Rivers Coalition
March 2026 Newsletter |
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Thursday, March 26, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
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Stuart City Hall Chambers
121 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL |
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| This meeting is in person and via Zoom, and is open to the public, with plenty of free parking available. Email contact@riverscoalition.org for Zoom link. |
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MUCK 101: UNDERSTANDING THE
"BLACK OOZE"
Jim Moir, Executive Director of Indian Riverkeeper, and
Joe Gilio, President of Lake Okeechobee Restoration Initiative (LORI) |
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| What’s that black ooze in our waterways? Find out at this month’s Rivers Coalition meeting, “Muck 101.” Jim Moir and Joe Gilio will walk us through the science of muck—including its limnology (how it behaves in water) and toxicology (its potential impacts)—in the St. Lucie Estuary and Lake Okeechobee. |
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Business Matters:
- Call to Order and Chairman’s Comments: Mark Perry, President
- Business matters and membership roll call
- Welcome new board member Greg Braun
Presentation:
MUCK 101: UNDERSTANDING THE "BLACK OOZE"
Jim Moir, Executive Director of Indian Riverkeeper, and
Joe Gilio, President of Lake Okeechobee Restoration Initiative
Government & Agency Progress Reports:
- Martin County: Amy Eason
- City of Stuart: Ruth Holmes
- State and Federal Agencies:
- SFWMD: TBD
- USACE: Maj. Cory Bell
- Lake Okeechobee Update: Dr. Paul Gray
- State and Federal Legislation: Gil Smart
Coalition Reports:
- Rivers Coalition Committee Updates:
- River Kidz: Casey Darling Kniffin
- Speakers Bureau: Ed Killer
- Local Issues & Estuary Water Quality: Mark Perry
- Seagrass Update: Todd Thurlow
- Riverkeeper Update: Jim Moir
- Member Comments and Announcements
- Adjourn
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Rivers Coalition Meeting February 2026
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How What's Happening in Tallahassee Affects Our Rivers
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| Eve Samples, Executive Director of Friends of the Everglades, and Gil Smart, Executive Director of VoteWater, gave an update on the current legislative session in Tallahassee and how proposed bills may affect our waterways. The minutes of the meeting are available at the bottom of this newsletter and on the Rivers Coalition website. Additionally, the video of the meeting can be viewed here: YouTube. |
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A Rare Comeback Beneath Our Waters
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The Sawfish Nursery?
Harbor Branch has released a study showing that the baby sawfish are using the St. Lucie River as a nursery. Findings reveal that young sawfish lived in the St. Lucie for more than two years using acoustic tracking technology.
“These findings are the first evidence that the (St. Lucie River) is once again functioning as a nursery for this endangered species,” said Sarah Torre, of FAU Harbor Branch. To read the expanded report, visit FAU News Desk.
Thanks to RC Board Member Ed Killer for sharing this update. |
Each year, the Great American Cleanup is organized nationally by Keep America Beautiful and locally in Martin County by Keep Martin Beautiful. A variety of community cleanups, roadway, park and beach cleanups, and beautification and neighborhood revitalization activities take place between March and June.
Volunteers are always needed and are provided with trash bags, gloves, and other cleanup supplies (while supplies last). For information on how to coordinate a cleanup, visit GAC. |
Environmental Stewardship Awards
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April 23, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Willoughby Golf Club
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Celebrate the leaders, innovators, and businesses making a difference at the 2026 Environmental Stewardship Awards—an inspiring evening honoring those advancing environmental stewardship in Martin County. The event features a cocktail hour, auction, and seated dinner as we recognize the people and programs creating meaningful local impact.
Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Reserve your seat today! |
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| Join us in congratulating River Kidz on their 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award nomination! The award ceremony will be held on April 23—see the article above for more details. |
| The River Kidz will be particpating in the Environmental Studies Center's Grandparents' and VIP Day on Saturday, March 28 from 9-12. For more information, visit ESC |
River Kidz joined the fun at the March 7 Sand Spike Shootout, supporting the Indian Riverkeeper.
Photos courtesy of Casey Darling-Kniffin |
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| Eleanor and Hazel Kniffin |
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Rescue the River of Grass
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Sign Now to Join the Movement!
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The Everglades is one of the most critical ecosystems in the world, providing unique habitat for wildlife, protecting the water supply for millions of Floridians and safeguarding our coastal communities and economies. However, this precious resource remains imperiled due to a lack of water storage and treatment. More land is needed to store and clean water from Lake Okeechobee so it can flow into the Everglades and prevent harmful discharges to the northern estuaries.
To address this urgent issue, Friends of the Everglades has launched a campaign aimed at public acquisition of land in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) for environmental restoration.
With your support, we can take meaningful action to restore the Everglades and protect Florida’s environment for future generations. |
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Rivers Coalition Meeting Minutes
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February 26, 2026 Summary of Comments
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Mark Perry called the meeting to order at 11:02 am. There were 50 attendees in person, 20 attendees on ZOOM call.
Minutes taken by Miki Blumenthal, Administrative Assistant.
Business Matters:
Member roll call was taken. Mark Perry welcomed everyone and announced that he has been reaching out to Port St. Lucie and other local agencies to invite them to attend Rivers Coalition meetings.
Presentation: How What’s Happening in Tallahassee Impacts Our Rivers
Eve Samples, Executive Director of Friends of the Everglades, and Gil Smart, Executive Director of VoteWater, gave an update on the current legislative session in Tallahassee and how proposed bills may affect our waterways.
An extended Q&A session followed the presentations. The above presentations in its entirety can be seen at www.riverscoalition.org.
Government & Agency Reports:
Martin County: John Maehl thanked Sen. Harrell for her work on adding an amendment to the Agriculture Enclaves Bill. He shared the good news that the Martin County Forever team had closed the deal on acquiring the Bar-B Ranch and is making good progress on other parcels. He also gave an update on other county projects.
City of Stuart: Campbell Rich, City Commissioner, updated the Rivers Coalition on various projects that the City of Stuart is working on with Ruth Holmes, the city’s environmental attorney, including an EPA water grant application and biosolid legislation.
Town of Sewall’s Point: Bob Daniels, Sewall’s Point Town Manager, introduced himself and discussed a resiliency project that Sewall’s Point is working on.
SFWMD: Dr. Cassondra Armstrong, SFWMD’s Bureau Chief of Applied Sciences, introduced herself and stated she oversees all SFWMD restoration activities. She mentioned that the SFWMD will hold an Open House at their Palm Beach offices on Wednesday and Thursday, March 3 and 4, from 1-3 pm.
Dr. Armstrong proceeded to give a slide presentation on St. Lucie River conditions. The presentations in its entirety can be seen at www.riverscoalition.org.
USACE: Maj. Cory Bell discussed a new initiative recently launched by the USACE called “Build Infrastructure, Not Paperwork.”
Lake O Update: Paul Gray (via Zoom) gave an update on Lake Okeechobee levels and recent fire on the west side of the lake. Right now the level is good for aquatic vegetation recovery.
State and Federal Legislation: See main presentation.
Coalition Reports:
River Kidz: Casey Kniffin (via Zoom) mentioned the recent Waterways Day activity that the River Kidz participated in. Upcoming events include the Indian Riverkeeper’s Sand Spike Shootout on March 7 and also Grandparents/VIP Day at the Environmental Studies Center on March 28. She gave a shoutout to former River Kidz who attended Everglades Action Day in Tallahassee.
Speakers Bureau: Ed Killer not present.
Water Quality Report: Mark Perry presented the latest weekly and year-to-date water quality reports.
Seagrass Update: Todd Thurlow discussed chart updates on his website eyeonlakeo. Seagrass is holding steady; it is not growing season.
Riverkeeper Update: Jim Moir updated the status of the Indian River Lagoon and stressed to the Rivers Coalition the importance of local government NOT losing control of their waterways.
Member Comments and Announcements:
Mark Perry mentioned the draft schedule for C23-C24 projects.
Mitchell Latzman of Friends of the Everglades reminded the group of the public comment period for the C44 project.
Greg Braun of Guardians of Martin County thanked the Martin County Commission for allowing public comments on the slaughterhouse projects.
Nick Muzio, Principal Engineer for Sea and Shoreline, announced that they will host a public meeting in collaboration with the DEP on March 2 at 5 pm at IRSC.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:46 p.m. |
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- March 26, 2026 - Thursday
- April 23, 2026 - Thursday
- May 28, 2026 - Thursday
- June 25, 2026 - Thursday
- July 23, 2026 - Thursday
- August 2026 - no meeting
- September 24, 2026 - Thursday
- October 22, 2026 - Thursday
- November 19, 2026 - Thursday
- December 2026 - no meeting
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All Meetings are at 11:00 a.m.
Stuart City Hall Chambers
121 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL
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- Mark Perry, President
- Eve Samples, Vice President
- Jim Moir, Secretary
- Darrell Brand, Treasurer
- Charles Grande, Director
- Todd Thurlow, Director
- Gil Smart, Director
- Merritt Matheson, Director
- Casey Kniffin, Director
- Ed Killer, Director
- Greg Braun, Director
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PO Box 2627
Stuart, FL 34995
772-225-6849 |
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Rivers Coalition Organizational Members
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| Atlantic Point Yacht Club & Marina of Stuart, Audubon Florida, Audubon of Martin County, Ballantrae Anglers Club, Ballantrae Yacht Club, Citizens for Clean Water, Conservation Alliance of St. Lucie Co. Inc, Dolphin Ecology Project, Environmental Studies Center, Everglades Foundation, Florida Oceanographic Society, Florida Sportsman, Florida Wildlife Federation, Fort Pierce Yacht Club, Four Rivers Property Association, Four Winds Condo Association, Friends of The Everglades, Friends of Harbor Branch - FAU, Guardians of Martin County, Harborage Yacht Condominiums, Harbour Ridge Yacht Club, Humanists of the Treasure Coast, Hutchinson Island Preservation Initiative, Indian Riverkeeper, Indian River Plantation POA, Joe's Point HOA, Keep Martin Beautiful, Lake Okeechobee Restoration Initiative, Lake Worth Waterkeeper, Leadership Martin, League of Women Voters of Martin Co., League of Women’s Voters of SLC Co., Lighthouse Point Association Inc., Locks Landing HOA, Marine Cleanup Initiative Inc., Marine Industries Assoc. of Treasure Coast, Marine Resources Council, Martin County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, Martin County Conservation Alliance, Martin County Democratic Environmental Caucus, Martin County Farm Bureau, Miramar POA, North River Shores Prop. Assoc., Ocean Research and Conservation Association, Palm Cove Yacht Club, President’s Council of Hutchinson Island, Realtor Association of Martin County, Rio Civic Club, River Kidz, River Warriors, Sailfish Point POA, Sailfish Point Yacht Club, Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, Save the Manatee Club, Seagate Harbor Homeowners Assoc., Sierra Club-:Loxahatchee Group, Snug Harbor Yacht Club, St. Lucie Audubon Society, St. Lucie River Yacht Club, St. Lucie Sailing Club, St. Lucie Settlement Inc., Stuart Corinthian Yacht Club, Stuart Heritage, Stuart Rod & Reel Club, Surfrider Foundation, The Yacht Club of Stuart Yacht and Country Club, Treasure Coast Rowing Club, Treasure Coast Unitarian Universalist Church, US Sailing Center of Martin County, Venture Three Community, VoteWater, Windjammer Condo Association. |
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Support and
MAKE A DIFFERENCE |
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