Thursday, March 19, 2009
Where's the Restoration? Everglades, that is
"Architects of the deal say it's too early to offer firm estimates of the costs because basic variables of the restoration design remain undefined."
$9 billion estimate for Everglades work has 'no credibility,' supporter of U.S. Sugar deal says
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/local_news/epaper/2009/03/18/0318ussugar.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=76
By PAUL QUINLAN
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
WEST PALM BEACH — Forget $3 billion, $4 billion or even $5 billion.
It could cost the South Florida Water Management District as much as $9.1 billion to make use of the 180,000 acres of farmland that Gov. Charlie Crist has proposed buying from U.S. Sugar Corp. to save the Everglades, according to a consultant's report commissioned by opponents of the deal.
The cost estimates for design and construction raise questions about whether the Everglades, which scientists say is in near-irreversible decline, would benefit quickly enough from Crist's initiative, critics say.
But one leading champion of the land purchase dismissed the study as propaganda by the opposition, which includes rival sugar grower Florida Crystals Corp.
"Their goal is to undermine this land acquisition," said Kirk Fordham, CEO of the Everglades Foundation, a nonprofit group that pushed Crist to put together the deal. "The report has no credibility."
Still, opponents say the figures suggest that the ecological benefits from the mammoth land deal remain too distant to justify putting existing restoration plans on hold to pay for U.S. Sugar's property.
For example, the water district already has suspended construction of a massive reservoir in western Palm Beach County in preparation for closing the land deal. The reservoir, south of South Bay, was originally expected to be complete in September.
If the state halts such projects, "we'll continue to have irreparable harm done to the Everglades," said Ron Jones, a biologist and longtime Everglades expert, testifying today in Palm Beach Circuit Court on behalf of opponents seeking to block the deal. "We should not do it."
A three-day hearing ended today with no ruling on whether the district can borrow up to $2.2 billion for the sugar deal. Circuit Judge Donald Hafele said he will issue a decision in the next few weeks.
The $9.1 billion cost estimate appears in a January report that environmental engineering consultant Galen Miller produced for Florida Crystals. The report represents the most detailed cost estimate made public so far about what Everglades restoration projects involving U.S. Sugar's land could cost from start to finish.
District leaders have previously suggested the cost could run from $3 billion to $5 billion, estimates that they admitted were rough.
Miller, of the Kansas City firm Burns & McDonnell, has extensive experience in the design of Everglades projects, including the sprawling network of pollution-filtering marshes the district began building in the 1990s.
The report lists four cost estimates for the design and construction of the Everglades-sustaining filter marshes and reservoirs that would be constructed on U.S. Sugar's land.
According to the report, each of two design scenarios includes two bookend estimates: one for a system that would store and move 800,000 acre-feet of water and another for a system capable of moving 1.2 million acre-feet. The smaller system would run between $5.33 billion and $5.43 billion. The larger one would cost between $8.4 billion and $9.12 billion.
The upper range may be more correct, as water managers have said they hope the final restoration would be capable of moving 1.2 million acre-feet or more of water south from Lake Okeechobee into the Everglades.
An acre-foot - equivalent to a 1-foot-deep pond covering an acre of land - is 325,851 gallons.
Architects of the deal say it's too early to offer firm estimates of the costs because basic variables of the restoration design remain undefined.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Editorial: Everglades 'Restoration Reserve'
Editorial: 'Restoration reserve' another reason for Florida to acquire U.S. Sugar land
TC Palm
March 11, 2009
Imagine an Everglades ecosystem that is not just environmentally friendly, but also user-friendly.
This is the vision being articulated by Karl Wickstrom.
It's a concept that merits far greater attention than it has received.
Wickstrom is the founder of Stuart-based Florida Sportsman magazine and one of the leaders of the Rivers Coalition, a group formed to protect and restore the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. Like the vast majority of the Florida's environmentalists, Wickstrom quickly threw his support behind the state's proposed purchase of 180,000 acres of U.S. Sugar land in the Everglades Agricultural Area.
In December, the governing board of the South Florida Water Management District voted 4-3 to approve the $1.34 billion acquisition. Under the agreement, U.S. Sugar would lease back the land from the state — and continue farming it — for seven years.
State officials currently are grappling with several issues, including the cost of the acquisition and pollution standards while the land remains under U.S. Sugar's control.
The environmental benefits of re-establishing a natural flow-way from Lake Okeechobee through the River of Grass to Florida Bay — with the U.S. Sugar deal being part of the plan — would be enormous. These include:
• Saving the estuaries from destructive discharges.
• Eliminating hundreds of tons of phosphorous fertilizer pollution.
• Recharging ground-water systems.
Wickstrom has elevated the discussion by giving state officials another compelling reason to consummate the deal. He has proposed a "restoration reserve" — a sprawling, natural resource that "would attract birders from throughout our country and from all over the world. It would have some of the best kayaking trails in Florida, as well as some of the best freshwater fishing."
The infrastructure to support these recreational activities — lodging, restaurants, guides, kayak rentals and so on — would generate revenues for the reserve. It also would provide much-needed employment in local communities that will be adversely affected by the loss of jobs associated with the sugar industry.
A recent poll conducted by the Florida Chamber of Commerce found that two-thirds — 66 percent — of 600 respondents support the proposed deal with U.S. Sugar.
State officials need to make sure they obtain the land necessary to make the flow-way possible.
In addition to the enormous environmental benefits, Florida has the opportunity to create a world-class natural resource that will be "experienced" by present and future generations.
TC Palm
March 11, 2009
Imagine an Everglades ecosystem that is not just environmentally friendly, but also user-friendly.
This is the vision being articulated by Karl Wickstrom.
It's a concept that merits far greater attention than it has received.
Wickstrom is the founder of Stuart-based Florida Sportsman magazine and one of the leaders of the Rivers Coalition, a group formed to protect and restore the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. Like the vast majority of the Florida's environmentalists, Wickstrom quickly threw his support behind the state's proposed purchase of 180,000 acres of U.S. Sugar land in the Everglades Agricultural Area.
In December, the governing board of the South Florida Water Management District voted 4-3 to approve the $1.34 billion acquisition. Under the agreement, U.S. Sugar would lease back the land from the state — and continue farming it — for seven years.
State officials currently are grappling with several issues, including the cost of the acquisition and pollution standards while the land remains under U.S. Sugar's control.
The environmental benefits of re-establishing a natural flow-way from Lake Okeechobee through the River of Grass to Florida Bay — with the U.S. Sugar deal being part of the plan — would be enormous. These include:
• Saving the estuaries from destructive discharges.
• Eliminating hundreds of tons of phosphorous fertilizer pollution.
• Recharging ground-water systems.
Wickstrom has elevated the discussion by giving state officials another compelling reason to consummate the deal. He has proposed a "restoration reserve" — a sprawling, natural resource that "would attract birders from throughout our country and from all over the world. It would have some of the best kayaking trails in Florida, as well as some of the best freshwater fishing."
The infrastructure to support these recreational activities — lodging, restaurants, guides, kayak rentals and so on — would generate revenues for the reserve. It also would provide much-needed employment in local communities that will be adversely affected by the loss of jobs associated with the sugar industry.
A recent poll conducted by the Florida Chamber of Commerce found that two-thirds — 66 percent — of 600 respondents support the proposed deal with U.S. Sugar.
State officials need to make sure they obtain the land necessary to make the flow-way possible.
In addition to the enormous environmental benefits, Florida has the opportunity to create a world-class natural resource that will be "experienced" by present and future generations.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Everglades Restoration: Revival of River of Grass
Guest Opinion
Purchasing U.S. Sugar better option than aquifer storage
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan of 2000 has 68 construction features at an estimated cost of $7.8 billion. It is now estimated at more than $15 billion. In the plan the largest storage component for Lake Okeechobee water is aquifer storage and recovery — pumping water from the lake down 200 wells into the 1,000-foot aquifer and hoping it stays there to be “recovered” later.
This was estimated to cost $1.16 billion. It’s now estimated at $2.26 billion and $50 million a year in operation and maintenance (lots of pumping), and all scientist know it won’t work.
We need to replace this component of the plan with the state purchase of 180,000 acres of U.S. Sugar’s farmland for $1.34 billion, which would give us land in the Everglades Agricultural Area to make that hydrologic connection from Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades.
Even with creating natural water storage treatment and conveyance, it will be saving taxpayers millions and may qualify for federal 50/50 match funds when it comes.
The revival of the River of Grass also will eliminate the unnatural flows from the lake to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee River estuaries, which is killing these coastal ecosystems and wasting Florida’s freshwater resources.
It would take the 200 aquifer-storage-and-recovery wells 400 days — pumping 24 hours a day, seven days a week — to lower the lake by three feet, while the River of Grass project would take only about 80 days.
It is the better project for the Everglades plan, costing a lot less and providing more natural storage options. It also will let nature help store the water, with 84 percent going to evapotranspiration, and recharge the aquifers south of the lake. This is sure better than pumping it into many holes, at great expense, only to lose it forever.
Mark D. Perry
Executive Director
Florida Oceanographic Society
Stuart
Purchasing U.S. Sugar better option than aquifer storage
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan of 2000 has 68 construction features at an estimated cost of $7.8 billion. It is now estimated at more than $15 billion. In the plan the largest storage component for Lake Okeechobee water is aquifer storage and recovery — pumping water from the lake down 200 wells into the 1,000-foot aquifer and hoping it stays there to be “recovered” later.
This was estimated to cost $1.16 billion. It’s now estimated at $2.26 billion and $50 million a year in operation and maintenance (lots of pumping), and all scientist know it won’t work.
We need to replace this component of the plan with the state purchase of 180,000 acres of U.S. Sugar’s farmland for $1.34 billion, which would give us land in the Everglades Agricultural Area to make that hydrologic connection from Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades.
Even with creating natural water storage treatment and conveyance, it will be saving taxpayers millions and may qualify for federal 50/50 match funds when it comes.
The revival of the River of Grass also will eliminate the unnatural flows from the lake to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee River estuaries, which is killing these coastal ecosystems and wasting Florida’s freshwater resources.
It would take the 200 aquifer-storage-and-recovery wells 400 days — pumping 24 hours a day, seven days a week — to lower the lake by three feet, while the River of Grass project would take only about 80 days.
It is the better project for the Everglades plan, costing a lot less and providing more natural storage options. It also will let nature help store the water, with 84 percent going to evapotranspiration, and recharge the aquifers south of the lake. This is sure better than pumping it into many holes, at great expense, only to lose it forever.
Mark D. Perry
Executive Director
Florida Oceanographic Society
Stuart
Friday, March 6, 2009
Majority of Floridians Support SFWMD Purchase of US Sugar Property for Everglades Restoration
FLORIDA CHAMBER POLL: VOTERS SUPPORT CRIST, EVERGLADES LAND PURCHASE
Survey Shows Floridians Favor Cutting Services Over Raising Taxes
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 2, 2009) – A new poll released today by the Florida Chamber of Commerce shows Governor Charlie Crist with a 70% approval rating and a 21% disapproval. In addition, the poll shows that 66% of Floridians support the South Florida Water Management district’s purchase of 182,000 acres of land for Everglades restoration.
The survey was conducted February 23 – 24, 2009 by Fabrizio, McLaughlin and Associates. Conducted for the Florida Chamber of Commerce as part of periodic statewide research, the survey of 600 likely Florida voters has a margin of error of +/-4% at the 95% confidence interval.
“Though we are continuing to see the overall mood of the electorate souring, Governor Crist’s popularity remains high,” said Marian Johnson, vice president of Political Affairs, Florida Chamber of Commerce. “Additionally, Florida’s voters see the need for lower taxes and reduced government spending as we move forward during difficult economic times. Over two-third of Florida voters see the purchase of land for Everglades restoration as a wise investment.”
Question: As you may know, the South Florida Water Management District announced an agreement to purchase 182,000 acres of mostly sugar cane fields surrounding Lake Okeechobee with the purpose of restoring the historical everglades and insuring the future of the state’s water supply. The purchase price is $1.34 (one point three four) billion dollars and will be paid for without raising taxes. Based on what you know, do you favor or oppose the deal?
Favor: 66%
Oppose: 19%
Undecided: 15%
Respondent selection was random within predetermined geographic units throughout the state to reflect actual voter turnout from past elections. Respondents were screened for likelihood of voting in the 2010 November election. Interviews were conducted by professional telemarketers.
###
Established in 1916 as Florida’s first statewide business advocacy organization, the Florida Chamber of Commerce is the state’s largest federation of employers, chambers of commerce and associations, representing more than 139,000 employers. The Chamber works within all branches of government to affect those changes set forth in the annual Florida Business Agenda, and which are seen as critical to the continued improvement of Florida’s business environment. Visit www.FloridaChamber.com.
Survey Shows Floridians Favor Cutting Services Over Raising Taxes
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 2, 2009) – A new poll released today by the Florida Chamber of Commerce shows Governor Charlie Crist with a 70% approval rating and a 21% disapproval. In addition, the poll shows that 66% of Floridians support the South Florida Water Management district’s purchase of 182,000 acres of land for Everglades restoration.
The survey was conducted February 23 – 24, 2009 by Fabrizio, McLaughlin and Associates. Conducted for the Florida Chamber of Commerce as part of periodic statewide research, the survey of 600 likely Florida voters has a margin of error of +/-4% at the 95% confidence interval.
“Though we are continuing to see the overall mood of the electorate souring, Governor Crist’s popularity remains high,” said Marian Johnson, vice president of Political Affairs, Florida Chamber of Commerce. “Additionally, Florida’s voters see the need for lower taxes and reduced government spending as we move forward during difficult economic times. Over two-third of Florida voters see the purchase of land for Everglades restoration as a wise investment.”
Question: As you may know, the South Florida Water Management District announced an agreement to purchase 182,000 acres of mostly sugar cane fields surrounding Lake Okeechobee with the purpose of restoring the historical everglades and insuring the future of the state’s water supply. The purchase price is $1.34 (one point three four) billion dollars and will be paid for without raising taxes. Based on what you know, do you favor or oppose the deal?
Favor: 66%
Oppose: 19%
Undecided: 15%
Respondent selection was random within predetermined geographic units throughout the state to reflect actual voter turnout from past elections. Respondents were screened for likelihood of voting in the 2010 November election. Interviews were conducted by professional telemarketers.
###
Established in 1916 as Florida’s first statewide business advocacy organization, the Florida Chamber of Commerce is the state’s largest federation of employers, chambers of commerce and associations, representing more than 139,000 employers. The Chamber works within all branches of government to affect those changes set forth in the annual Florida Business Agenda, and which are seen as critical to the continued improvement of Florida’s business environment. Visit www.FloridaChamber.com.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Stuart environmentalist proposing using U.S. Sugar's Everglades property as 'restoration reserve'
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/feb/28/stuart-environmentalist-proposing-using-us-sugars-/?partner=yahoo_headlines
TC Palm
By Tyler Treadway
Originally published February 28, 2009
If the purchase of 180,000 acres of sugarcane between Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades goes through as planned, the restored “River of Grass” will recharge groundwater systems, reduce phosphorous pollution and save the St. Lucie River estuary from disastrous discharges.
Since summer, the South Florida Water Management District has been negotiating what’s become a $1.34 billion deal with U.S. Sugar Corp. to buy the firm’s land in order to save what’s left of the Everglades; but Karl Wickstrom of Stuart says we might as well kayak and canoe, fish and bird-watch there, too.
Wickstrom, publisher of Florida Angler magazine and a leader of the Rivers Coalition, is proposing a “restoration reserve” he said would “attract birders from throughout our country and from all over the world. It would have some of the best kayaking trails in Florida, as well as some of the best freshwater fishing.”
Parts of the reserve also could be dedicated to more intensive park activities: baseball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis courts and picnic areas.
Wickstrom said the cost of implementing his vision “will depend on what we do and how we do it.”
Noting that the cost of land usually is the biggest hold-up in preservation efforts, Wickstrom said, “We’re in an extraordinary situation: We’ll already have the land. ... As much as possible, I think the reserve should be self-sustaining.”
Visitors would need places to eat and places to sleep, as well as concessionaires to rent kayaks and guide anglers and birders, Wickstrom said, all generating revenue for the reserve and surrounding communities.
Kirk Fordham, chief operating officer of the Everglades Foundation, said his group is in favor of “any proposal that would make the Everglades ecosystem more accessible. The whole purpose of the restoration is not just creating water supply and saving endangered species, but bringing natural resources back to the people.”
Melissa Meeker of Stuart, the Treasure Coast representative on the water district’s governing board, said the organization “definitely (is) looking at getting some eco-tourism and green-friendly business opportunities, as well as some sustainable agriculture, into the mix.”
Meeker added that whatever recreational facilities are developed will depend on the project’s “footprint” after the sale and any land swaps with other sugar interests.
RESTORATION SOFTWARE
• To learn more about the land purchase, including upcoming planning workshops, go to www.sfwmd.gov and click on “Reviving the River of Grass.”
• For more about Karl Wickstrom’s proposal, go to www.riverscoalition.org and click on “Coalition Endorses Restoration Reserve.”
TC Palm
By Tyler Treadway
Originally published February 28, 2009
If the purchase of 180,000 acres of sugarcane between Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades goes through as planned, the restored “River of Grass” will recharge groundwater systems, reduce phosphorous pollution and save the St. Lucie River estuary from disastrous discharges.
Since summer, the South Florida Water Management District has been negotiating what’s become a $1.34 billion deal with U.S. Sugar Corp. to buy the firm’s land in order to save what’s left of the Everglades; but Karl Wickstrom of Stuart says we might as well kayak and canoe, fish and bird-watch there, too.
Wickstrom, publisher of Florida Angler magazine and a leader of the Rivers Coalition, is proposing a “restoration reserve” he said would “attract birders from throughout our country and from all over the world. It would have some of the best kayaking trails in Florida, as well as some of the best freshwater fishing.”
Parts of the reserve also could be dedicated to more intensive park activities: baseball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis courts and picnic areas.
Wickstrom said the cost of implementing his vision “will depend on what we do and how we do it.”
Noting that the cost of land usually is the biggest hold-up in preservation efforts, Wickstrom said, “We’re in an extraordinary situation: We’ll already have the land. ... As much as possible, I think the reserve should be self-sustaining.”
Visitors would need places to eat and places to sleep, as well as concessionaires to rent kayaks and guide anglers and birders, Wickstrom said, all generating revenue for the reserve and surrounding communities.
Kirk Fordham, chief operating officer of the Everglades Foundation, said his group is in favor of “any proposal that would make the Everglades ecosystem more accessible. The whole purpose of the restoration is not just creating water supply and saving endangered species, but bringing natural resources back to the people.”
Melissa Meeker of Stuart, the Treasure Coast representative on the water district’s governing board, said the organization “definitely (is) looking at getting some eco-tourism and green-friendly business opportunities, as well as some sustainable agriculture, into the mix.”
Meeker added that whatever recreational facilities are developed will depend on the project’s “footprint” after the sale and any land swaps with other sugar interests.
RESTORATION SOFTWARE
• To learn more about the land purchase, including upcoming planning workshops, go to www.sfwmd.gov and click on “Reviving the River of Grass.”
• For more about Karl Wickstrom’s proposal, go to www.riverscoalition.org and click on “Coalition Endorses Restoration Reserve.”
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