We all have an impact on the health of the St. Johns River.
Every time we flush our toilets, fertilize our lawns, use bleached
paper products, or build a new home, we potentially contribute
to the pollution problems facing our river. However, we all can
reduce our “ecological footprint” by adopting practical conservation
measures and implementing cost-effective technological solutions.
We can also help protect our river by using our voice and our
vote and by getting involved in the decision making process.
The St. Johns River is ours, and its future is up to us. Our
government regulatory agencies and elected officials cannot protect
and restore the health of the St. Johns without our help and
our involvement.
- Conserve water. Did you know that fixing leaks and replacing
old water-guzzling plumbing fixtures with water-saving ones could save a
family of four 30,000 gallons of water each year?
Click here to learn how to conserve water inside and outside of your home.
http://www.floridaswater.com/floridaswater/index.html
University of Florida IFAS Extension – Water Conservation
http://livinggreen.ifas.ufl.edu/water/water_conservation.html
- Create a River Friendly Yard.
http://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/greenMonster.asp
- Get to know your river.
Learn about the rich history, diverse ecology, and fascinating culture of
the river and the issues that are impacting its health. Get out and explore
and enjoy your river.
You can learn more by clicking on The River section of our website.
http://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/theRiver.asp
The River Returns
http://www.theriverreturns.org/
St. Johns River Water Management District
The St. Johns – It’s Your River
http://www.floridaswater.com/LSJRB/index.html
- Properly maintain your septic tank.
National Small Flows Clearinghouse - Septic Tanks Information
This site has a good description of septic tanks and tips on proper maintenance.
http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/nsfc/nsfc_septicnews.htm#septic
Florida Department of Health - Homebuyers Guide to Septic Systems
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/.../homebuyersguide.pdf
Water Sewer and Expansion Authority
The WSEA, established in 2003 as an independent authority by the City of
Jacksonville, was created to provide property owners with an opportunity
to finance water and/or sewer infrastructure in their existing developed
neighborhoods on a voluntary basis.
http://www.wsea.org
- Protect our wetlands. If you are planning to build a new
home or commercial building, make sure that the land you are intending to
develop is not a wetland. Avoid purchasing cypress mulch. The harvesting
of cypress trees can destroy valuable wetlands. Consider other organic mulches
like pine straw, pine bark, or leaves.
Save Our Cypress
http://www.saveourcypress.org
- Get involved in local planning decisions. In Florida,
every county and municipality is required to develop and routinely update
a Comprehensive Plan to guide local growth and development. Citizens are
afforded several opportunities to challenge decisions that may be inconsistent
with the Growth Management Act and local government comprehensive plans.
Department of Community Affairs
An Overview of Comprehensive Planning and Citizens’ Roles in the Process
http://www.dca.state.fl.us/fdcp/DCP/compplanning/
University of Florida IFAS Extension
Florida Growth Management: Public Participation and the Plan Amendment Process
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FE645
1000 Friends of Florida
A Citizen’s Guide to Participating in Florida’s Growth Management Process
and other “Citizen Planner” Guides
http://www.1000friendsofflorida.org/planning/main.asp
- Use your voice and vote. It is up to us to elect politicians
who will represent and look out for the best interests of our river. Stay
in touch with your elected officials and regularly let them know that the
St. Johns River is important to you. They need to hear our concerns for the
health of the St. Johns. They need to know that we are in favor of funding
for its restoration. They also need our support when they take a courageous
stand for the river.
Use the following links to contact your elected officials and legislators:
House of Representatives
http://www.house.gov/writerep/
U.S. Senate
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/
senators_cfm.cfm
Governor Charlie Crist
http://www.flgov.com/contact_form
Florida House of Representatives
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/
Florida State Senators
http://www.flsenate.gov/Legislators/index.cfm
Jacksonville Mayor
http://www.coj.net/Mayor/default.htm
Duval County City Council
http://www.coj.net/City+Council/City+Council+Members.htm
St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners
http://www.co.st-johns.fl.us/BCC/Commissioners/index.aspx
Clay County Commissioners
http://www.claycountygov.com/BCC/Commissioners/
Commissioners.htm
Putnam County Governement Site
http://www1.putnam-fl.com/live/default.asp
- Report a polluter or a problem. Whether you are in your
car or boat or on foot, pay close attention to what is going on around you.
Is dirt running off a construction site into a creek? Did you spot a fish
kill or a broken wastewater pipe? Is someone illegally-dumping trash or pollution
into a storm drain or directly into a water body? If you don’t know who to
call or are having trouble getting someone to take action, call the Riverkeeper
at 904-256-7591.
Report a Suspected Violation or Incident - Click here to locate the appropriate
agency.
http://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/pdfs/BoatPatrol_Call%20List.pdf
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What YOU
Can Do
What
YOU Can Dot