credit: Margaret Tolbert
The Administrative Hearing to challenge the Sleepy Creek Lands (formerly known as Adena Springs Ranch) permits kicked off on Monday in Palatka.
At the request of our attorneys, the judge has granted YOU the opportunity to be heard!
This is your chance to help demonstrate that this massive cattle operation is NOT in the public interest. All you have to do is speak about your relationship to and usage of the Ocklawaha River, St. Johns River, Silver River, Silver Springs, and/or Salt Springs and how you will be negatively impacted by Sleepy Creek Lands and its withdrawal of water and increased nutrient pollution from cow manure and fertilizer.
What: Sleepy Creek Lands Administrative Hearing Public Comment
When: Thursday, August 28 6 – 9 pm
Where: St. Johns River Water Management District Headquarters, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, FL 32177
Click here for a map.
If you are able to attend and speak, the lawyers for the St. Johns River Water Management District and Sleepy Creek will have an opportunity to ask you questions, as well. They may try to characterize your usage of the rivers and springs as minimal. Your only obligation is to tell the truth. Even if you have only visited these waterways once and hope to be able to return again in the future, you have a valid reason to speak. You do not have to be an expert in hydrology or water quality. The only questions you have to answer are about your relationship to these water bodies we are fighting to protect.
Contact Carol@stjohnsriverkeeper.org to let us know if you are able to attend. Also, let us know if you are interested in carpooling.
You can find more information about the Sleepy Creek Lands issue on our website.
Your support is critical to our success and our ability to protect our threatened waterways. On behalf of St. Johns Riverkeeper and all of our partners, we hope to see some of you on Thursday night in Palatka.
Thank you for helping St. Johns Riverkeeper, Sierra Club Florida, Florida Defenders of the Environment, Karen Ahlers, and Jeri Baldwin make a strong stand for the St. Johns and these invaluable rivers and springs!
For the River,
Lisa Rinaman
Your St. Johns Riverkeeper