Folding Party for the November newsletter, 7:30 p.m. At Scott Camil and dren. If you can’t make it to a meeting, at tinues to increase. We must do as the rest en masse and make their voices heard in a Sherry Steiner’s house. Call 375-2563 for more information least send a letter or e-mail your concerns. of the country learned to do some time ago: polite yet firm manner, elected officials -lis NOV 2-4—Backpack and camping at Goldhead Branch State Park. For more info, It is as important, if not more so, to write conserve our water resources and re-evaluate ten. While government is the trustee for Na- call Karen Garren at 371-0008 or email her at [email protected]. letters to the editors of the local newspapers how we use water. ture’s Assets, it is up to each and every one to educate your community about pending There is an important meeting in Mar- of us to hold them accountable. The first decisions that affect our environment. ion County on Oct. 7, at 2 p.m., at the words of the Florida Constitution, article Want to Write for the SSJ Sierra Club Newsletter? An example of such an issue that affect McPherson government complex that ev- one, section one states unequivocally: “All Contact Russ Roy at [email protected], everyone in the SSJ Sierra Club’s area are eryone should try and attend to learn about political power is inherent in the people.” or Kathy Cantwell at [email protected] or 352-395-7441. October 2007 Suwannee-St. Johns Sierra Club 7 Suwannee-St. Johns Group Periodicals Sierra Club Tip of the Month on Global Warming clothes outside—you can reduce your carbon footprint by U.S. POSTAGE news¬es about 400 pounds a year for a family of two, better than using NEWSLETTER PAID a CFL (but do both). The cost is small for 20-30 feet of line P.O. Box 13951 Gainesville FL 32608 Susan Wright Memorial Go Solar! (get plastic coated) and maybe a post or two. Put it up in back Gainesville FL 32604 Service scheduled Oct. 13 By Dwight Adams so the neighbors won’t squawk too much. If a homeowners With so much sunshine (aren’t we the Sunshine State?), association tells you it is not allowed, correct them by point- Susan Wright died this past summer it’s a shame to not use it to reduce our carbon footprints. ing out that state law forbids such bans. after a three-year battle with a brain There are three obvious ways to do this: a solar clothes I have recently added solar electric that will meet most tumor. We will be honoring her life dryer, a solar water heater, and solar electric generation. of my power needs. Email me ([email protected]) if you Oct. 13, at 11 a.m. The program will With a solar clothes dryer—a line on which to hang your have questions about it. be held next to the John Mahon Park and behind the Life South complex on GRU, from page 3 forecast to the PSC every April, but this year Newberry Road. Refreshments will be declined to do so. For many years, GRU has served afterwards. subject matter, they are compelled to give routinely produced a compilation of produc- Susan was a mother, wife and a po- deference to GRU. However, citizen critics— tion, sales, and revenue projections needed for litical and environmental activist. She including the Sierra Club, Women for Wise its annual budget, but this year GRU decided was a leader in her neighborhood, Growth, Sustainable Alachua County and the not to publish this compilation. Repeated spearheaded campaign finance reform Civic Media Center, among others—have in- public information requests finally yielded in the county and worked actively to creased credibility with the public and elected three pages: the 2007 forecast and some rev- have Alachua County Forever passed. officials because they accurately pointed out enue data, a mere fraction of the 38 pages of She was active in Sustainable Alachua the flaws in GRU’s plans to build a 220- data about the electric utility routinely pro- County, Women for Wise Growth and megawatt coal-fired power plant. Recent ac- vided in 2006 and in earlier years. Sierra Club. tions taken by other states and countries have GRU has printed and distributed an analy- Those three organizations will be confirmed the wisdom of recommendations sis of Deevey’s work, in which it presents an Explore, enjoy and protect the planet placing a bench in her name at John advocated by citizen activists. alternative estimate of the extra costs of serv- Mahon Park. Susan was essential in get- Given Deevey’s findings, dropping the ing wholesale customers, along with some in- ting the park (named after a deceased wholesale sales entirely would be in the best accurate statements regarding Deevey’s meth- long-time Sierran) protected. We miss interests of GRU’s retail customers/owners. odology. her very much. Unfortunately, GRU may be including The Regional Utility Committee, a sub- If you would like to make a contribu- these sales in its projections of future capac- committee of the Commission presently tion in her name for John Mahon Park, ity needs through 2026, at least according to chaired by City Commissioner Jack Dono- October 2007 CALENDAR OF EVENTS please send a check made out to Sus- GRU’s 2007 forecasts of energy production van, agreed on the importance of a full and OCT 4—SSJ Sierra Club Group general meeting, 7:30 p.m., in the Entomology/Nem- atology Building on the UF campus (see page 1 for details). tainable Alachua County, Susan Wright and peak demand through that year. This open exchange between Deevey and GRU on fund, and send it to Kathy Cantwell, forecast was not made readily available to the the methodologies and conclusions of both OCT 5—Outing to see movie Sharkwater. See ad on page 3. For more info, call 400 NE 13 Ave, Gainesville, Fl. 32601 public this year. parties, at a special public meeting still to be Karen Garren at 371-0008 or email her at [email protected]. By Kathy Cantwell GRU is also required to submit a 10-year arranged. Stay tuned. OCT 7—Ocala Water Wars Summit, 2 p.m., at the Marion County Commission Audi- torium, in Ocala (see page 4 for details). CORNER, from page 2 the plans to pipe water from our rivers to the plans to transfer our water. OCT 11—SSJ Sierra Club Executive Committee meeting, 7 p.m., at the Santa Fe Central and South Florida. While the Ock- While there are powerful interests who Community College Downtown Gainesville campus. Board meeting room. One way in which everyone can help pro- lawaha River is one of the primary targets want our water, I am reminded of a chant OCT 13—Memorial program for Susan Wright, 11 a.m., at John Mahon Park (see tect Nature’s Assets is to get involved in local of water managers, it is not the only one— I learned marching with Cesar Chavez 20 page 7 for details). government, find out what issues are before there are plans for the St. Johns, Withla- years ago: “the people united shall never be OCT 14—Outing to O’Leno State Park. For more info, call Karen Garren at 371-0008 your local elected officials and speak out. coochee and many other rivers. defeated!” My recent experience with deci- or email her at [email protected]. Tell them they are the trustees of Nature’s All of this is totally unnecessary; in the sions, some of which I have recounted in OCT 21—Boat trip with Capt. Rick Bouley out of Steinhatchee (tentative). For more Assets and that you want them to not just last quarter century Florida is the only state previous columns, reinforce this strategy. info, call Karen Garren at 371-0008 or email her at [email protected]. protect, but improve them for your chil- where per capita water consumption con- When citizens show up at public hearings OCT 26—Folding Party for the November newsletter, 7:30 p.m. At Scott Camil and dren. If you can’t make it to a meeting, at tinues to increase. We must do as the rest en masse and make their voices heard in a Sherry Steiner’s house. Call 375-2563 for more information least send a letter or e-mail your concerns. of the country learned to do some time ago: polite yet firm manner, elected officials -lis NOV 2-4—Backpack and camping at Goldhead Branch State Park. For more info, It is as important, if not more so, to write conserve our water resources and re-evaluate ten. While government is the trustee for Na- call Karen Garren at 371-0008 or email her at [email protected]. letters to the editors of the local newspapers how we use water. ture’s Assets, it is up to each and every one to educate your community about pending There is an important meeting in Mar- of us to hold them accountable. The first decisions that affect our environment. ion County on Oct. 7, at 2 p.m., at the words of the Florida Constitution, article Want to Write for the SSJ Sierra Club Newsletter? An example of such an issue that affect McPherson government complex that ev- one, section one states unequivocally: “All Contact Russ Roy at [email protected], everyone in the SSJ Sierra Club’s area are eryone should try and attend to learn about political power is inherent in the people.” or Kathy Cantwell at [email protected] or 352-395-7441.