Development and the environment can be compatible. While I know that might seem like an antithetical statement, when greed and power don’t cloud the big picture, it becomes obvious that sustainable growth and a healthy ecosystem must co-exist. In coastal communities like Manatee County, wetlands have never been more important to the health and economy of the region. Rising sea levels, more powerful storms and mushrooming harmful algae blooms like red tide and lyngbya make the point. The time for quick action has never been more urgent and, if you’re not on the water like local anglers, the collapse of the Indian River Lagoon on the east coast and images of starving manatees serve as the proverbial “canary in the coal mine.” Unfortunately, at a time screaming for enlightened leadership, the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted 6-1 to roll back wetland protection, with Commissioner George Kruse dissenting. The move is a not-so-veiled attempt at payback to developers that financed their campaigns. The BOCC members claim there is no science supporting buffers and state minimum standards will protect the local environment.
Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK), reacting to the attempt, convened a panel of experts to explain the detrimental effects on coastal water quality, drinking water quality, habitat and coastal resiliency within Manatee County. In a statement posted to their website, social media and mailed to local news outlets and members, they encourage citizens to get involved in an issue that is sure to impact the lives of countless generations of Manatee County citizens.
Join the discussion on Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Bradenton Woman’s Club and learn the facts from scientists who study wetlands and water quality in our region. The BOCC claims insufficient science to support the language currently in the comprehensive plan, so SCWK is asking researchers who study these issues to give the public facts. Go to www.suncoastwaterkeeper.org/save_our_welands to learn how you can get involved and protect our vital coastal resources. You can also sign their petition and sign up to volunteer. Volunteers will be given scientific information presented by panelists to read into the record at the Oct. 5 county commission meeting. In the words of Abbey Tyrna, SCWK’s executive director, let’s flood them with facts!