A cool, refreshing drink of water

Happy Thursday! Welcome to my Earth Day blog.

Yes, I realize the actual Earth Day was Tuesday. I was a little preoccupied that day, but didn’t want the week to end without a chat about water.

Several weeks back, various environmental groups invited media types for a boat tour of King’s Bay. Their point was to show the degradation effects of higher sea levels and runoff on coastal islands, waterways, and seagrasses.

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Now, before we go any further, when it comes to science/biology, I'm the opposite of an expert. A solid D-. Worst subject in school, I purposely chose a career that avoided science. 

I’m a dumb it down kind of guy. 1+1=2, that sort of thing. I don’t try to fake intelligence. When it comes to protecting water resources, it’s very basic for me:

• Nutrients are bad for waterways.
• Fertilizers and septic tanks are loaded with nutrients.
• Fertilizers and septic tanks are bad for waterways.

Environmental groups — Sierra Club, Florida Springs Council, and Save the Manatee Club — are urging local governments to adopt ordinances to eliminate the sale of fertilizers in the winter months. The idea being the stuff just washes off lawns and into the groundwater.

I’m not diving into that debate until learning more.

(Mike note: Someone wisely pointed out the proposed fertilizer ban would be for the rainy season, not the dry season. That makes a lot more sense.)

A large part of the challenge water advocates face is most people don’t live on the water, nor do they have a grasp there’s an issue at all.

Here’s what I mean:

You know how we’re getting new residents from urban areas, and they don’t see what the fuss is about our traffic? Those of us with a few years in Citrus County are appalled at the traffic today, and what’s coming tomorrow. If you’re a recent transplant from Miami, this is nothing.

Water advocates hear the same thing, only worse. Their experiences and expertise can point out issues right away. The rest of us only see a beautiful waterway. What’s the problem?

Since we can’t load 170,000 people onto a pontoon boat to tour King’s Bay, my next best suggestion is that Citrus Countians explore waterways on our own.

Citrus County is surrounded by water on three sides. Numerous lakes, canals, and streams can be found throughout the county. The World Headquarters sits on the shores of Big Lake Henderson. I can’t swim a lick, but the watery presence is quite calming.

So, some water thoughts:

— Patrick Rose was on the boat. Patrick is the longtime executive director of Save the Manatee Club and an absolute icon in the field of manatee protection. That’s him in today’s photo.

Patrick has fought state and federal agencies for decades on the manatee’s behalf. I asked if it’s getting better, and he said absolutely yes. He noted manatee sanctuaries in and around Three Sisters Springs, and said the public is much more aware today of manatee do’s and don’ts.

— Efforts by Save Crystal River to remove Lyngbya sediment from the bay’s bottom is showing success. Water, once cloudy, is again clear. We recalled our friend Art Jones, whose “One Rake at a Time” idea of scooping up this gunk literally by hand caught the attention of decision-makers.

Sometimes, that’s what it takes. Government agencies conducted study after study about removing sediment. Then Art goes to the canal outside his house one day with a big rake and starts scooping it up himself. That eventually led to the movement we know as Save Crystal River.

Millions of dollars in state funding, with a similar program in the Homosassa River. These things take time and money, and the bureaucracy is crazy complicated, but I sure admire their dedication.

— I also admire these protectors of the environment. They can be a little pushy, but that’s from decades of HAVING to be pushy to get their points across. They’re advocates who believe very strongly in their cause. When these guys bring me info, I pay attention to it.

— Finally, a suggestion on how Citrus Countians can get an appreciation of saving water resources: Visit the water.

We have so many points of access to surface water in Citrus County that don’t cost a dime to visit. Five favorites:

•  Turner Camp Road boat ramp at the Withlacoochee River.
• Withlacoochee Bay Trail along the Cross Florida Barge Canal, culminating at the Gulf. 
• MacRae’s bait shop on the Homosassa River.
• Chassahowitzka River boat ramp/kayak launch. Technically, there’s a fee to park; I usually stay just a few minutes.
• Ozello boat ramp and community park.

I’m not smart enough to explain the science of protecting our waterways from harm. But I know it starts with awareness. We live in a water community. Go soak it in.

Have a tremendous Thursday, friends.

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