Keeping up with the Riverkeeper
By George Jones, July  2011
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     Before I get started on this message I want to note the passing of a very good man, and true friend of the Indian River Lagoon!! Mr. Michael B. Kane IV passed away on April 22, 2011. Michael enjoyed the River and was a supporter of the Riverkeeper program, he cared about the River's health, and all those who enjoyed it. Michael's family and friends, in memory of Michael's life, and his love for the River, asked that any donations, or remembrances in his name be directed to the Indian Riverkeeper Program to help us continue our work, and Michael must be smiling a big smile right now, because those donations came at a time when the Riverkeeper Program was facing serious financial times, and about to have to close it's doors. I also personally needed a spiritual lift, and reading some of the cards and letters sent to me about Michael's love for the River, only served to renew my efforts, and help me find a way to keep the program moving forward. I wish to thank the MANY friends and family of Michael B. Kane for you support, wonderful letters, and memories you have shared with me, and this effort that Michael supported even in his passing. To date the Indian Riverkeeper Program has received over $ 3,000.00 in Loving Memory of Mr. Michael Kane IV. My heart goes out to his family and friends for our loss!!

  Alot has happened since my last message and most of it has not been good for the Indian River Lagoon and it's tributaries, but we can thank our elected officials and agency's for that, as they have been hard at work weakening existing rules or laws on just about everything connected to clean water in this State. I could drone on about the failures of the past Legislative session, or the DEP and Numeric Nutrient Criteria failures, but I think I will concentrate on more positive efforts for now, and ask all of you later in the year to act on specific issues, and let your elected officials know how you feel, and also remind them of how they voted to protect or NOT protect the water that belongs to us all.
  I did get re-appointed to the SFWMD Water Resources Advisory Commission, and will be making our voice heard through that venue, as well as several others on Lake "O" and water movement and distribution within the SFWMD system.
I recently was qualified as an expert witness at a State hearing in several areas important to the Riverkeeper program, and testified in the hearing to protect the resources of the Lagoon and Aquatic Preserve. We don't know how the judge will rule, but we put up a strong argument, and think made our case for the Lagoon and it's resources. Being qualified as an expert witness in this case will help in future cases should I be called as a witness. 

  We are going to have a party and fundraiser the end of July at Harry and the Natives Restaurant in Hobe Sound Florida, "The only Waterfront Resturant in Hobe Sound " ------ when it rains !!! That's right on July 30th at 6 P.M. the place to be, will be Harry's for good food, cold adult, and young adult beverages, a great band, as well as unique and wonderful raffle and auction items to bid on and take home to enjoy. look for our poster and info on this site, as well as around town or on our new facebook page. Tickets can be purchased at Harry's or The Snook Nook in Jensen Beach. They will also be available at the door, but advanced purchases will help us get a handle on how we can make sure everyone has a GREAT TIME!!!

  And, last but not least your Riverkeeper attended the Annual Waterkeeper Alliance conference in Chicago from June 22nd to June 26th. This would not have been possible except for the Waterkeeper Alliance ( our parent organization ) giving our program a scholarship and paying for most of the conference costs. It was a very informational and fun event where Waterkeepers from around the world ( about 200 ) get together and discuss their programs, and methods used to effect clean safe Swimable Drinkable, Fishable  waters in their watershed. I thought I had it rough till I spoke with the folks from Iraq and China!!  Those of us from the U.S renewed our vow to fight to protect the Clean Water Act as it approaches it's 40th year anniversary this coming year. It is under attack by short sighted people with an agenda to take away what belongs to the people and give it to big industry and the private sector.

That's all for now, but keep coming back as we will have more on our Event in July, as well as updates on issues of importance to you and the health of our wonderful Indian River Lagoon, and remember to DEMAND CLEAN WATER  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

George L. Jones
Your Indian Riverkeeper