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Rivers Coalition
May 2026 Newsletter |
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Thursday, May 28, 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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I HAD NO IDEA THE LAKE WAS LIKE THAT!
Dr. Paul Gray, Science Coordinator, Audubon Florida |
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We are lucky to have Dr. Paul Gray, a respected expert on Lake Okeechobee ecology, speaking to us about the flora and fauna of Florida’s liquid heart. Dr. Gray often takes people on airboat rides, and one of the comments he frequently hears after a tour of Lake Okeechobee is, “I had no idea the lake was like that.”
To many of us, Lake Okeechobee sits unseen behind a 22-foot-tall dike, and its polluted dark water is viewed as a nemesis that sometimes leaks or gushes into our consciousness and spoils our paradise. But “Lake O” is much more than that, and people like Dr. Gray can teach us to truly care about the lake and the animals and communities that depend on it and call it home.
Join us on May 28 for an eye-opening presentation that will help you see Lake Okeechobee in a whole new light! |
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Dr. Paul Gray is a Science Coordinator for Audubon Florida's Everglades Restoration Program. Paul is based in Highlands County and has been working in Florida for 38 years, with the last 31 for Audubon. His educational background includes a BS from the University of Missouri, an MS from Texas Tech University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. Paul provides technical support to Audubon policy teams on water, land, and bird management issues primarily related to Lake Okeechobee, but state-wide issues as needed. |
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Business Matters:
· Call to Order and Chairman’s Comments: Mark Perry, President
· Business matters and membership roll call
Presentation:
I HAD NO IDEA THE LAKE WAS LIKE THAT!
Dr. Paul Gray, Science Coordinator, Audubon Florida
Government & Agency Progress Reports:
· Martin County: Amy Eason
· City of Stuart: Ruth Holmes
· State and Federal Agencies:
· SFWMD: Tom Hurley
· 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 April 2026
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More on Muck, from Dredging to Tiny Bubbles
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Chris Stephan, Global Director of Surface Water for Moleaer, along with coworkers Erin Klores and Dr. Denises Devotta (via Zoom), gave a presentation on Moleaer’s proposal to use nanobubbles to deliver oxygen in a cost-effective way to the bottom level of waterbodies where it is most needed.
Photos Courtesy of Darrell Brand |
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| Justin Nolte, Section Administrator, SFWMD |
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| Erin Klores, Surface Water Business Development Manager, Molear, Inc. |
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| Chris Stephan, Global Director of Surface Water for Molear, Inc. |
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| Attendees listen to Jim Moir, Indian Riverkeeper |
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The Fight to Protect Florida's Hidden Coral Reef
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The Florida Oceanographic Society is hosting an important evening discussion on Tuesday, June 2 at 6:30 PM at the Blake Library in Stuart featuring coral reef expert Dr. John Reed and marine scientist Dr. Grant Gilmore. Learn why the Oculina Coral Reef is globally important, how bottom trawling damages deep-water ecosystems, and what recent policy changes could mean for Florida’s marine future.
Attendance is free but registration is requested. Confirm Your Interest Here |
Lights, Cameras, Conservation
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Celebrate World Oceans Week Through Film
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Join the Florida Oceanographic Society on June 11 at the Lyric Theatre in Stuart at 6:30 PM for the Florida Tour of the 23rd Annual International Ocean Film Festival. Held during World Oceans Week, this inspiring evening will feature eight short conservation-focused films exploring marine life, ocean protection, and the future of our blue planet, along with remarks from Executive Director Mark Perry. Doors open at 6 PM. Tickets required.
Purchase Tickets |
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Ready for Summer Adventures
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River Kidz had a wonderful time celebrating Earth Day with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County! As the school year winds down, they’re looking forward to a summer filled with outdoor adventures and exploring nature.
Photos courtesy of Casey Darling-Kniffin |
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Congratulations to Graduate Zoë Glover!
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For 14 years, Zoë Glover has been a dedicated and passionate member of River Kidz, serving as a proud ambassador for the Rivers Coalition and helping raise awareness and funds for the protection of our local waterways. Through her years of involvement, Zoë has embodied the River Kidz mission of speaking out, getting involved, and inspiring others to care for the environment. Her experiences with River Kidz and the Rivers Coalition inspired her passion for protecting Florida’s ecosystems and influenced her decision to pursue a college major in biodiversity, ecology, and conservation at Jacksonville University. As a 2026 graduate of Jensen Beach High School, we congratulate Zoë on this incredible milestone and thank her for her years of commitment, leadership, and advocacy. In recognition of her outstanding dedication to environmental advocacy and stewardship, Zoë will also receive the $2,000 Toxic Trail Youth Scholarship Award, honoring both her impact within River Kidz and her continued commitment to protecting our waterways for future generations.
We are excited to see all the amazing things her future holds. Congratulations!
Photos courtesy of Sabrina Glover |
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We Want to Hear From Our Members
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Rivers Coalition Meeting Minutes
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April 23, 2026 Summary of Comments
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Mark Perry called the meeting to order at 11:02 am. There were 54 attendees in person, 19 attendees on ZOOM call.
Minutes taken by Miki Blumenthal, Administrative Assistant.
Business Matters:
Member roll call was taken. Mark Perry welcomed new Rivers Coalition member, Martin Oyster Restoration Initiative (MORI).
Bianca Bernhard introduced herself as the representative of MORI and gave a brief overview of the organization, which is a student-led nonprofit based at South Fork High School. Its goal is to restore local oyster populations.
Presentation: More on Muck, From Dredging to Tiny Bubbles
Jim Moir, Indian Riverkeeper, briefly spoke about the historical context of muck, and the fact that the DEP is funding various proposals for muck removal in Lake Okeechobee. He talked about some of the organizations and methods proposed, and Chris Stephan of Moleaer, Inc., the meeting’s featured speaker.
Chris Stephan, Global Director of Surface Water for Moleaer, along with coworkers Erin Klores and Dr. Denises Devotta (via Zoom), gave a presentation on Moleaer’s proposal to use nanobubbles to deliver oxygen in a cost-effective way to the bottom level of waterbodies where it is most needed.
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: Amy Eason, Martin County’s Environmental Resource Engineer, gave updates on Martin County Forever, the Hutchinson Island Shore Protection Project, and the Indian Riverside Park Living Shoreline.
City of Stuart: Ruth Holmes, the city’s environmental attorney, introduced Julie Bielecki, an engineer with the water consulting firm, Hazen and Sawyer. The City of Stuart has contracted with the firm to better understand CERP project capacities.
SFWMD: Justin Nolte announced he had recently been appointed Bureau Chief of the Everglades and Estuaries Protection Bureau, which is a sister program to the CERP efforts. He gave updates on projects and upcoming meetings.
USACE: Maj. Cory Bell Lake stated the lake level is 11.87 feet, which is still above the water shortage band. He mentioned the muck removal project has been authorized but as of yet has received no funding. LOSOM 2.0 will begin holding public meetings in 2027. The After Action Review (AAR) of the lake recovery operations is expected to roll out in May.
Lake O Update: Caitlin Newcamp (via Zoom) updated the members on Lake Okeechobee levels, which are currently good for lake recovery. More burns are planned on the lake.
State and Federal Legislation: Gil Smart stated the Florida legislature will hold a special budget session the week of May 11. Florida Forever funding is up in the air. On the federal level, the Endangered Species Act bill was pulled.
Casey Kniffin mentioned later in the meeting that NOAA is facing a 30% budget cut in the President’s proposal. Rivers Coalition did sign on to a letter advocating for NOAA funding.
Coalition Reports:
River Kidz: Casey Kniffin mentioned that the River Kidz will be participating in the Earth Day soccer tournament on April 26 in J.V. Reed Park with the Hobe Sound Boys and Girls Club. They recently enjoyed the Environmental Science Center’s Grandparents and VIP Day.
Speakers Bureau: Ed Killer will be speaking to the SMARTS club in May or June and has been reaching out to the Rotary Clubs in the area.
Water Quality Report: Mark Perry presented the latest weekly and year-to-date water quality reports.
Seagrass Update: Mark Perry talked about ongoing seagrass programs by the Florida Oceanographic Society.
Riverkeeper Update: Jim Moir stated the Indian Riverkeeper has been busy with multiple speaking engagements. The IRK has joined the EPA lawsuit against DEP for microcystin health criteria acceptance.
Member Comments and Announcements:
Eve Samples stated Friends of the Everglades is hosting a screening of the film River of Grass on May 6 at the Lyric Theatre. A Q&A session will be held afterwards.
Mark Perry mentioned 2 upcoming events at the Lyric Theatre:
1. A presentation on Oculina Bank Reef threats will be on June 2.
2. The International Ocean Film Festival will be on June 11.
Diane Goldberg brought up a recent lecture by Dr. Holly Sweat at the Smithsonian Marine Station and her discussion about pollution in inland waterways extending into the ocean.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:36 p.m. |
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· 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 |
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 |
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, Martin Oyster Restoration Initiative, 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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