HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 10 09 Other Handout Given By Mr. Mike Barr
Date: October 9, 2006
The attached was discussed and presented by
Mr. Mike Barr, Chair, Seminole Soil and Water
Conservation District Chase during an un-
Agenda'd discussion at the October 9, 2006 City
Commission Regular Meeting.
Friends of Natural Lands and Trails
Benefits
of Natural Lands and Trails
J; Increases property values
J; Benefits the economy
J; Provides natural protection
J; Preserves wildlife habitat
J; Provides recreational
resources
We want to help Seminole County
voters understand the
economic and ecological values of
Natural Lands and Trails
Vote "Yes" for Nature
Pd. Pol. Ad\. Paid for in-kind by Michael Barr. PO Box 4243. Winter Park. FL 32783, approved by the Friends of NallJrdl Lands
and Trails. 108 W Commercial SL Sanford. FL 32771 <> 407~321-X212 <-" VotcYesforNaturc.com
Friends of Natural Lands and Trails
108 West Commercial Street
Sanford, FL, 32171
407 -321-8212
Vote "Yes" for
Natural Lands and Trails
YES
COUNTY REFERENDUM
Authorization of an
additional tax for
environmentally sensitive
lands, trails, and
pedestrian bridges
VoteYesForNature.com
Seminole Soil & Water
Conservation District
108 W. Commercial Street
Sanford, FL 32771
407.321.8212 - SSWCB.org
2006 SSWCD Board & Executive Director
Left to Right. Danny DeCiryan, Supervisor;
Sean Concannon, Tresurer; Michael Barr, Chair;
Steve Edmonds, Vice-Chair; Michelle Thatcher,
Executive Director; Leslee Berryman, Secretary.
The Seminole Soil & Water Conservation
Distrcit (SSWCD) Board assists Seminole
County landowners and land-users in
making the best use of our natural
resources. The SSWCD is administered by
five non-salaried, locally elected, public
officials who serve as District Supervisors
for four years. Their Executive Director
coordinantes the Board projects and
supervises the day-to-day activities.
The SSWCD is funded solely by
donations, grants and service contracts.
All of our service and programs are supported by
dedicated volunteers investing thousands of hours.
If you would like to get involved and help us preserve
our natural resources, please call
Michelle Thatcher at 407.321.8212 or visit our
website SSWCD.org and start today!
SSWCD projects for 2006...
" Water-Wise Yards
" Black Hammock Watershed
Improvement District
" Envirothon
" Enviro-Camp
" Educational Gardens
" Cameron Ranch
" Conserve All Ways; Inc.
· Adopt a Spot
" Soil Surveys for Seminole County
" Water Conservation Month
Distribute From Eden to Sahara, Florida's Tragedy
" Community Event Outreach Booths
.. Mobile Irrigation Lab
.. Conservation library
" Grantsmanship
" Cooperating Agencies
" Recycling Programs
.. Regional Studies
.. Environmental Newspaper Column
" Monofilament Recovery &
Recycle Program
.. Florida Sprawl Publication
" Administration of Association of
Florida Conservation Districts
" Speech Contest
.. Poster Contest
`
Native Wildflowers
are perfect for your yard
because they...
. Are beautiful
. DO NOT need extra water
or fertilizatIon
. Survive well because they are
adapted to ollr climate
. ,Are natural attractors to
buttedlies & birds
Planting your Native Wildflower seeds:
I Clear an area
2. Evenly disrribute seeds
3. Wait for them to bloom
Seminole Soil & Water
Conservation District
Our mission is to:
Promote natural resource conservation
through technology and education to land
owners and water consumers and
Provide information for land and water use
management practives that will conserve,
improve and sustain the natural environment
of Seminole County.
(5) More beautiful and modem landscapes are achreved by having a plan tllat makes use of vallous sIZes of
native shnJbs and wddflo....vers. mulch and other natural rnater-'la!s that Jequ!1c: lit1le {X no 'ovater to n1dlntaln
thew beauty.
. Less maintenance IS requlrB:i to maintaIn well-design~d '"ater"Wlse landscape, rhe seasonal changes
In flowers and shrubs enhance the beauty of yor horne and keep lour gr-ounds lntel"'f'\t1ng. Abundant
Wildflowers WIll also attract butterflies and humming birds.
Less fertilizers are needed when we use wildflowers and native plants which are naturally suited to
Central Florida's unique and varied environment. This reduces the adverse affect that excess
fertilizers have on our rivers, lakes and the aquifer, and will help preserve Florida's water resources.
Less water is required to maintain a healthy, beautiful landscape. With a huge increase in water rates,
using water-wise landscaping methods will financially benefit you and your family. Native Florida wildflowers
and other native plants thrive in our unique climate requiring little or no watering.
Environmentally friendly landscaping is being required in more and more communities
everyday. Landscaping requirements are mandating a greater use of native and water-friendly
plants. Native Florida wildflowers add color and beauty to any landscape and they are the
ultimate environmentally friendly plant!
Since 1513, when Ponce de Leon names this paradise "La Florida" (land of flowers),
native wildflowers have endured the pressures of "progress".
In 1999, to acknowledge the economic,
ecologiC. and aesthetic significance of native
wildflowers. the Florida Legislature created.
by stature. the FlOrida Wildflower License
Plate. With the purchase of each Flonda
Wildflower License Plate. $15.00 becomes
available for' research. education. and
comnlunity based native wildflower
planting pmJects
For more information. vrsrt
www.wildflowertag.com
A Natural Path for the Future:
The 2006 Natural Lands & Trails Programs.
On election day, Seminole County voters will decide whether to extend
Seminole County's Natural Lands & Trails Programs.
What is the 2006 Natural Lands and Trails Referendum?
This referendum gives YOU a chance to help preserve green space and
extend the trails system in Seminole County These programs provide natural
areas for recreation, education and alternative transportation choices for both
residents and vistors to enjoy.
What will this referendum mean to you?
Additional Passive Recreation Areas
Preservation of Wildlife Habitat
Additional Trail Corridors and Trail Bridges for your safety
Preservation of Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Aquifer
Recharge Areas
How will the programs be funded?
It is anticipated that dedicating 0.20 over a 10 year period would
generate over $70 million. The funding would further enhance both the
Natural Lands and Trails programs, with not less than 50% dedicated to
Natural Lands acquistition. The average home value for tax assessment
purposes in Seminole County is $175,000 homestead exemption,
the cost of approval will be approximately $30.00 per year.
Seminole County Government
A Natural Path for the Future:
The 2006 Natural Lands & trails Referendum
Senlinole Soil & Water Conservation District
Conserve All Ways, Inc.
lOX Vv'cst COl1ll11ercial Street. Sanford. FL 32771
2005-2006 Annual Plan
4 Water Wise Yards
4 Cooperating Agencies
4. Educational Gardens
'" Envirothon
4 Adopt-A-Spot
.... Black Hammock Watershed Improvement District
... Grantsmanship
4 County Soil Survt'Ys
"'- Mobile Irrigation Laboratory
4.. Cameron Ranch
"- Conserve All \Vays. I nt~.
... Water Conservation Month
.. Community Event Outreadl Booths
'* ~~Water Conservation Night" with the Orlando l\1agic
4 Conservation Library
4 Recycling Programs
.. Environmental Newspapt'r Column
.. Environmental Education \Vindow Display
... Regional Studies
... HFrom Eden to Sahara: Florida's Tragedy"
Project Description:
An educational program designed to teach homeowners, in a non-threatening and positive manner,
the wisdom of planting water wise-yards and having a water-wise community.
Our primary target audience is homeowners associations, however, with slight modifications; the
program can be presented to any group. We have a power point presentation that takes 10-12
minutes to present and is followed by a Q & A session.
Project Goals:
1. To reduce water consumption in Seminole County.
2. Conduct Power Point presentations to HOA's or other groups in 2005.
3. Review and make recommendations for modifying HOA's Landscaping Covenants.
4. Write lO new Water Wise articles for print or on-line media
5. Place 12 Water-Wise articles in local newspapers.
6. Award homes Water-\Vise Yard Awards, with local print media coverage.
7. Distribute Water-Wise fliers at presentations or other" outreach opportunities.
8. Coordinate and report to Seminole County's Water Conservation Coordinator.
9. Report on a regular basis our progress with St Johns River Water Management District.
Cooperating Agencies
Project Description:
Establish cooperative relationships with other existing governmental agencies and non-governmental
organizations in our region. These would include. but not be limited to: Seminole County. Altamonte
Springs. Casselben-y. Lake Mary, Longwood, Oviedo. Sanford & Winter Springs, U.S. Conservation
District, United States Depm1ment of Agriculture USDA. Natural Resources Conservation Service NRCS.
Florida Department of Agriculture, St. John's River Water Management District, Florida Association of
Conservation Districts. Volllsia Soil and Water Conservation District. Orange Soil and Water
Conservation District, Lake Soil and Water Conservation District. Friends of Lake JeslIp, Sustainable
Community Advisory Council. Thc Sierra Club .~ Central Florida Chapter, Florida Envirothon, Inc., Black
Hammock Association and Seminole Audubon Society.
Projcct Goals:
I. To work with governmental agencies and other organizations to review and enhance planning and
development documents such as: Comprehensive Plans. Land Development Code. Rural Land
Study. Clean Water Act etc..
2. To work with agencies for disaster preparedness and response
3. To maintain reciprocal relationships with groups and organizations that determines conservation
policy
a. Establish communication links with various agencies to:
i. Alert us to items that impact Seminole County's or regional natural resources.
ii. Request our assistance on items that impact Seminole County's or regional natural
resources.
b. Attend & participate ill planning session meetings of the County. Cities, State and Federal
agencies
c. Explore educational resource sharing i.e. our resource lending library
d. Recruit and train specialists to provide professional expertise
Educational Gardens
Project Description:
To educate elementary and middle school students about the environment, native plants, water use and
related subjects. Through direct student. teacher and facilitator involvement plants are selected, a garden
is designed. a site prepared and planted. Students will have a selection of native and water wise plants to
use as a focal point in the garden design; a curriculum will be developed to teach the benefits of using
native plants to facilitate soil and \vater conservation. After a successful pilot butterfly garden in 2004 at
Sanford Middle School; we plan to develop 5 school gardens in 2005/2006 and work with Seminole
County Public Schools to develop a pilot curriculum to present to the school board for 2006/2007.
Project Goals:
I) Children (and adults) have a natural fascination with butterflies. Using plants that act as butterfly
attractors we will teach the benefits on using native plants for soil and water conservation. In
addition, we will create an appreciation for the benefits of insect pollinators. Many of our native
plant species are in decline because of a decrease in insect pollinators, resulting in 10\v seed
production. Many crops also produce lower yields because of low pollinator populations.
2) Identify five elementary or middle schools to participate in the project
3) Develop a team of teachers, facilitators and master gardeners to design a curriculum for wider use
in the county science programs for 2006/2007.
4) Present the pilot curriculum to the School Board for use in 2006
5) Develop a pilot project for urban organic gardens for 2006.
6) Involve and educate the student populations (sciences focused) of 5 schools in the project with an
estimated impact of 500 students.
7) Involve and educate Parent Teacher Associations in the 5 target schools with an estimated impact
of 1000 adults through presentations and collateral materials
8) Train and involve the students in site preservation and care.
Envirothon
Project Description
The Regional Envirothon is an outdoor, hands-on competition and education program tor high school
students that promote good stewardship of the land, while giving students an awareness of environmental
issues and human impacts.
At Florida Envirothon competitions, which are held throughout the state. teams of live students propose
solutions to environmental problems and compete for the highest cumulative score in the following five
areas:
· Aquatics- water ecology, VI/'ater chemistry, water quality. and aquatic life.
· Forestry- tree identification. tree ecology, insects. and timber.
· Oils- classification. fonnation. soil properties. profiles. and site suitability.
· Wildlife- habitat, identilication, food disease, and management.
· Current Environmental Issues annually selected topics such as air resources, non-native
invasive plants, or other current issues.
The Florida Association of Conservation Districts works in partnership with federal and state agencies to
coordinate teacher workshops and to host the Florida r-::nvirothon competitions. The success of the
Regional Envirothon can be credited to a group of sponsors. contributors and volunteers from local
businesses, school districts, and community organizations.
Project Goals:
I. To provide a unique educational opportunity for Seminole County High School students.
2. To promote, through media coverage, a greater environmental awareness in our community.
3. Solicit the Association of Florida Conservation Districts to provide greater resources to the
\vinning teams.
Adopt-A-Spot
Project Description:
Adopt-A-Spot gives civic-minded individuals. organizations. and businesses the opportunity to participate
in creating a cleaner. more beautiful Seminole County. Groups may choose to adopt a river, lake, park,
and other areas. The program will also feature educational outreach training hefore cleanup occurs.
The Adopt-a-Spot River/Lake will be developed in conjunction with the Seminole County Public Works
Department/Stonnwater Division/ W A V's. Parts of a Seminole County rivers and lakes will be sectioned
ofT and adopted by an individual or group for bi-annual cleanup.
Project Goals:
1. Identify groups or organization to choose key locations to help maintain
2. Develop a maintenance plan for each location
3. Develop and schedule and calendar for clean-ups.
4. Develop an educational training program for the groups interested in helping maintain and
beautify Seminole County.
5. Work with Seminole County Storm Water. W A V program. All 7 Seminole County Cities. State
Park System. State Forests Seminole Public Works and St. John's River Water Management
District on Adopt-A-Spol River/Lake program.
Black Hammock
Watershed Improvement District
Project Description
SSWCD is working with the Black Hammock Association/ Community, Florida Department of
Agriculture(FDACS), United States Department of Agriculture/ Natural Resource Conservation Service
(LJSDA/NRCS), Seminole County Government St Johns River Water Management District and many
other organizations to look at the feasibility of setting up a Watershed Improvement District.
Florida Statute 582.331-582.48
A Watershed Improvement District is a sub-district of soil and water conservation districts, in accordance
with the provisions of Florida Statutes 582, for the development and execution of plans and projects f()r
works of improvement for the control and prevention of soil erosion, flood prevention, conservation,
development and utilization of soil and water resources, disposal of water, fish and wildlife or
recreational development, preservation and protection of land and water resources, and protection and
promotion of the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state.
Steps required to establish a Watershed Improvement District:
I. Land Owners to File a Petition with the Soil and Water Conservation District
2. Notice and Public Hearing on Petition
3. Determination and Feasibility of Proposed District
4. Define the Boundaries of Proposed District
5. Referendum
6. Consideration of Results of Referendum
7. Declaration of Organization of District
8. Organization of District (Certification to clerk of circuit courts, limitation on tax rate, etc.)
9. Nominate Candidates j()r Directors
10. Vote for Board of Directors
II. Establish Duties and Compensation f()r Board of Directors
Grantsmanship
Project Description:
Research and develop grants for disaster relief funding (USDA). Develop other alternative sources for
pilot, ongoing or special projects of local or regional value.
Project Goals:
1. Set up and work with county on steps needed tlJr disaster relief funding to ensure a rapid and
maximum r,esponse
2. Research availability of grants for Black Hammock Watershed Improvement District.
3. Research availability of educational grants for conservation.
4. Research availability of corporate and foundation grants for community redevelopment.
5. Maintain Conserve All Ways, Tnc 501 (c) (3) status
County Soil Surveys
Soil Survey of
Seminole County,
Florida
Project Description:
The SSWCD supplies Soil Surveys of Seminole County to companies and individuals who are seeking
land planning information.
A Soil Survey contains information that can be used in land planning programs. It contains predictions of
soil behavior for selected land uses. The survey also highlights limitations and hazards inherent in the
soil, improvements needed to overcome the limitations and the impact of selected land uses on the
environment.
Great differences in soil types can occur within short distances. Some soils are seasonally wet or subject
to flooding. These and many other soils properties that affect land use are described in the soil survey.
Project Goals:
I. The SS WCD seeks to provide Soil Surveys of Seminole and Orange County free of charge to a
broad range of user which include, but are not limited to: developers, citizens, fanners, ranchers,
foresters, agronomists, planners, community officials, engineers, builders, teachers: and specialists
in recreation, wildlife management. waste disposal & pollution control.
2. The SSWCD \vill send Soil Surveys to all interested parties. regardless of location.
Mobile Irrigation Laboratory
Project Description:
With the financial support of United State Departmcnt of AgriculturelNatural Resource Conservation
Service, St Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Department of Agriculture, the
SSWCD will have a Mobile Irrigation Laboratory (MIL) to educatc homeowners, irrigation specialists,
and system operators to maximizc the et1iciency of their irrigation systems. This will provide a
foundation, in coqjunction with SSWCD's Water Wise Yards Program, for protecting water quality and
quantity in the Seminole County area.
The system will measure and detect the uniformity, pressure and flow rates. This will show the
homeowner how to save water, money, and energy by applying simple irrigation and landscaping
techniques and methods. Other similar systems, in other areas of Florida, have produced up to substantial
water savings.
Project Goals:
1. To reduce watcr consumption in Seminole County
2. To educatc the homeowner/operator on proper use of irrigation systems
3. To promote Water Wise Landscaping.
Canleron Ranch
Project Description
Provide administrative stewardship on behalf of the St. Johns Water Management District.
The SSWCD through an Intergovernmental Management agreement with the St. Johns River Water
Management District is the lead Manager on District-owned property known as the North Lake Jesup
Tract (Cameron/Little Ranch Property) located in Seminole County, The Cameron Ranch was purchased
by the District for conservation and protection of the land and water resources for public purposes. The
District designated SSWCD as the lead management entity for the administration of the cattle agricultural
lease and the conservation, protection. management, and enhancement of natural resources on the
property.
Project Goals:
To ensure that the 973 acres of pristine natural land is maintained in a manner that is consistent with
stated conservation goals.
Work with the US Conservation District to achieve the first goal.
SSWCD's responsibilities include:
1. Maintain communications with Lessee & St Johns.
2. Monitor the ongoing cattle grazing operation for compliance with the cattle grazing lease
agreement provisions
3. Develop and implement the Conservation Plan
4. Maintain an inspection schedule for the identification of tropical soda apple (TSA)
5. Review Lessee's quarterly reports on status of property.
6. Ensure implementation of Best Management Practices for the cattle operation by the lessee.
7. Monitor cattle stocking rates and grazing impacts to natural communities/range and improved
pastures.
8. Coordinate maintenance of public areas
9. Provide a security presence on the property.
Conserve All Ways, Inc.
Project Description:
SSWCD fonned a non-profit organization called Conserve All Ways, Inc, which is to operate exclusively
for charitable and educational purposes. Conserve All Ways will provide educational and instructional
services regarding natural resources. Conserve All Ways. Inc. will serve as a catalyst for our grants
program. With the non-profit status, which is a 501 ( c) (3). we are now able to apply for a multitude of
grants that would be otherwise unavailable to us as a state entity.
Project Goals:
1. Develop resources necessary to accomplish our primary mission of educating landowners and
land users in conserving our natural resources.
2. Provide part of these resources to the Seminole County's W A V program. Natural Lands etc.
Water Conservation Month
Project Description
Deliver a water conservation message to the residents of Seminole County. The message sent from the
collective political leadership of our seven cities, the county and the state.
Project Goals:
1. Have each of Seminole County and each of our seven cities, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Lake
Mary, Longwood, Oviedo, Sanford & Winter Springs pass proclamations requesting their citizens
conserve our most precious natural resource, water.
2. Present the proclamations to the Governor and Cabinet in Tallahassee along with the State of
Florida's water conservation proclamation.
3. To promote press coverage on the importance of conservation.
Community Event Outreach Booths
Project Description:
Showcasing previous, current, and ongoing projects sponsored by the Seminole Soil and Water
Conservation District. Each booth is arranged to reHect the event attended. The booth consists of a
project show board, table with photos of past and current events, brochures and literature handouts, and a
children's educational table.
We will provide infonnative literature from a variety of sources including SSWCD, St Johns River Water
Management District, Seminole County and the USDA. Our education materials will cover a variety of
topics including: General, project and background information on the SSWCD; How to conserve water
indoors and out doors; Seminole County Natural Lands Programs; Xeriscape Landscaping; Guide to
Storm-water Systems and How Florida Citrus Matters to our Environment. We will provide educational
projects for the children, which will teach the water cycle, the importance of water conservation, and how
to garden without using any harmful chemicals. We will have our Conservation experts available for
questions and advice.
There are six events scheduled so far for 2005/2006.
Project Goals:
1. To educate the youth on the importance of soil and water conservation.
2. To distribute conservation literature to various groups and markets within Seminole County.
3. To heighten community awareness about the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District's
projects and programs.
Water Conservation Night"
with the Orlando Magic
Project Description:
To promote water conservation, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District is partnering with the
Orlando Magic for our 4l1d Water Conservation Night. SSWCD along with Orange Soil and Water
Conservation District (OSWCD) heavily promote this event by distributing over 15,000 fliers and 20,000
emails to city and county employees for the upcoming pre-season game. The Magic will donate
promotional items, including a basketball signed by a Magic player, for the SSWCD raffle that will be
held during our Water Conservation Night at the TD Waterhouse. To aid in promotion of Water
Conservation, Orlando Magic President Pat Williams will do a promotional spot on OGTV or SGTV. An
excerpt of this footage may be used in SSWCD's Water Wise Yards Power Point Presentation given to
Home Owner Associations in Seminole County. SSWCD will have a water conservation booth providing
educational materials and literature, as well as experts to answer questions and give advice on how to
conserve water. Water Conservation Night is an incredible tool for community outreach education and
awareness. It also provides us with a solid partnership with which we can gain more media exposure and
additional corporate partners
Project Goals:
1. To educate the youth on the importance of soil and water conservation.
2, To distribute conservation literature to various groups and markets within Seminole County and
Orange County.
3. To heighten community awareness about the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District's
projects and programs.
Conservation Library
Project Description:
Provide a reference resource for interested persons to access a variety of print materials, electronic media,
maps and recordings relating to soil and water conservation. The library will provide local. regional and
national content for research, planning, revie\v or general information. The Conservation Library will be
at the SSWCD office at 222 East First Street in Sanford Florida.
Project Goals:
1. To increase the volume by 100 books annually.
2. To create a user-friendly check-out system.
3. To promote the availability of the resource.
Recycling Programs
Project Description:
SSWCD will be working with the Premier Recycling Program, The Funding Factory, to help encourage
Seminole County Citizens to recycle ink cartridges and cell phones. This will help protect our water and
soil supply by eliminating these products from being deposited within our landfills. Our staff and
volunteers will solicit governmental agencies, businesses, and personal users to collect ALL cartridges
and put them in our prepaid postage boxes. They are then sent off for a refund for every cartridge
recycled.
The main work will be getting the initial involvement from the corporations to set up a recycling
depository to collect cartridges. The next greatest task will be following up and collecting.
Project Goals:
1. To help all understand the value of greater degrees of recycling in:
a. SchooL
b. Workplace,
c. Local community
d. Home
2. To identify the extent ofrecycling currently available and to work to extend that to the next level.
Environmental Newspaper Column
Project Description:
SSWCD will provide local newspapers \vith timely, insightful and environmental articles highlighting
conservation efforts within Seminole County. These will include, but not be limited to SSWCD's
projects. Ideas for columns: 1. Introduction to SSWCD 2. Discussion of Seminole County's Natural Land
Program. 3. Conservation of Seminole County over last 30 years from farm and ranch land to suburban
sprawl. 4. Our Aquifer: 5. Our springs. How many springs do you think are in Seminole County? 6.
Rural Land Study. 7. What is sustainable growth? 8. What is a 'Conservation Community'? 9.
Waterwise yard programs? 10. Butterfly gardens? 11. Wekiva River issues 12. Econlockhatchee issues
13. Lake Jesup issues 14. River clean ups? 15. Environmental Arts? (Tom Sadler, painter of Wekiva and
other area landscapes, Bill Belleville, nature writer, musical artists nature photographers, poets etc)
Project Goals:
1. To establish a column that explores the conservation issues in Seminole County
2. To provide a resource of tollow-up contact infom1ation for the public.
3. To provide resources to enhance the public educational system with regard to environmental
Issues.
Environmental Educational Window Display
Project Description:
Because of our ideal location in historic downtown Sanford at 222 last First Strcet SSWCD has a special
advantage of reaching the community in a unique way. As an educational outlet. SSWCD will create an
environmental window display each month highlighting a varil'l) of topics. hleh winchm will be geared
to teach the general public the importance of consen ation and encourage them to become an active
member in their community. Our volunteers \vill be the creative initiators or each displa: and will work
with the Supervisors and Staff for guidance on subject matter.
Project Goals:
1. To educate the public on soil and water conservation
2. To recruit volunteers.
Regional Studies
Project Description:
Provide an outreach to neighboring county Soil and Water Districts for mutual inforn1ation and support
concerning regional issues of water quality. drainage. soils conservation and development issues. Disaster
preparedness and response is a topic of current consideration in the wake of recent weather events.
Project Goals:
1. Attend and participate in regional and state Soil and Water Conservation meeting or events to
share information, resources and support to benefit the region.
2. To build working partnerships with governmental, liaison and cItIzen groups to promote the
SSWCB Mission. Provide and information resollrce to the Board on regional topics.
3 . To provide an annllal review of events and develop a planning calendar for future pmiicipation.
"From Eden to Sahara: Florida's Tragedy"
Project Description:
Because of its educational value. SSWCD decided to republish "From Eden to Sahara: Florida's
Tragedy". It is a new and update version of the original 1929 environmental classic with valuable modern
interpretations. It includes a preface by award-winning environmental author and filmmaker Bill Bellville
and also features an introduction by Florida based environmental consultants Dr. Jay Exum, a wildlife
ecologist, and botanist Randy Mejeur. M.S. that places Small's comments into a scientific context. In
addition to reprinting most of Small's original photos, this edition also includes a practical annotated
glossary to update Small's text.
Project Goals:
I. Sell and market books
a. Contact Libraries, Museums, High Schools, Community Colleges, Universities, Soil &
Water Boards, Nurseries, private and public gardens, garden clubs, etc. to purchase books
in quantity.
b. Make presentations to clubs and organizations to sell books.
c. Attend events (Book Signings, Native Plant events. etc.) to sell books.
2. Educate the public on the dangers of thoughtless environmental degradation. To educate the public
by looking at the past. Scientists today acknowledge that the continuing loss of ground and
surface \vater are among the greatest threats to the quality of life in Seminole County and our state.
3. Educate the leadership of the state's Libraries, Museums. High Schools. Community Colleges.
Universities. Soil & Water Boards. Nurseries, private and public gardens. garden clubs. etc. on
who and what Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District is.