Friday, October 21, 2011
"Defend this Forest" Documentary Trailor Released!
Serving as a microcosm for what's happening to the entire planet, this film tells the story of a dedicated group of activists striving to fend off the destruction of a 700-acre forest to make way for a biotech park. The first round of permits were issured to make way for Scripps' biotech research park, and for construction of surrounding housing and retail development in the watershed of the Northeast Everglades bioregion. On Valentine's Day, 2011, member of Everglades Earth First! began what became a six-week tree sit with a huge banner visible, "DEFEND THIS FOREST". The banner, visible to thousands of commuters daily along I-95, became the symbol of a resistance that would inspire a new era in environmental action in the state of Florida.
To learn a more in depth account of scripps, watch this
brief video from Everglades Earth First!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Mourning the Loss of a Fallen Warrior
 | |
| Endangered Florida Scrub Jay atop Ellen's hat |
Ellen Peterson, 87, of Estero, Florida passed away on October 14th, 2011. She was a fierce advocate for wilderness devoting over 4 decades of her life to environmental protection. She served on many boards and advisory committees such as: the Agency for Bay Management, the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida, Save Our Creeks, the Responsible Growth Management Coalition, The Everglades Committee, the Environmental Peace and Education Center and the Sierra Club's Calusa Group. Ellen founded the Calusa group over 30 years ago and remained the chairperson until her death.
Along with others, Ellen was personally responsible for saving one of the most beautiful places in all of Florida, Fisheating Creek. She has stood as a guardian of Florida’s waterways.
Ellen fought to save the Florida panther, heritage trees, and many other listed and endangered species. She succeeded in obtaining outstanding Florida waterways designations for many of our local rivers and streams, providing them higher levels of protection. With the help of several environmental groups, Ellen fought and won the battle to stop a coal-fired power plant from going into Glades County.
She protested and picketed against nuclear plants and was arrested for civil disobedience. She created a presentation to save the Imperial River and was successful in preventing the Water Management District from eliminating the oxbows, an action which could have destroyed much of the river, such as killing off fish hatcheries during flood events.
Ellen herself was threatened on many occasions, and at least one attempt was made on her life. Even so she pressed forward and continued her good works. She continually fought to protect several of our local beaches and islands. With the backing of several local environmental groups, Ellen filed suit against the developers who wanted to overbuild and destroy our density-reduction ground water resource area. She was responsible for involving a scientist whom Lee County would later hire to do water quality testing. This scientist discovered that our red tides were directly linked to the releases from the Caloosahatchee River and Lake Okeechobee.
Ellen Peterson was a fierce, protective voice for all living creatures on Earth: human, animal, and plant. She championed many social causes, such as equal rights for women and fair wages for farm workers. She advocated for those who could not speak for themselves. Her absence is profound. She will be grieved for and missed. While the environmental community has suffered a great loss with her passing, we are inspired by her courage, her bright sense of humor, her compassion and her absolute dedication to service. Ellen is our hero!
Ellen wanted two going-away celebrations to be held: one in Estero and one at Fisheating Creek. Public invitations to these celebrations will be announced as soon as all of the arrangements have been made. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Happehatchee Center, P.O. Box 345 Estero, Florida 33929-0345 or Save Our Creeks, P.O. Box 135, Palmdale, Florida 33944.
Her passing was also commemorated on the Everglades Commons and News-Press of southwest Florida. And as late as last week, her strong and passionate voice was still being heard, as she called for the resignation of Florida Audubon’s Eric Draper, who recently sold out Nicodemus Slough (in the Fisheating Creek watershed) and has been running the supposed conservation organization in service of energy companies, rock miners, cattle ranchers and their political lackeys. Read her full letter and see a video of Eric Draper kissing Jeb Bush’s ass on behald of FPL.
Ellen Peterson: Florida Audubon off mission and something must change
Below is an editorial Ellen submitted regarding Eric Draper and the Florida Audobon Society:
Florida Audubon is so far from its core mission under the leadership of Executive Director Eric Draper, that either he or the organization should go.
Mr. Draper's letter supporting Lykes Brothers' plan for the conversion of Nicodemus Slough into a shallow holding tank for industrial-strength polluted water from Lake Okeechobee shows his true colors. He will sacrifice the migratory roosting site of the rare swallow-tail kites, caracara nesting sites and other habitat in the Everglades to support his power base, Lykes Brothers and other developers.
Supporting development projects regardless of the environmental cost has been a strong pattern of Mr. Draper. He and Lykes Brothers are the authors of the placement of dams in Fisheating Creek, formerly the last unimpeded waterway in South Florida. Local environmental advocates fighting development are often faced with this question from their commissioners: "Why doesn't Florida Audubon object to this?"
One can speculate: Why does Mr. Draper curry favor from large wealthy landowners? Is he going to want their continued support to make another run for agriculture commissioner? Is the Lykes Brothers-connected member of the Florida Audubon board of directors paying his salary?
What is clear is that under Draper's leadership, Florida Audubon has moved its mission from preserving and restoring natural habitats to industrializing them and calling it a victory. Draper boldly stated to the newspaper that the Nicodemus Slough project represents a "very sound investment in storing and cleaning water."
In fact, it is a step backwards for water quality, quantity and the environment.
The amount of water to be stored is so small that neither Lake Okeechobee nor the Caloosahatchee will benefit, but the loss of over 16,000 acres of wildlife habitat will be forever. The 11 billion gallons of projected storage are equal to only one day of high flow on the Caloosahatchee River during peak discharge. A new downstream point source of pollution will be created for receiving Lee County waters!
As for Lake Okeechobee, there is no plan to clean the water or return it to the lake. The amount taken from this 730 square mile lake is insignificant. Between drought and over-allocation, will there ever be enough water to store at Nicodemus Slough?
As for benefiting Fisheating Creek, there is no connection to Fisheating Creek since the Herbert Hoover Dike severed this arm of the creek from its natural flow.
Nicodemus Slough was once so important to the state of Florida that it was part of a public "Save Our Rivers" purchase from Lykes. It is currently identified as a top priority for Florida Forever funds and was a park open to the public. It was later horse-traded back to Lykes in a deal without meaningful public input.
Now the public will pay three times for this ill-advised project: first for the loss of the environment, second for initial and ongoing costs, and third, when Lykes gets the infrastructure back at the end of the 10-year lease.
Decades of ditching, diking and damming have only led us to the need for more. SFWMD should have learned from its dismal track record of failed environmental interventions. If state efforts and resources were put toward cleaning up water pollution at its source rather than sacrificing downstream environments, then real solutions to these problems could be found.
Creating unnatural impoundments got us here in the first place. Let's send SFWMD back to the drawing board and save Nicodemus Slough.
Florida Audubon is so far from its core mission under the leadership of Executive Director Eric Draper, that either he or the organization should go.
Mr. Draper's letter supporting Lykes Brothers' plan for the conversion of Nicodemus Slough into a shallow holding tank for industrial-strength polluted water from Lake Okeechobee shows his true colors. He will sacrifice the migratory roosting site of the rare swallow-tail kites, caracara nesting sites and other habitat in the Everglades to support his power base, Lykes Brothers and other developers.
Supporting development projects regardless of the environmental cost has been a strong pattern of Mr. Draper. He and Lykes Brothers are the authors of the placement of dams in Fisheating Creek, formerly the last unimpeded waterway in South Florida. Local environmental advocates fighting development are often faced with this question from their commissioners: "Why doesn't Florida Audubon object to this?"
One can speculate: Why does Mr. Draper curry favor from large wealthy landowners? Is he going to want their continued support to make another run for agriculture commissioner? Is the Lykes Brothers-connected member of the Florida Audubon board of directors paying his salary?
What is clear is that under Draper's leadership, Florida Audubon has moved its mission from preserving and restoring natural habitats to industrializing them and calling it a victory. Draper boldly stated to the newspaper that the Nicodemus Slough project represents a "very sound investment in storing and cleaning water."
In fact, it is a step backwards for water quality, quantity and the environment.
The amount of water to be stored is so small that neither Lake Okeechobee nor the Caloosahatchee will benefit, but the loss of over 16,000 acres of wildlife habitat will be forever. The 11 billion gallons of projected storage are equal to only one day of high flow on the Caloosahatchee River during peak discharge. A new downstream point source of pollution will be created for receiving Lee County waters!
As for Lake Okeechobee, there is no plan to clean the water or return it to the lake. The amount taken from this 730 square mile lake is insignificant. Between drought and over-allocation, will there ever be enough water to store at Nicodemus Slough?
As for benefiting Fisheating Creek, there is no connection to Fisheating Creek since the Herbert Hoover Dike severed this arm of the creek from its natural flow.
Nicodemus Slough was once so important to the state of Florida that it was part of a public "Save Our Rivers" purchase from Lykes. It is currently identified as a top priority for Florida Forever funds and was a park open to the public. It was later horse-traded back to Lykes in a deal without meaningful public input.
Now the public will pay three times for this ill-advised project: first for the loss of the environment, second for initial and ongoing costs, and third, when Lykes gets the infrastructure back at the end of the 10-year lease.
Decades of ditching, diking and damming have only led us to the need for more. SFWMD should have learned from its dismal track record of failed environmental interventions. If state efforts and resources were put toward cleaning up water pollution at its source rather than sacrificing downstream environments, then real solutions to these problems could be found.
Creating unnatural impoundments got us here in the first place. Let's send SFWMD back to the drawing board and save Nicodemus Slough.
Friday, September 2, 2011
"If A Tree Falls" documentary on the ELF playing in Boca all week
Starting Friday, September 2nd, the film If a Tree Falls, on the Earth Liberation Front, will be screening at FAU's Living Room Theaters. There are currently no other screenings scheduled for FL, so don't miss it!
Directions and details on Living Room Theaters
Times of Film Showings:
Friday, Sept. 2
2:50pm / 5pm / 7:40pm / 9:30pm
Saturday
12:40pm / 2:50pm / 5pm / 7:40pm / 9:30pm
Sunday
12:40pm / 2:50pm / 5pm / 7:40pm / 9:30pm
Monday
12:40pm / 2:50pm / 5pm / 7:40pm / 9:30pm
Tuesday
5pm / 7:40pm / 9:30pm
Wednesday
5pm / 7:40pm / 9:30pm
Thursday
5pm / 7:40pm / 9:30pm
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Developer lobbyist Lisa Maxwell aims to fill shoes of disappeared dolphin dealing mayor in Lake Worth special election
When former Lake Worth Mayor Rene Varela resigned last month, over email, with a days notice, his parting gift to the city was a special election to fill his role. The election is set for June 28, 2011.
And there is a familiar candidate on the coming ballot. Lisa Maxwell, who ran for a commission seat last year, is in the race for Mayor.
Maxwell is a former lobbyist for the Builders Association and employee of Miami-based Lennar Corp., one of South Florida's largest builders.
If that doesn't give you enough of an idea where her priorities and allegiances are, then you can have a look at her financial reports from last year and see proof of donations she received from controversial business Southern Waste Systems (SWS).
Despite ongoing efforts to keep dirty money out of elections, developer candidate Lisa Maxwell accepted $2,500 from 5 different companies all operating out of the SWS facility on the Lantana/Lake Worth border.
Despite these facts, Maxwell is sure to try and convince the public that she is devoted to creating a "green" environment. Don't be fooled by the greenwash.
Aside from these environmental controversies, Maxwell has been involved with a plethora of other lobbyist-oriented drama throughout Palm Beach and Broward Counties, from advocating against unionized teachers, arguing against traffic concurrency requirements and advocating demolition for historic homes. In short, she's the perfect politician. The kind we've had enough of in south Florida.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Scripps/Briger updates and why we need an EIS now!
Hey y'all,
Don't forget that the Monday, June 13 PBCEC meeting is canceled. Instead there will be a door-knocking excursion, leaving Lake Worth from the Night Heron at 5:30pm.
We have made a new brochure for outreach.
And we have also updated the ScrapScripps.info website with new links and information, including a post on legal matters from the treesitters and new sections on:
-Forests & Climate
-Animal Testing; and
-Genetic Engineering
Please help circulate the website through your online networks, and then get off the computer and come meet us in the streets!
And lastly, please check out the sample letter to Eric Reusch Below with several of our concerns which we feel most clearly warrant the need for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Please sign and send the petition below to Eric Reusch IMMEDIATELY at: Eric.G.Reusch@usace.army.mil
For the wild,
Panagioti
______________________________________________________________________________________To: Eric.G.Reusch@usace.army.mil
Dear Eric,
Below is a list of concerns I have for Scripps Biotech Phase II Briger
project. Please hold a public hearing and consider these specific
concerns before approving this project:
1. Briger is suitable habitat for at least 13 federal and state
listed species, this project should not be approved unless a thorough
Environmental Impact Statement is conducted.
2. It is alarming that the search for Eastern Indigo snakes, a
federally protected species, was conducted during some of the coldest
days of 2010, when they are a species that is less active in the cold.
3. It is inadequate that only 1 day of research was conducted in
a manner officially adopted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to
find Eastern Indigo Snakes on a span of 681.69 acres.
4. Briger is within a Core Foraging Area of a Wood Stork
rookery and therefore should be maintained to aid the Wood Stork
population which is also federally protected.
5. The Army Corps is tasked with thoroughly accessing climate
change, carbon emissions and potential for carbon sequestering. Pine
trees, like those on Briger, have been proven to trap 3x more CO2
than other trees, helping to stabilize the climate. It is therefore
imperative that the Corps further analyze the value of Briger through
an Environmental Impact Statement.
Thank you for considering my concerns.
Sincerely,
________________
Don't forget that the Monday, June 13 PBCEC meeting is canceled. Instead there will be a door-knocking excursion, leaving Lake Worth from the Night Heron at 5:30pm.
We have made a new brochure for outreach.
And we have also updated the ScrapScripps.info website with new links and information, including a post on legal matters from the treesitters and new sections on:
-Forests & Climate
-Animal Testing; and
-Genetic Engineering
Please help circulate the website through your online networks, and then get off the computer and come meet us in the streets!
And lastly, please check out the sample letter to Eric Reusch Below with several of our concerns which we feel most clearly warrant the need for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Please sign and send the petition below to Eric Reusch IMMEDIATELY at: Eric.G.Reusch@usace.army.mil
For the wild,
Panagioti
______________________________________________________________________________________To: Eric.G.Reusch@usace.army.mil
Dear Eric,
Below is a list of concerns I have for Scripps Biotech Phase II Briger
project. Please hold a public hearing and consider these specific
concerns before approving this project:
1. Briger is suitable habitat for at least 13 federal and state
listed species, this project should not be approved unless a thorough
Environmental Impact Statement is conducted.
2. It is alarming that the search for Eastern Indigo snakes, a
federally protected species, was conducted during some of the coldest
days of 2010, when they are a species that is less active in the cold.
3. It is inadequate that only 1 day of research was conducted in
a manner officially adopted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to
find Eastern Indigo Snakes on a span of 681.69 acres.
4. Briger is within a Core Foraging Area of a Wood Stork
rookery and therefore should be maintained to aid the Wood Stork
population which is also federally protected.
5. The Army Corps is tasked with thoroughly accessing climate
change, carbon emissions and potential for carbon sequestering. Pine
trees, like those on Briger, have been proven to trap 3x more CO2
than other trees, helping to stabilize the climate. It is therefore
imperative that the Corps further analyze the value of Briger through
an Environmental Impact Statement.
Thank you for considering my concerns.
Sincerely,
________________
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Response to FWS Biological Opinion on Briger/Scripps permit from Army Corps of Engineers
[The following letter (with some minor modifications) was sent to Eric Reusch of the Army Corps of Engineers . The response is in the process of being updated.]
-------------------------------------------------------
Eric,
I am writing on behalf of the Palm Beach County Environmental Coalition (PBCEC) to express support and agreement with the email below, sent by Rachel Kijewski. I share the concerns expressed regarding impacts to Eastern Indigo Snakes and Wood Storks, as well as others related to impacts on regional waterways, including but not limited to the Lake Worth Lagoon/Intercoastal Waterway."
We are still in the process of reviewing the Biological Opinion of the FWS and the Army Corps permit in general. I want to be sure that you know our concerns are not limited to the two species identified in the letter below.
On behalf of the PBCEC, i am also requesting a public hearing where these concerns can be addressed in a manor open and accessible to the public.
Please respond via email to confirm that you have received this letter.
Thank you,
Panagioti Tsolkas
Co-Chair, PBCEC
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rachel Kijewski
Date: Thu, Apr 21, 2011 at 1:35 PM
Subject: Response to FWS Biological Opinion Request for Public Hearing
RE: Scripps Briger
US Army Corps of Engineers
4400 PGA Boulevard, Suite 500
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Office 561-472-3529 Fax 561-626-6971
Dear Eric,
Below is a formal response to the Service's Biological Opinion. Please forward it to the proper authorities if there are others than yourself that need it or if you can, please e-mail me their information.
xxx
My name is Rachel Kijewski of the Palm Beach County Environmental Coalition (PBCEC). I have reviewed the Biological Opinion (BO) released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) regarding the proposed Scripps Briger Development of Regional Impact (DRI) and am formally requesting a public hearing on the project. Based on the data in the BO I have reason to believe that the Service collected insufficient data regarding the presence of Eastern Indigo Snakes (EIS) on the Scripps Briger site and because of this may violate the Incidental Take Limits. I believe insufficient amounts of data were collected for the following reasons:
(1) Both the site visits by the applicant & the Service (Jan 12th 2010 & Feb 8th 2010) were not conducted during the EIS's peak season activity which are fall and summer. During Jan 12th and Feb 8th south Florida was in its winter cycle. 2010 was also a severe winter for south Florida and this may have drastically reduced the sightings of EIS. By failing to conduct a site visit during the summer, the Service, the applicants and Corp failed to visit during egg laying and hatchling time, again reducing their chances of finding EIS.
(2) The data used to estimate the actual presence of EIS on the property is not comparable to the Scripps Briger site; therefore the chances of EIS occurrence may be much higher. In the BO, EIS prime habitat is pine flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods etc. The BO states that Briger is "moderately suitable habitat."
"...forested portions of the site provide ample cover for both eastern indigo snakes and their pray." Pg. 8 pgph 3)
The two habitats used to estimate the amount of EIS on Briger were the native altered habitats at ABS and sugar cane field in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) A-1 Reservoir Project site.
"There is uncertainty around these estimates because they were not based on similar types of habitat but the study sites were located in similar latitudes in Florida. As this is the best data available, we believe the comparisons are valid and represent a conservative approach." (pg. 7 pgph 3)
Not only were they not similar habitats, but according to the BO they were not as suitable of habitat for EIS as Briger was. This lack of trust in the comparison by the Service using the studies as a comparison demonstrates a lack of thorough investigation of EIS on the Scripps Briger site and a lack of suitably comparable sites.
(3) It is concerning that at the Palm Beach Gardens (PBG) City Council 2010 Quasi-Judicial hearing on April 1st regarding the Scripps Briger site that the evidence presented stated that no EIS were found. The BO however presented a different story.
"While on site, the dog signaled the possible presence of a snake in a gopher tortoise burrow: however the burrow was not scoped to confirm presence." (Pg 7 pgph 1)
"On the particular survey, the dog showed interest in several areas on the eastern portion on the site. However we were not permitted to bring the dog into the pasture and barn area per the lessee's request." (Pg. 9 pgph 2)
"The positive indications from the detector dog supports the Services belief that the entire site could be used by indigo snakes."
(pg. 9 pgph 2)
There is a possibility that PBG city council was not given an honest account of EIS presence, were not given the impression that there was a high expectation of EIS on the property, and that the potential evidence to prove EIS existence on the Scripps Briger site was not collected fully, or in a proper manner.
(4) Another concern is the duration of validated time the Corps, FWS and applicant spent on looking for EIS. Since FWS has "not officially adopted" the survey methodology of using a trained animal to detect and alert the handler of Indigo Snakes presence, this data should not be usable toward the time spend on searching out EIS. That means that only a single day was put into scanning 681.69 acres of property, of which parts were scanned, is also unclear in the BO.
(5) We have on record (can provide on request) that the applicant sited 65 Gopher Tortoise burrows. It is unclear why the amount of burrows was left out of the BO, as EIS are known to reside in them.
"The consultants also reported several gopher tortoise burrows on site, in which indigo snakes are known to reside. However the dependence on these burrows is thought to be less in South Florida." (Pg. 9 pgph 1)
No references were provided to prove that dependence on burrows is less in South Florida; therefore the Service has failed to provide evidence that it is in fact less and not based on speculation.
(6) From the BO it appears that habitat loss is the number one threat to EIS. If this is so, even .05% (which is the approximate equation of EIS habitat Briger encompasses) loss of habitat for a federally listed as threatened species is important to its survival. There is insufficient evidence that the loss of Briger will not impact the population of EIS.
We also have concerns regarding the federally-listed Wood Storks impacted by the project, including but not limited to:
(1) Briger is within a Core Foraging Area (CFA) of a Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) rookery. The BO is not clear as to what part of Briger that the CFA covers and how development will impact the CFA.
(2) Enclosed is a document titled Impacts to Listed Species and Threatened Habitat on Proposed Scripps Phase II Development which was produced by citizen surveyors of PBCEC in the winter of 2010. Although not a federally listed species, the hand fern (Ophioglossum Palmatum) is a state listed endangered species of Florida. Citizen
surveyors documented over 50 colonies of hand ferns on the Briger site whereas ESI Consultants documented finding only 2. This massive discrepancy in the finding of a single species is alarming and could indicate the lack of thoroughness that ESI consultants conducted their surveys of federally listed species as well.
Due to these concerns above, I feel there is a lack of evidence demonstrating thorough investigation of the Scripps Briger action area. Please hold a public hearing on the Scripps Briger plan and I am requesting an Environmental Impact Statement to be conducted on the site before the Corps moves further.
Sincerely,
Rachel Kijewski
Palm Beach County Environmental Coalition
1307 Central Terrace
Link to Impacts to Listed Species and Threatened Habitat Document:
https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B6TlWTWa1h34Yzk5NWM3OGQtMjZjZi00ZTQ2LTlmYjQtY2FkNWEyNDBjNjg5&hl=en&pli=1
Lake Worth, FL 33460
-------------------------------------------------------
Eric,
I am writing on behalf of the Palm Beach County Environmental Coalition (PBCEC) to express support and agreement with the email below, sent by Rachel Kijewski. I share the concerns expressed regarding impacts to Eastern Indigo Snakes and Wood Storks, as well as others related to impacts on regional waterways, including but not limited to the Lake Worth Lagoon/Intercoastal Waterway."
We are still in the process of reviewing the Biological Opinion of the FWS and the Army Corps permit in general. I want to be sure that you know our concerns are not limited to the two species identified in the letter below.
On behalf of the PBCEC, i am also requesting a public hearing where these concerns can be addressed in a manor open and accessible to the public.
Please respond via email to confirm that you have received this letter.
Thank you,
Panagioti Tsolkas
Co-Chair, PBCEC
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rachel Kijewski
Date: Thu, Apr 21, 2011 at 1:35 PM
Subject: Response to FWS Biological Opinion Request for Public Hearing
RE: Scripps Briger
US Army Corps of Engineers
4400 PGA Boulevard, Suite 500
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Office 561-472-3529 Fax 561-626-6971
Dear Eric,
Below is a formal response to the Service's Biological Opinion. Please forward it to the proper authorities if there are others than yourself that need it or if you can, please e-mail me their information.
xxx
My name is Rachel Kijewski of the Palm Beach County Environmental Coalition (PBCEC). I have reviewed the Biological Opinion (BO) released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) regarding the proposed Scripps Briger Development of Regional Impact (DRI) and am formally requesting a public hearing on the project. Based on the data in the BO I have reason to believe that the Service collected insufficient data regarding the presence of Eastern Indigo Snakes (EIS) on the Scripps Briger site and because of this may violate the Incidental Take Limits. I believe insufficient amounts of data were collected for the following reasons:
(1) Both the site visits by the applicant & the Service (Jan 12th 2010 & Feb 8th 2010) were not conducted during the EIS's peak season activity which are fall and summer. During Jan 12th and Feb 8th south Florida was in its winter cycle. 2010 was also a severe winter for south Florida and this may have drastically reduced the sightings of EIS. By failing to conduct a site visit during the summer, the Service, the applicants and Corp failed to visit during egg laying and hatchling time, again reducing their chances of finding EIS.
(2) The data used to estimate the actual presence of EIS on the property is not comparable to the Scripps Briger site; therefore the chances of EIS occurrence may be much higher. In the BO, EIS prime habitat is pine flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods etc. The BO states that Briger is "moderately suitable habitat."
"...forested portions of the site provide ample cover for both eastern indigo snakes and their pray." Pg. 8 pgph 3)
The two habitats used to estimate the amount of EIS on Briger were the native altered habitats at ABS and sugar cane field in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) A-1 Reservoir Project site.
"There is uncertainty around these estimates because they were not based on similar types of habitat but the study sites were located in similar latitudes in Florida. As this is the best data available, we believe the comparisons are valid and represent a conservative approach." (pg. 7 pgph 3)
Not only were they not similar habitats, but according to the BO they were not as suitable of habitat for EIS as Briger was. This lack of trust in the comparison by the Service using the studies as a comparison demonstrates a lack of thorough investigation of EIS on the Scripps Briger site and a lack of suitably comparable sites.
(3) It is concerning that at the Palm Beach Gardens (PBG) City Council 2010 Quasi-Judicial hearing on April 1st regarding the Scripps Briger site that the evidence presented stated that no EIS were found. The BO however presented a different story.
"While on site, the dog signaled the possible presence of a snake in a gopher tortoise burrow: however the burrow was not scoped to confirm presence." (Pg 7 pgph 1)
"On the particular survey, the dog showed interest in several areas on the eastern portion on the site. However we were not permitted to bring the dog into the pasture and barn area per the lessee's request." (Pg. 9 pgph 2)
"The positive indications from the detector dog supports the Services belief that the entire site could be used by indigo snakes."
(pg. 9 pgph 2)
There is a possibility that PBG city council was not given an honest account of EIS presence, were not given the impression that there was a high expectation of EIS on the property, and that the potential evidence to prove EIS existence on the Scripps Briger site was not collected fully, or in a proper manner.
(4) Another concern is the duration of validated time the Corps, FWS and applicant spent on looking for EIS. Since FWS has "not officially adopted" the survey methodology of using a trained animal to detect and alert the handler of Indigo Snakes presence, this data should not be usable toward the time spend on searching out EIS. That means that only a single day was put into scanning 681.69 acres of property, of which parts were scanned, is also unclear in the BO.
(5) We have on record (can provide on request) that the applicant sited 65 Gopher Tortoise burrows. It is unclear why the amount of burrows was left out of the BO, as EIS are known to reside in them.
"The consultants also reported several gopher tortoise burrows on site, in which indigo snakes are known to reside. However the dependence on these burrows is thought to be less in South Florida." (Pg. 9 pgph 1)
No references were provided to prove that dependence on burrows is less in South Florida; therefore the Service has failed to provide evidence that it is in fact less and not based on speculation.
(6) From the BO it appears that habitat loss is the number one threat to EIS. If this is so, even .05% (which is the approximate equation of EIS habitat Briger encompasses) loss of habitat for a federally listed as threatened species is important to its survival. There is insufficient evidence that the loss of Briger will not impact the population of EIS.
We also have concerns regarding the federally-listed Wood Storks impacted by the project, including but not limited to:
(1) Briger is within a Core Foraging Area (CFA) of a Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) rookery. The BO is not clear as to what part of Briger that the CFA covers and how development will impact the CFA.
(2) Enclosed is a document titled Impacts to Listed Species and Threatened Habitat on Proposed Scripps Phase II Development which was produced by citizen surveyors of PBCEC in the winter of 2010. Although not a federally listed species, the hand fern (Ophioglossum Palmatum) is a state listed endangered species of Florida. Citizen
surveyors documented over 50 colonies of hand ferns on the Briger site whereas ESI Consultants documented finding only 2. This massive discrepancy in the finding of a single species is alarming and could indicate the lack of thoroughness that ESI consultants conducted their surveys of federally listed species as well.
Due to these concerns above, I feel there is a lack of evidence demonstrating thorough investigation of the Scripps Briger action area. Please hold a public hearing on the Scripps Briger plan and I am requesting an Environmental Impact Statement to be conducted on the site before the Corps moves further.
Sincerely,
Rachel Kijewski
Palm Beach County Environmental Coalition
1307 Central Terrace
Link to Impacts to Listed Species and Threatened Habitat Document:
https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B6TlWTWa1h34Yzk5NWM3OGQtMjZjZi00ZTQ2LTlmYjQtY2FkNWEyNDBjNjg5&hl=en&pli=1
Lake Worth, FL 33460
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tree sitters Arrested, More Trees Cut... Struggle Continues!
From ScrapScripps.info:
After arresting two tree sitters along Donald Ross Road, Palm Beach Gardens Police admitted to cutting multiple trees in the Briger forest, including trees in areas designated as a “preserve” in development permit, as well as an area of public land, owned by the residents of Palm Beach County.
The arrests have resulted in news stories across the country, and an upsurge of public support. We lament the loss of these trees—among the last remaining mature native Slash Pine in all of south Florida’s eastern corridor—and we commit to making this the rallying call to end the Scripps Biotech plan before any more endangered species habitat is lost to the forces of corruption and greed.
-----------------------------------------------
This news clip from earlier in the week looks like it came out in response to a press release by the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department:
Below is my response to the above story:
Following the arrests, we learned that, on both occasions, it was the Police themselves who cut the trees, left a mess of a smashed tree sit and stole any gear of value that was suspended from them. They were bragging about cutting the trees to the people they arrested. You can now see the photos of one of the sites that was cut (which were also shown in last night's Ch 12 news.) That was the "mess". I guess trees standing upright is a mess to them. [The photos can also be seen at www.scrapscripps.info in the "photo gallery"]
Some questions we are left asking: Are public law enforcement dollars being used to cut these trees for a private development? Did the private landowner or the County hire the Gardens police to cut the trees? It was clear that there was no need to cut trees to get a tree sit down. It was done out of spite.
We hope to uncover answers to some of these questions.
Stay tuned for the next steps in the resistance effort to stop Scripps
from destroying Briger forest...
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Briger Forest Tree sit nears one month in resistance to Scripps Biotech
Monday, March 14th, 2011, marks one month of occupying the canopy of Briger forest in opposition to the Scripps Phase II expansion plans. JOIN US! We will be meeting to rally at the corner of Donald Ross and Parkside, 4pm-6pm, across from FAU and Abacoa.
Please being signs and banners, drums and noise-makers, friends and families. We will also be collecting donations of non-perishable food and financial support to continue sustaining the tree sit.
[Click here for details on donating]
For more background on the campaign, check out the new FAQ section of the ScrapScripps.info website.
Please being signs and banners, drums and noise-makers, friends and families. We will also be collecting donations of non-perishable food and financial support to continue sustaining the tree sit.
[Click here for details on donating]
For more background on the campaign, check out the new FAQ section of the ScrapScripps.info website.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Two Weeks and Counting!
 |
| Briger Forest Tree Sitters hold strong in canopy occupation agianst Scripps Biotech expansion, which would clear 683 acres of Pine Flatwoods, Scrub and wetlands for laboratories and sprawl. |
Monday, February 14, 2011
First-ever Florida Tree-Sit Erected to Defend Briger Forest Tract from Development
Two Palm Beach County Environmental Coalition members, Russ and Rachel, erected a tree-sit this morning to protest the FAU/Scripps Bio-technology development on the Briger Forest Tract. Law Enforcement have demand the tree-sitters to leave or risk imminent arrest. The two brave activist remain, who are also FAU Alumni, suspended 40 feet from the ground, holding banners that reads “Defend This Forest” and "La Tierra No Se Vende, Se Defiende."
The tree-sitters and their banner are visible from Northbound I-95, at the Donald Ross exit.
Russ and Rachel released the following joint statement: “As FAU graduates and Palm Beach County residents we are dismayed at the lack of protection for the Endangered Species on the FAU/Scripps development site. The Scripps “biotech city” plan promotes sprawl and will destroy endangered species located on the Briger Tract. We have tried legal means to protect the site, but the developers and politicians have ignored our concerns. If the state and county refuse to protect endangered species then we must take action to preserve the remaining natural beauty of Florida.”
In conjunction with the tree-sit, forty protesters converged at the existing FAU/Scripps Florida building. City of Jupiter and FAU campus police responded and briefly detained at least one person.
DONATE - to help us support the tree-sitters with future bail and legal costs! Donations can be made via Paypal to "lynnejpurvis@gmail.com" or dropped off at the Night Heron Activist Center at 1305 Central Terrace Lake Worth
HELP THE TREE-SIT - learn more at www.ScrapScripps.info
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Earth First! calls national attention to south Florida; hosts annual Winter Rendezvous on threatened Fisheating Creek
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Everglades Earth First!
Date: Sat, Jan 22, 2011 at 5:05 PM
For Immediate Release January, 21, 2011
Contact: Everglades Earth First! evergladesearthfirst@gmail.com
Earth First! calls national attention to south Florida; hosts annual Winter Rendezvous on threatened Fisheating Creek
Palmdale, FL— Once again, the Earth First! movement will host its annual national Winter Rendezvous in the swamps of south Florida. This year it will be near the site of controversial Blue Head Ranch land in the Fisheating Creek watershed. The Creek and its headwaters straddle Glades and Highlands County, on the west side of Lake Okeechobee. The event will take place the weekend of February 11-14, 2011 just outside the town of Palmdale.
From: Everglades Earth First!
Date: Sat, Jan 22, 2011 at 5:05 PM
For Immediate Release January, 21, 2011
Contact: Everglades Earth First! evergladesearthfirst@gmail.com
Earth First! calls national attention to south Florida; hosts annual Winter Rendezvous on threatened Fisheating Creek
Palmdale, FL— Once again, the Earth First! movement will host its annual national Winter Rendezvous in the swamps of south Florida. This year it will be near the site of controversial Blue Head Ranch land in the Fisheating Creek watershed. The Creek and its headwaters straddle Glades and Highlands County, on the west side of Lake Okeechobee. The event will take place the weekend of February 11-14, 2011 just outside the town of Palmdale.
The local group, Everglades Earth First!, also hosted the national Rendezvous in 2008. The event resulted in a stand off at an FPL construction site across from the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in which the Sheriff arrested 26 people for a road blockade that shut down operations.
Why Fisheating Creek?
The Creek, which is the last wild waterway that flows to Lake Okeechobee, is prime habitat for the endangered Florida panther, as well as Black Bear and the emblematic Swallowtail Kite. The Fisheating Creek watershed, which is an important part of the northwest Everglades region, is under attack by proposals for development and industrialization.
Primary threats include the approval of massive land use changes for 50,000 acres of urbanization in a substantial part of Fisheating Creek's headwaters (Blue Head Ranch); plans to pump water from the Creek and turn the nearby Nicodemus Slough wetlands into a reservoir; and drawing down of the water table by Cemex's expansion of sand mines around the Creek. Other detrimental plans in the regional include massive infrastructure for development in southwest Florida, namely the Heartland Parkway, and plans for development on endangered Scrub Jay habitat on the nearby Lake Wales Ridge.
"This is one of the most magical places in all of Florida," says local Earth First! organizer Rachel Kijewski. "We can't let it fall victim to the greed and corruption that has swallowed so much of this state."
What is Earth First!?
Earth First! is an international movement which advocates for direct action, including civil disobedience and 'monkeywrenching' (sabotage), to confront local and global environmental problems. For 30 years, the movement has used high-profile protests to draw attention to critical issues for threatened ecosystems and endangered species. The group also calls attention to a biocentric worldview that rejects industrial capitalism and a centralized state in favor of local autonomy and bioregionalism.
While the movement began in the American southwest in 1980, the 80s also saw an Earth First! Presence in Florida, where activist-biologists were calling for wilderness corridors to protect
panther habitat across the state. Today, Earth First! has re-established itself across the peninsula, including a recent move of the Earth First! Journal publication in December 2010 from Arizona to
Lake Worth, Palm Beach County.
What happens at the Rendezvous?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Earth First! Winter Rendezvous 2011
The weekend will include workshops, activist networking, music (featuring some of our local "outlaws of Florida folk") and more, all on the last free flowing waterway that meets Lake Okeechobee--one of the most beautiful places in all of Florida. Some of the last habitat of the panther, now threatened by roads, development, mining, industrial agriculture, corruption and greed.. Come help us fight for it!
The gathering will be on the edge of Palmdale, Glades County, and will take place in a free primitive camping area east of US 27. (turn right on 3rd Street, and right again at Main Street, down dirt road. Look for signs directing cars to parking in this area.) Dogs are prohibited on this on this land.
Across the street is an established state-owned Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC) area with a concession, hookups for RVs and car camping, bathrooms, etc, for folks who prefer that. Details, rates, etc can be found here.
More 2011 EF! Winter Rendezvous details and updates on camp guidelines & policy, including a ride-share board, will be up on the evergladesearthfirst.org site shortly.
For more info on the history of outlaws and direct action on Fisheating Creek click here
--
get involved in Palm Beach County: www.pbcec.org
check out daily eco-action news around the world: www.newswire.
donate or subscribe to the Earth First! Journal: www.earthfirstjournal.org
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