Our Next Technical Meeting: Lake Okeechobee, The Liquid Heart of Florida Clewiston Florida, September 19, 2008

Our Next Technical Meeting: BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cathleen C. Vogel President Flagler Beach Jay W. Yingling Vice President Tampa Ronald M. Edenfield, P.E...
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Our Next Technical Meeting: BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cathleen C. Vogel President Flagler Beach Jay W. Yingling Vice President Tampa Ronald M. Edenfield, P.E. Treasurer Ft. Myers David R. Watt, P.E. Secretary Palatka

Lake Okeechobee, The Liquid Heart of Florida Clewiston Florida, September 19, 2008 Technical Program:  Join us in September for an afternoon packed with presentations about Lake Okeechobee, the liquid heart of Florida. The complex issues that surround this body of water impact every resident in central and south Florida in some manner. The complete agenda for the Technical Program is included in this newsletter. Mr. Bubba Wade, Senior VP at U.S. Sugar, Corp. and past SFWMD governing board member is the keynote dinner speaker. He will provide an interesting view of south Florida water politics and the complexities of water allocation in the region. Tour:  No need to do anything with your hair on Saturday morning. Just get up early for a rousing one hour airboat eco-tour with Captain Terry. You will see plenty of alligators, fish and birds as Captain Terry orients you on the history of Lake Okeechobee and its importance to the local economy. Make sure you RSVP for this fun and educational event on your registration form.

Patrick R. Victor, P.E. Past President 2007 Jacksonville Robert W. Higgins, P.E. Past President 2006 West Palm Beach Kristin K. Bennett, Esq. Stuart Gordon H. Brown Gainesville Annette F. Carter West Palm Beach Mike DelCharco, P.E. Jacksonville Douglas J. Durbin, Ph.D. Tampa John J. Fumero, Esq. West Palm Beach Marji Hightower Palatka Carol Hinton Gainesville Gary K. Howalt Jacksonville Donald W. McEwen Havana Stephen J. Nix, Ph.D. Jacksonville Paul W. O’Neil, Jr., P.E. Tampa Garrett Wallace West Palm Beach

Location & Accommodations:  A block of rooms has been reserved at $79.00/night (plus taxes). Deadline for the group rate is Monday, September 1, 2008. (contact information for reservations is 800-749-4466 or 863-983-8151. Mention AWRA to get the conference rate). The historic Clewiston Inn has just finished a large renovation project and is beautiful and charming. The Clewiston Inn was built by the U.S. Sugar Corporation (then called Southern Sugar) to host company executives and visiting dignitaries. The original inn was built in 1926, and after a fire destroyed it, the classical revival style structure was rebuilt in 1938. The Clewiston Inn is located in downtown Clewiston, Florida. Billed as “America’s Sweetest Town,” Clewiston is in the heart of sugar cane country and is rich with history.

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Today, the Clewiston Inn, registered as a National Historic Site, preserves its history and offers visitors an opportunity to step back in time with genuine Old Florida hospitality. For decades, the Clewiston Inn has been a popular vacation destination and a fashionable center for social activities. The Inn’s Everglades Lounge is famous for its impressive 360-degree mural featuring the flora and fauna of the Florida Everglades. It was painted by the world-renowned artist J. Clinton Shepherd in the early 1940s. Shepherd, who spent many months at the Inn, majestically transferred to oil and canvas the beauty of the ‘glades.

Additional Conference Information Pasadena Ave. E

CLEWISTON INN

27

Sugarland Hwy

Deanne Duff Ave.

80

80 Deanne Duff Ave.

Bond St.

Central Ave.

Commercio St.

Florida Section American Water Resource Association

27 S. WC Owens Ave.

•  Friday lunch at the Board of Director’s meeting is dutch treat. Please indicate on the registration form if you will be attending the Board meeting to ensure sufficient lunches are prepared. •  Address for the Clewiston Inn is 108 Royal Palm Avenue, Clewiston, FL 33440. •  Participants in the airboat Eco-tour will depart via caravan from the front of the Inn at 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning. The Eco-tour is RSVP and prepaid only (So we can make sure we have enough seats).

Royal Palm Ave.

Pasadena Ave.W

Ponce de Leon Ave.

Clewiston Inn’s location

Ventura Ave.

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Florida Section Bi-Monthly Meeting Friday, September 19, 2008 Clewiston Inn Clewiston, Florida 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

National AWRA Meeting Planning Committee (Sugar and Spice Room)

12:30 p.m.

Registration

Board of Director’s Meeting (Sugar and Spice Room) Dutch Treat; Section Members Welcome

Technical Program – Agenda 1:15 p.m.

Welcome (Upper Porch Room) Charles Shinn, Florida Farm Bureau Federation

1:20 p.m.

Water Quality & Quantity Affects on In-Lake Okeechobee Ecology Dr. Susan Gray, South Florida Water Management District

1:50 p.m.

Overview and Goals of the Northern Everglades Plan Dr. Tom Teets, South Florida Water Management District

2:20 p.m.

Preventing Disaster – Repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike Kim Taplin, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

2:50 p.m.

Break/Announcements from Board of Director’s Meeting

3:10 p.m.

Panel Discussion: TMDL Establishment and Implementation in the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Chuck Aller (FDACS), Jerry Brooks (FDEP), Bob Butler (Butler Oaks Dairy), Linda McCarthy (Lykes)

4:10 p.m. 5:10 p.m.

Panel Discussion: Impacts of Lake Okeechobee Drought Management Barbara Miedema (Sugar Cooperative of Florida), Tom MacVicar, P.E. (Consultant), Kevin McCarthy (Clewiston Utilities), Mary Ann Martin (Roland Martin Marina)

6:00 p.m.

Social Hour (Hotel Lounge) Private Cash Bar Reception with Light Hors D’oeuvres

7:00 p.m.

Dinner (Sugar and Spice Room) Dinner Speaker: Mr. Bubba Wade (U.S. Sugar Corporation)

Can We Manage Lake O Better Than the Experts? Test Your Skills! Cal Neidrauer (South Florida Water Management District)

Saturday @ 8:00 a.m. Airboat Ride on Lake Okeechobee By Reservation Only

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Registration Deadline – September 1, 2008 • Hotel Reservation Deadline September 1, 2008 Lake Okeechobee, Clewiston Inn – Friday, September 19th First:

M.I.:

Last:

Suffix: (PE, Ph.D., etc.):

Name: Firm/Organization: Street Address: City, State, ZIP: Phone:

Fax:

E-Mail: Item

Cost

Board of Directors Meeting (Members Welcome) Florida Section Member Registration Non-member Registration † Apply this fee to making me a Member or to renew my membership

Number Attending

Extended Amount

Dutch $45 $65

Dinner Choices (Please select from the following.) MUST BE COMPLETED Registrant

$---

† Sliced Steak with Bordelaise Sauce † Grilled Salmon with Dill Sauce † Vegetable Lasagna

Dinner Guest/Name: _________________________________________ † Sliced Steak with Bordelaise Sauce † Grilled Salmon with Dill Sauce † Vegetable Lasagna

Florida Section Student Registration Students (Non-member) † Apply this fee to making me a Member or to renew my membership Airboat Tour Donation to Sanford N. Young Scholarship Fund Donation to General Education Fund

$35

Free $4 $27 ------------------------------TOTAL

$

PDH Credit for Engineers AWRA is an approved provider by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE Provider No.EX0003897) and offers Professional Development Hour (PDH) credit to Florida Licensed Professional Engineers. You will only receive credit if you attend the entire technical session. Please check the box below and include your PE number if you would like to obtain PDH credit. † I plan to be present for the entire session and would like PDH credit. My PE number is: ________________

Make checks payable to:

Sponsorship Opportunities

AWRA Florida Section Please mail to: Cathleen C. Vogel The Catalina Group, Inc. 5759 John Anderson Hwy. Flagler Beach, FL 32136 Ph: (386) 673-8924 x e-mail: [email protected]

Don’t miss this great opportunity to highlight your organization and network with water resource professionals and students. Get your logo on the sponsorship boards!

Accommodations Clewiston Inn 108 Royal Palm Ave. Clewiston, FL 33440 http://www.clewistoninn.com

1-800-749-4466

JOINING AND RENEWING MEMBERS (Please complete this entire form for our membership records and directory.) Would you like to receive our newsletter via e-mail? (Preferred) † Yes † No Are you an AWRA National Member? † Yes † No Would you like information on AWRA National? † Yes † No Are you interested in corporate sponsorship opportunities? † Yes † No Would you like to be part of a bi-monthly meeting team or committee? † Yes † No

Thank You to Our Meeting Sponsors!

Lykes Ranch

Holland+Knight

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President’s Message... Thanks to our great speakers, terrific sponsors and the volunteer efforts of so many board members and colleagues, I am pleased to report that the annual meeting in Key Largo was a huge success. Our technical program theme – the impacts of climate change on water resource challenges into the next century – was wellreceived, as were several of our less traditional presentations including agricultural water management in light of climate change and the state’s investment practices responding to the challenge. The board is already planning for Annual Meeting 2009, and we look forward to bringing you another memorable Florida Keys experience!

Mamma Mango

We enjoyed reporting the results of our membership survey. The good news is that overall, most respondents are very pleased with the job that the Florida Section AWRA is doing and satisfied with their membership in the organization. Our bi-monthly technical programs, the networking opportunities our meetings provide and our dedication to supporting water resources education all received high ratings from our members. One issue that we will specifically be following up on is the interest that many of you expressed in being able to register online for meetings and membership renewal. We will keep

Florida Section American Water Resource Association

you posted on progress toward implementing this convenience. A full report on the 2008 survey will be distributed to you via The Watershed or through a separate e-mail distribution. We look forward to welcoming you to our annual south Florida meeting, this year in Clewiston on the shores of the Liquid Heart of South Florida, Lake Okeechobee. The lake embodies some of the most dramatic water resource management efforts: drought management and flood control, water supply for major segments of south Florida’s agricultural industry as well as a supplemental supply for 6 million inhabitants of southeast Florida, significant water quality challenges both in terms of lake inflows and outflows. Charles Shinn from the Florida Farm Bureau has put together a great technical program, and we hope you will join us for airboating on the Big O on Saturday morning. As always, please feel free to stop by the board meeting – all members always welcome! This month marks a transition for the Florida Section. For several past years, The Watershed has been published and distributed thanks to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and, in particular, the great work of Carol Lynch. This month, the district passed the torch to Biological Research Associates. Many, many thanks to board member Doug Durbin and the BRA staff for taking on this important contribution to the Florida Section! See you in Clewiston,

Cathy Vogel

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Technical Program Summary – July 2008, Annual Meeting, Key Largo -by Rafael Frias, Michael delCharco and Doug Durbin

Thursday Session: Keynote Address Jack Long, Southeast District Director, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Among the many serious environmental and climatological issues facing Florida, the most important one today may be addressing climate change. To meet these challenges, the State is looking at ways to reduce its influence on climate change. Development and support of alternative energy supplies and conservation strategies are included in recent legislation as ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The state has launched a “green lodging” program to provide incentives for hotels and resorts to conserve energy and water, while reducing their carbon footprints and saving money. Florida currently sees half of its potable water used for irrigation, which appears counter to the concept of using water of the lowest feasible quality for various purposes. A wide variety of water conservation strategies are being developed in Florida and elsewhere to help correct this pattern. For example, by 2025, the practice of disposing of treated wastewater via ocean outfalls (which are currently used to dispose of more than 300 million gallons per day) will be eliminated; this water will instead be consumed through a series of reuse and environmental enhancement programs. Projected population increases imply dramatic increases in water demand in the coming decades, and Florida must be able to address these pressures to support its growth and protect its environmental resources. On a related topic, the Governor and Cabinet are wrestling with the details of the purchase of 187,000 acres controlled by US Sugar Corporation, which is a very complex commercial real estate transaction with substantial environmental issues and opportunities for the State. Water Management District Update Ann Moore, SJRWMD Governing Board Member David Still, SRWMD Executive Director David Moore, SWFWMD Executive Director Ann Moore – Many activities of the Water Management Districts can be viewed as aspects of “adaptive management” and this approach applies to the recent challenge of the effects of climate change on water resources. Ms Moore related several stories on the challenges of resource management. David Still – The idea of climate change is superimposed on a number of other constantly changing aspects of environmental resource management, including political change, economic change, personnel change and changing public opinion. The SRWMD tries to embrace a holistic attitude to all aspects of resource management, where conservation of all resources is a continuous goal. The SRWMD is the smallest of the water management districts. It is aggressively developing Minimum Flows and Levels for its rivers, streams and springs. During recent droughts, some of the first magnitude springs in the SRWMD stopped flowing, indicating the delicate balance of such important water resource systems. David Moore – Historic sea level changes, as documented through the geologic record, have occurred at very rapid rates (as much as 15 feet per century), so it should come as no surprise that sea level rise is happening and can happen relatively quickly. On shorter time scales, a number of climatic patterns have the potential to affect many resource management decisions. For example, rainfall trends that fluctuate over decades can significantly affect stream flows, lake levels, and overall water availability. Strategic use and storage of water when it is plentiful can aid it its conservation when it is scarce. Conservation strategies offer more and more promising ways to reduce water demand and protect water resources. Regionalization of water supplies with diverse sources is a reasonable means of balancing supply and demand over large areas and with a variety of water sources. The SWFWMD is also taking steps to manage its energy consumption and reduce its carbon footprint. As a resource management agency, SWFWMD hopes to serve as an example for energy conservation. Florida Section American Water Resource Association

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Summary of Florida Section Online Survey Shayne Wood, CDM This spring, the AWRA Florida Section conducted its first-ever online member survey. The survey had a 20 percent response rate, which is considered strong for such a survey. Respondents were very positive about the activities of Section and offered a variety of written comments and suggestions in addition to the simple multiple-choice responses. The greatest benefits of the Section are seen in its networking opportunities and diverse technical presentations at the bimonthly meetings. The survey suggested the Section should work hard to promote awareness and knowledge of its educational support efforts: the J.B Butler grants for school teachers, William Storch Awards for undergraduate and graduate students, and the Sanford Young Scholarship for multidisciplinary undergraduate and graduate students. Utilities’ Perspective Dr. Lynette Cardoch, MWH Americas - Moderator Dr. Alison Adams, P.E., Tampa Bay Water Dr. Douglas Yoder, Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department Pam Kenel, P.E., Black & Veatch Alison Adams This presentation focused on the effects of climate variability on water supply availability. Climate variability will have an effect on: (1) source water quantity as affected through higher runoff flows from increased rainfall, (2) source water quality where rising sea level may result in greater saline water intrusion, and (3) changes in demand patterns and storage requirements. Actions required for the management of these effects include: (a) diversification of supply sources and/or regionalization, (b) further data collection and analyses to better characterize changing conditions, (c) modeling to predict hydrologic patterns, demand scenarios, and climatic effects, (d) risk assessment with uncertainty analysis to appropriately balance risks and costs, and (e) adaptive management to provide for continuous maintenance and improvement of water supply systems through time. Douglas Yoder This presentation addressed the future of coastal utilities in light of the ways the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department is approaching its management of climate change issues. These issues include sea level rise, increased tropical storm activity, varying precipitation patterns and future demand forecasting. The following measures have been implemented to help manage climate change issues: (1) efforts to reduce of greenhouse gas generation, (2) incorporation of energy efficient equipment in the Department, (3) construction of storm-resistant facilities, (4) monitoring of salt-water intrusion patterns, (4) implementation of alternative water supplies, (5) revision of land-use and capital expenditure plans, and (6) refining growth projections to appropriately scale plans. Pam Kenel This presentation included an update on the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) Climate Change Workshop, discussion of water industry concerns with respect to the geologic sequestration of carbon emissions, and information on the diversification of water supplies, including surface water diversification, and relevant uncertainties. The recent AWWA’s Climate Change Workshop centered around discussions of the National Water Program strategy, rulemaking process for carbon sequestration schemes and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) drought guidance document. Water industry concerns on the geologic sequestration of carbon emissions involve aquifer limitations as a water supply source. For example, capturing carbon emissions from power plants and injecting them into deep saline aquifers may result in deterioration of aquifer water quality, making the source unavailable as a potential alternative water supply source. Ms. Kenel also provided information on the diversification of water supplies sources and how these may be impacted by climate change. Two examples of such diversification were mentioned: In South Carolina, climate change has resulted in a decrease of the 100-year period precipitation, requiring the need to recalibrate existing models to include varying climate conditions. Modeling results predict a 25 percent reduction in water yield from a key reservoir, requiring the development of plans Florida Section American Water Resource Association

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for an alternative water source. For a water supply system in Australia, climate change has resulted in a decrease of runoff flows, which has compromised surface water storage and firm yield. Alternative water supplies implemented in Australia include alternative sources such as reclaimed water to augment conventional surface water supplies. US Army Corps of Engineers Overview Colonel Paul Grosskruger The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has a challenging mission across all of its water resource responsibilities, and the challenge is intensified by concerns over climate change. Major areas of emphasis include Navigation, Shoreline Protection, Flood Damage Reduction, Ecosystem Restoration, Emergency Management, Regulation and War on Terrorism. The USACE works cooperatively with the State of Florida, its Water Management Districts and its local governments. It relies on a systems-based approach, risk-informed decision making, public risk communication and reliable public service professionalism. In terms of complex issues like climate change, the USACE must work at the interface of major policy issues and tangible projects to be put in the ground. As a Federal agency, the USACE in Florida sees its project needs competing with needs from across the rest of the nation and around the world. The best hope for the future efficacy of the USACE is through a collaborative approach with stakeholders to unite technical and management policy with prudent water management projects.

Friday Session: The Corporate Outlook Doug Durbin, Ph.D., Biological Research Associates - Moderator Joe Collins, Engineering Manager for Lykes Brothers Patrick Gleason, Ph.D., CDM Doug MacNair, Ph.D., ENTRIX Joe Collins As Engineering Manager for Lykes Brothers Inc. for 17 years, Mr. Collins has focused much of his attention on water resource issues. He discussed a number of the challenges agriculture is currently facing, including rising fuel and fertilizer costs and declining prices for cattle, citrus, and sod. Lykes Brothers owns and operates about 320,000 acres of land with cattle, timber, turf, and citrus in Highlands and Glades counties. They have spent a tremendous amount of time fine-tuning their practices for their specific location. Among the challenges being faced, Lykes has had to destroy some 4,000 acres of orange trees due to citrus canker, and they face a new threat with citrus greening, which IFAS predicts will kill ultimately all citrus trees in Florida. On a positive note, Lykes is adapting timber practices to produce manageable exotic species for mulch production – helping to develop an alternative to cypress mulch. They are also looking at various grass cultivars for producing cellulosic ethanol, however, they are struggling to balance and justify the water and energy expense needed to grow such crops. Cellulosic ethanol, which yields fuel from much more of the overall plant biomass than corn-based ethanol from the Midwest, could put Florida in a strong position to promote this alternative energy technology. Carbon trading and sequestration possibilities are also very intriguing to the agriculture industry and could become important revenue sources for land with declining agricultural values. Pat Gleason Dr. Gleason titled his presentation “Reinventing South Florida: The Impact of Global Warming on Water Resources.” Although global warming and sea level rise are big issues, the current real estate crash and the waning Florida economy have temporarily dwarfed them. Dr. Gleason provided history on carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere and discussed the recent legislation passed by California’s Governor Schwarzenegger and Florida’s Governor Crist. He noted that U.S. oil consumption is some 20 million barrels a day, and projections indicate a marked increase in the future. So, if South Florida is at least partially inundated due to sea level rise, power and fuel production, engineering and architecture, water supply development, stormwater management, and health care must become engaged Florida Section American Water Resource Association

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to handle the aftermath. Water supply issues will be a major focus, so water resource professionals and students should be prepared for the challenges. Doug MacNair Dr MacNair presented “The importance of Understanding Business Response to Climate Change” and discussed useful tools for addressing climate change, and the ways some interests are already dealing with it. Potentially affected industries include tourism, real estate, agriculture, forestry, and many others. Business planning for climate change steps includes: (1) mapping the eco-value change drivers, (2) screening priority areas, (3) developing risk-opportunity strategies, and (4) monitoring conditions. Businesses must identify critical potential effects, assign weighting criteria, and define time-lines to help analyze trends and put global climate change in perspective. Public policies that will help companies adapt include: (a) relying on markets and price signals, (b) encouraging technological solutions, (c) maintaining a competitive balance (don’t legislate disorder), (d) minimizing uncertainty. The Economics of Climate Change in Florida Kathy Baughmann-McLeod, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Financial Officer of Florida Keynote Address Kathy Baughmann-McLeod Operating from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer of Florida, Ms Baughann-McLeod has expertise in global climate change. She is a member of several panels on the subject and was a delegate to the UN’s Climate Change Council in Indonesia. Her position, created six years ago, oversees the Florida Treasury. Florida’s first conversation on climate change occurred in April 2007. As just one example, the State needs to understand all it can about climate change because it has fiduciary responsibility to the massive retirement fund it manages. If a predominant company in the fund is not aware of the issue and suffers major financial loss as a result, that is not a good long-term investment for the fund. Florida is the first state to score investments according to their capability to address global climate change issues. Florida CFO Alex Sink and Ms. Baughmann-McLeod were recently discussing insurance issues with Lloyds of London which stated that it has concerns over a potential breach on Lake Okeechobee. This indicates that issues facing Florida are of concern far beyond our borders. Lloyds of London has even run dam-breach models for Lake Okeechobee to try to assess its risk. On a more positive slant, Ms. Baughmann-McLeod thinks that Florida can use global climate change to its advantage by capitalizing on emerging technologies and the “green economy.” On Becoming a Green Lodging Hotel Joan Kelly, Event Coordinator, Hilton Key Largo Grande Editors note: In response to general concerns over sustainability, and to Governor Crist’s Executive Order last summer requiring all state agencies to do business only with Florida Green Lodging participants (see http:// www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging/), the Florida Section of AWRA emphasized to the Hilton Key Largo Resort that it should become a Green Lodging facility if it wanted to host our July 2008 Conference. As a direct result of our prompting, the resort did make the commitment to pursue designation as a Green Lodging participant. Ms. Kelly briefly discussed the changes and adaptations the resort has made in recent months. These include the installation of low-flow shower heads and 1.6 gallons-per-flush toilets, switching from incandescent to fluorescent lighting wherever practical, purchasing post-consumer paper goods, and using more environmentallyfriendly housekeeping products. The hotel is embracing the Green Lodging concept, but is still anxious to see what the actual long-term savings may be. The program has had a positive impact on their staff, who appear committed to the concept, even to the point of implementing some of the concepts in their own homes. The resort has not yet met all of the requirements to receive certification through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and although there has not been a direct cost savings realized so far, they are proud to be part of this growing state and national initiative.

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Environmental Concerns Panel Eric Draper, Florida Audubon Society – Moderator Bill Causey, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Alessandra Score, World Wildlife Fund John Ogden, Audubon of Florida In his introductory comments, Eric Draper pointed to a series of continuing challenges for the environment, including traffic and transportation issues, water use and conservation, and energy conservation. Bill Causey This year has been designated as the International Year of the Reef. There are three National Marine Sanctuaries in the Southeast US: the Florida Keys, the Flower Garden Banks (100 miles off the Texas/Louisiana coast), and Grays Reef (just off the coast of Georgia). Coral provides many benefits, ranging from their sheer biodiversity value, to fisheries production, to billions of dollars in tourism dollars. Coral reefs are in decline throughout this region, and around the world. Primary pressures harming reefs include climate change and land-based pollution. Most of the impacts are manifested as coral bleaching, which can be caused by any of a number of forces such as heating, cooling, and pollution. There have been a number of large-scale bleaching events resulting in widespread damage. Coral bleaching patterns can be seen, and even predicted, using modern satellite imagery tools. Through increasing public concern over reefs, and better management tools, there is hope that impacts to coral reefs can be slowed, and perhaps reversed in the future. Alessandra Score There are various indicators that climate change is occurring, such as increased drought intensity, flooding magnitudes, and wildfire frequency increases. Strategies for maintaining and protecting wildlife and habitats include: protecting habitat diversity, particularly for resistant and resilient biological communities; reducing pollution and habitat degradation; employing adaptive management strategies to begin protecting habitats and species now, even where data may be lacking; and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Low-lying South Florida is particularly at risk for climate change impacts to ecosystems. To begin addressing the type and degree of change, vulnerability analyses can be employed to identify, characterize and prioritize the potential impacts. Using coral bleaching as an indicator of environmental change, models have been developed to allow users to assess spatial patterns of coral conditions in the Florida Keys. This lets stakeholders envision areas of probable coral damage and consider possible means for mitigating the damage. John Ogden Little is known of the true pre-development drainage patterns and ecological conditions of the Everglades. This lack of a known baseline makes it difficult to decide how to design “restoration” for the Everglades that approximates what it was before mankind’s changes occurred. In spite of this, the bar has been set very high in terms of attempting to restore a unique ecosystem to certain defining characteristics. Among these characteristics is the popular notion that the Everglades was an area of great biological abundance, in spite of its known nutrient-poor conditions. The current thinking is that much of the ecological abundance of the historic Everglades was actually concentrated at the southern end of the system, where freshwater met Florida Bay, with the northern Everglades actually having relatively low biological abundance and diversity. This has led to a more spatially focused view for ecological restoration at the southern end of the system, rather than across all of the remaining Everglades. In the face of projected sea level rise, there is at least some hope that mangrove systems could accrue sediment at a rate that would allow for the northward migration of such systems, thereby maintaining the historically productive zone at the southern end of the Everglades, even if that interface gradually shifts northward from where it lies today.

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In The News AWRA National News •  AWRA National Half-Year Membership Offer AWRA National is offering members of the Florida Section the ability to join the national organization for the remainder of 2008 at half the regular cost for an annual membership. See the memo from Jane Rowan, President of AWRA National, explaining the benefits of the organization, along with an application for the Half-Year Membership at the end of this newsletter. • Bob Higgins is a Candidate for Director of the National AWRA Board! We remind you that our very own Robert Higgins is one of four carefully selected candidates for the position of Director (a three-year term) for term commencing January 1, 2009. National AWRA members are enthusiastically encouraged to vote in the current election, which closes on August 15th. Contact Terry Meyer at [email protected] if you need help with your e-ballot. ” Good luck Bob, we’re pulling for you! • Annual Water Resources Conference, November 17-20, 2008, New Orleans, LA. (early registration deadline is October 29, 2008) Dixieland Jazz, Cajun and Creole food, parades and beads, the French Quarter all served up with a touch of voodoo, combine to make New Orleans a most exciting venue for a Conference. While some of the surrounding areas are still working hard on the Katrina recovery effort, downtown New Orleans and the famous French Quarter are alive and well, setting record attendance numbers at many events.

Look for the preliminary program on the web site very soon. In addition to a wide variety of presentations specialty and poster sessions, invited guest speakers include Army Corps of Engineers General Robert Van Antwerp, Abigail Kimbell, Chief of the US Forest Service, author John Barry and Garret Graves, Director of the Governor’s Office of Coastal Affairs. A special Tuesday evening event, carbon off-set activities and Katrina recovery volunteer activities will also be included in the program. See you in the Big Easy! •  Managing Water Resources and Development in a Changing Climate, May 4-6, 2009, Anchorage, AK (abstract deadline is December 5, 2008) We will have a full agenda covering water resources issues from around the country set in the backdrop of America’s frontier, Alaska, during its fiftieth year since statehood. Meeting topics include meeting future water-supply needs, drought and flood co-management, ecosystem impacts, and water-management challenges. Additionally, since the Arctic is a place where change is expected to occur sooner and with greater effect, Alaska will be an ideal place to examine the many changes that are happening locally and effects on meeting the young state’s development interests and the nation’s energy needs. For more information, to renew your membership, or become a member of the National AWRA, go to www.awra.org, or contact David Watt at 386-329-4355 or [email protected].

Tellers Report The election of Board of Directors for the Florida Section of AWRA for 2009 is complete with all ballots counted. The proposed slate of candidates was adopted by the Section. Your 2009 Officers and Board members are: Jay W. Yingling – President, Tampa David R. Watt, P.E. – Vice President, Palatka Ronald M. Edenfield – Treasurer, Fort Myers Annette F. Carter – Secretary, West Palm Beach Cathleen C. Vogel – Past President 2008, Flagler Beach Patrick R. Victor, P.E. – Past President 2007, Jacksonville Kristin K. Bennett, Esq., Stuart Gordon H. Brown, Gainesville Michael DelCharco, P.E., Jacksonville Douglas J. Durbin, Ph.D., Tampa

John J. Fumero, Esq., West Palm Beach Marji Hightower, Palatka Carol Hinton, Gainesville Gary K. Howalt, Jacksonville Donald W. McEwen, Havana Steve J. Nix, Ph.D.,P.E., Jacksonville Paul W. O’Neil, Jr., P.E., Tampa Garrett Wallace, West Palm Beach Shayne Wood, P.E., Jacksonville

Congratulations to our 2009 Board of Directors! Florida Section American Water Resource Association

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Membership It has been my pleasure to serve the Florida Section of the AWRA as Member Services Coordinator. In the first membership report I provided to the Board in January 2006, we had 270 active members. We now have 551 active members! We’ve more than doubled in size which is a direct result of the visionary leadership and dedication of the excellent Board and membership that I served. As I move on to my new duty as Secretary in 2009, I ask you to please give a warm AWRA welcome to Rafael Frias as he takes on the important responsibility of Member Services Coordinator. I know he will do an outstanding job! Sincerely,

Membership for 2008

Annette Carter

The 2008 Membership Directory has been published and you should have received your copy by now. The directory has a new look this year as a result of our exceptional growth! We outgrew our seams! The Board would like to thank the Sponsors for underwriting the cost of producing and distributing this important networking tool! AWRA Florida Section membership dues are due January 1st of each year. We still have a number of members that have not renewed for 2008. If you’re not current on your membership, take a moment now and complete the application in this newsletter. If you are uncertain about the status of your membership please feel free to contact me at 813-207-7940 or [email protected]. You won’t want to miss out on all the great benefits of belong to one of the best professional organization in the State! Our Section continues to break membership records with 551 active members! Please take a few minutes to introduce yourself to the new members at the next meeting. This is one of the ways we continue to grow!

Welcome New Members! Brandon Ashby Albert Basulto Cory Catts Kim Clayback N. David Flagg Kurt Harclerode Christina Herr Cheri Hughes Randy Keyser Donald Lee Ivan Noel Jeff Pearson Dennis Price Sarafa Sikora Stewart Tomlins Richard Verdi

ENTRIX Water Solutions Brown and Caldwell University of Florida student Jones Edmunds & Associates Torch Consultants Lee County Natural Resources University of Florida student Tetra Tech EC Tetra Tech EC ENTRIX Water Solutions PEER Consultants Charlotte County Utilities Dept. SE Environmental Geology University of Florida student USGS USGS

Riverview West Palm Beach Gainesville Tampa Fort Myers Gainesville Boynton Beach Stuart Sarasota Miami Lakes Port Charlotte White Springs Gainesville Tallahassee Tallahassee

Board of Directors Summary The Florida Section AWRA Board of Directors (BOD) met in Key Largo on Thursday, July 17, at 10:30 AM. The detailed agenda and minutes will be included on our website after the BOD approves them. Highlights of the meeting include: •  The tellers committee reported on the voting for the 2009 Board of Directors. We had a better voter turnout than we have had in many years, so thanks to our members for their participation! Bob Higgins Florida Section American Water Resource Association

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will fall off the board after 2 years as past president and Shayne Wood, from CDM in Jacksonville, was elected as our newest Board member. Congratulations Shayne! •  Several exciting venues and meeting formats are planned for future meetings. The next meeting is September 19th in Clewiston with a focus on agricultural water resources issues in the Lake Okeechobee basin. An excellent air boating field trip experience is planned for Saturday, so make plans to stay for the weekend. The following meeting is November 7th in Ft. Myers. This is a joint meeting with other professional associations where we host the annual Southwest Florida Water Resources conference. •  The board approved spending $1,500 to become a sponsor of the AWRA National Annual Conference in New Orleans 11/17-20/2008. In other AWRA National news, Bob Higgins is running for a director position on the National AWRA board. All AWRA National members are encouraged to vote! •  We had a 20% response to our recent membership survey. Thanks to all members who provided input! The board will use this information to improve the organization. •  Due to the quality of the applications for our education awards, the board conditionally approved an additional $2,000 for the program. •  Rafael Frias has accepted the responsibility of chairing the membership committee. Congratulations Rafael, and thanks for taking on this important role! Thanks also to Annette Carter for her many years of service in this capacity. •  The first issue of the AWRA Florida Section/FWEA produced Florida Watershed Journal was a success! We are looking for good papers and sponsors to keep it going with the goal of making it a quarterly publication. •  Doug Durbin has accepted the responsibility of newsletter editor/publisher. Congratulations Doug and thanks for taking this on in addition to your other committee and board responsibilities. Thanks also to Paul O’Neil and his staff at SWFWMD that volunteered their time for many years to produce a wonderful newsletter! •  The board discussed dates and locations for 2009 meetings. The first meeting of the year will be on January 16th in Fernandina Beach. It will be co-hosted by the newly formed UNF student chapter. Stay tuned for more information on the remaining dates and locations as they are finalized. Remember, board meetings are open to all members of the Florida Section and their guests. Please feel free to arrive early at one of our bi-monthly meetings to sit in on our lively discussions. The board always welcomes member input.

A Message from the Education Committee Rosanne Clementi Education Funds: The Education Committee has had a rewarding summer getting approval from the Board at the Key Largo meeting to award the Sanford N. Young Scholarship to Ruben Kertesz (UF) ; two William V. Storch Awards: Steven Byars (undergraduate, UCF) and Laura Wewerka (graduate, FGCU). In addition, the Board approved J.B. Butler Science Grants to: Ashley McElligott (Palm Beach Gardens High School), Christine Voigt (JD Floyd K-8 Environmental School), Debbie Medellin (Berean Christian School), Jocelyn O’Neill (Loxahatchee River Center) and Judy Black (Deltona Elementary School). We also asked the Board to award four additional worthy requests for which they will make a decision shortly. With so many worthy applications, it becomes increasingly difficult each year to limit the number of grants and scholarships we award. Thanks to all who submitted requests and those of you who have been spreading the word about our Funds. Thank you to our committee: Kristin Bennett, Gordon Brown, Doug Durbin and Rosanne Clementi. The Silent Auction at the Key Largo meeting was a wonderful success bringing in approximately $4,000.00 for the Education Funds. Thank you to all the individuals and companies who donated items for the auction and those of you who bid on them. We look forward to a fun auction next year! Florida Section American Water Resource Association

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July 2008 To:

AWRA Florida State Section Members

From:

Jane O. Rowan, President, AWRA National

Re:

Half-Year AWRA National Membership Offer

As a member of the Florida State Section of the American Water Resources, you already recognize the value of working across disciplines to solve complex water resources issues. State sections provide the invaluable benefit of providing a local forum for this work to occur. The national AWRA has long held that real solutions to water resources challenges will come through collaboration among the various disciplines involved in water resources. Our membership is multidisciplinary, providing community, conversation, and connections unlike any other professional organization. “The days of isolated sciences are long gone. Scientists from across many disciplines need to be able to communicate with one another, appreciate the perspectives of those in other sectors, and educate the public. AWRA national helps provide that insight and understanding.” Stephanie Moore (Past President, New Mexico State Section & national AWRA member since 2005) Because we are convinced that we strengthen the AWRA community with a diverse and growing membership, we want to encourage you to make the choice to join today. We’d like to take a minute -- at the midpoint of our membership year -- to explain the benefits of joining AWRA at the national level. They are designed to make a difference to you as you tackle difficult water resources challenges. At the same time, we want to make a special membership offer so you can see for yourself: Join now for the remainder of the year (July 1 to December 31, 2008) and receive 6 months of Regular AWRA membership at half the cost ($82.50)! With the 2008 AWRA Annual Water Resources Conference taking place right in your backyard in New Orleans, you’ll be able to take advantage of the significant member discount on registration. In addition, you’ll receive:  Half-year print subscription to the Journal of the American Water Resources Association PLUS easy access to our online archive of more than 40 years of water resources research in. As an AWRA member, this $399.00 value is included in your half-year membership dues!  Half-year print subscription of our solution-oriented magazine Water Resources IMPACT, written for the water resources practitioner and professionals. As a half-year member, you can access the IMPACT archive back to 1999 online -- an $80.00 value included in your half-year dues!  Opportunities to network electronically with water resources professionals from across the spectrum of disciplines in AWRA’s multidisciplinary Technical Committees, and the online AWRA membership directory. Simply complete the application form on the reverse and fax or mail it in. Or, visit the AWRA website (www.awra.org) and click on the half-year membership option on the “Join” page. We look forward to welcoming you as the newest member of the AWRA community! Join today! AWRA | 4 West Federal St. | PO Box 1626 | Middleburg, VA | 20118 Ph: 540.687.8390 | Fax: 540.687.8395 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.awra.org

2008 Half-Year Membership Application (for membership July 1 – December 31) Payment must accompany application and be made in US dollars drawn on US bank. Personal Information

Membership Options

Name______________________________________________________ Title: ______________________________________________________ Company Name: ___________________________________________________

    

Regular Member (Jul 1-Dec 31) .............................$82.50 Student Member (full-year only: Jan 1-Dec 31)....$30.00 Associate Member (Jul 1-Dec 31).........................$250.00 Membership Certificate .........................................$11.00

Payment Options

Address 1: __________________________________________________ Address 2: _________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip:______________________________________________________ Is this your  Home address or

 Business address?

Phone: _________________ Fac: _________________ Email: ________________

Signature: ________________________________________________ ___

Discipline

Job Title JT1 Management (Pres, VP, Div Head, Sect Head, Manager, Chief Engineer) JT2 Engineering (Non-mgmt; i.e., Civil, Water Resources, Planning) JT3 Scientific (Non-mgmt; i.e., chemist, biologist, hydrologist,etc.) JT4 Marketing/Sales (Non-mgmt) JT5 Faculty JT6 Student JT7 Attorney JT8 Retired JT9 Computer Scientist (GIS, modeling, etc.) JT10 Elected/Appointed Official JT11 Volunteer/Interested Citizen JT12 Non-Profit JT13 Other: __________________________________________

How did you learn about AWRA?  Promotional Mailing  AWRA Website

  Charge my credit card OR  Check Enclosed  VISA  Mastercard  Diner’s Club  AMEX  Discover Card #:_________________________________ Exp: _____ CSC#: ______

 Word of Mouth  Other: ___________

What’s your reason for joining?  Info from Journal/IMPACT  Networking  Conference Discount Technical Committees  Other: ___________________

Who recommended AWRA to you? ___________________________________________

AG Agronomy BI Biology CH Chemistry EC Economics ED Education EG Engineering FO Forestry GR Geography GE Geology GI Geo. Info. Systems HY Hydrology JR Journalism LA Law LM Limnology OE Oceanography PH Physics PS Political Science PB Public Health SO Soil Science OT Other: __________

Employer CF EI ES LR SI IN LF FG RE NP OT

Consulting Firm Educational Inst. (Faculty/Staff) Educational Institution (Student) Local/Regional Gov't Agency State/Interstate Gov't Agency Industry Law Firm Federal Government Retired Non-Profit Organization Other: _____________

Education  HS High School AA Associates BA Bachelor of Arts BS Bachelor of Science MA Master of Arts MS Master of Science JD Juris Doctor PhD Doctorate OT Other: ____________

Technical Committees (check off the committees you would like to be involved in – there is no limit or additional charge) Agricultural Hydrology Aquifer Storage and Recovery Distributed Watershed Modeling  Education

Floodplain Management GIS & Remote Sensing Hydrology & Watershed Mgmt Policy

Stream Ecology Student Activities Wetlands Wildland Hydrology

American Water Resources Association c/o Middleburg Bank  P.O. Box 2217  Leesburg, VA 20177-2217 Ph: 540.687.8390 Fax: 540.687.8395 Email: [email protected] www.awra.org

FL SS – 8/1/2008

2008 Membership Application MEMBERSHIP DUES New $20 Regular Renewal $ 4 Student DIRECTORY INFORMATION Please give us the information requested below, as you would like it to appear in the membership directory.

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________ First

Middle Initial

Last

Suffix (Ph.D., PE, PG, etc)

Company/Affiliation: _________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ Box, Street or Route

Suite or Apartment

__________________________________________________________________________________ City

State

Zip Code

Daytime Telephone: _______________________ Alternate Telephone: _______________________ Area Code

Area Code

Facsimile: ___________________

E-mail: ______________________________________________

Area Code

MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS Would you like to receive our newsletter via e-mail? (Preferred) Are you an AWRA National Member? If not, would you like information? Are you interested in sponsorship opportunities? Would you like to be part of a bi-monthly meeting team?

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

No No No No No

SPONSOR/RECRUITER: ____________________________________________________________ PAYMENT INFORMATION

$_________ Annual dues (please indicate if you are paying for additional years) $_________ Florida Section Water Resources Education Fund (tax deductible contribution) $ Sandy Young Scholarship Fund (tax deductible contribution) $_________ TOTAL (Please make checks payable to AWRA Florida Section, THANK YOU!) Return application & your check to:

Rafael Frias, Membership Services Coordinator c/o Black & Veatch 4890 West Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, Florida 33609

Florida Section membership dues are due January 1 and are good through December 31. Contributions or gifts to the Florida Section are deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Dues payments may be deductible by members as an ordinary and necessary business expense. For membership information, please contact Rafael Frias at (813) 207-7940 or [email protected] .

Section Use Only: Date Received: _______________

Check #: _______________ Amount: _______________

the

Watershed Editor:

Doug Durbin, Ph.D., Technical Director/V.P. Biological Research Associates, ENTRIX Water Solutions 3905 Crescent Park Dr. • Riverview, FL 33578 Phone (813) 664-4500 • Fax (813) 664-0440 [email protected]

the

Watershed

is assembled and published by Biological Research Associates and ENTRIX Water Solutions as proud sponsors of the Florida Section of AWRA. Page Layout and Design by Michael B. Tyson

VISIT THE FLORIDA SECTION WEBSITE AT: www.awraflorida.org Contact Upcoming Meeting Chairs Regarding Sponsorship or Assistance Lake Okeechobee September 19, 2008 Charlie Shinn 352-538-0853

Ft. Myers November 7, 2008 Ron Edenfield 239-277-0003

Fernandina Beach January 16, 2009 Dr. Stephan J. Nix 904-620-1390

Florida Section American Water Resource Association

Crystal River March 20, 2009 Doug Durbin/ Gregg Jones 813-664-4500

Destin May 15, 2009 Gordon Brown 352-846-3036 Timothy English II 808-443-3092

Key West July 16-17, 2009 Jay Yingling/ Garrett Wallace 352-796-7211

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