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FORCE - FRIENDS OF THE RIVERS COALITION eNEWSLETTER December 2009 PO Box 2627 Stuart, Fl 34995 772-225-6849 www.RiversCoalition.org
December 8, 2009

FEDERAL HEARING FOCUSES ON ST. LUCIE RIVER POLLUTION
Important progress was made in a federal court hearing on the Rivers Coalition's battle to halt discharge pollution into the St. Lucie estuary.
 
Judge Lynn Bush did not rule immediately but carefully heard attorneys on both sides sort out decisive issues as the riparian rights "takings" case moves onward.
 
Seven persons from Stuart were introduced at the U. S. Court of Federal Claims hearing in Washington, including two representatives of local government, Martin County Commissioner Sarah Heard and Sewall's Point Commissioner Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch.
 
Others were lead plaintiff John Mildenberger, scientist Bob Voisinet and Defense Fund Board members Kevin Henderson, Mark Perry and Karl Wickstrom as well as supporter Charlie DeGarmo. Chair Leon Abood and board member Ted Guy had other commitments but provided input ahead of time.
 
The case is likely to be appealed by one party or the other. "So we have to fight on and prevail," said Chair Abood. "It's the only way to get the discharges stopped. We ask everyone to donate funds if possible. This is an investment in our future."
 
More info, including the complete complaint, is available at RiversCoalition.org.
 
Basically, the lawsuit contends that the Corps, in making discharges from inland canals into the St. Lucie estuary, violates the constitution by "taking" named waterfront owner-plaintiffs' riparian rights to enjoy water free of unreasonable pollution. Discharges into the estuary amounted to more than 300 billion gallons in '05, killing all marine grasses, oysters and countless other estuarine life.
 
No Rivers Coalition meeting is scheduled for December. We'll meet at 11 a.m. Jan. 28 at Stuart City Hall, and we're counting on seeing you. Meantime, have the happiest of holidays!
Click here for more information.
Mark Your Calender!
Rivers Coalition Meetings for 2010. 
 
January 28
February 25
March 25
April 29
May 27
June 24
July 29
August 26
September 30
October 28
 
Rivers Coalition public meetings are held the last Thursday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the city of Stuart commission chambers, 121 SW Flagler Ave. Every one's support is needed.
T-Shirts
New "Save My River" T-shirts featuring an attractive painting of the St. Lucie River wildlife will be available for purchase at the 2010 meetings.

Read about the T-shirts here:
http://www.riverscoalition.org/t-shirts.php
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Thank you for all your support.
Editor: Jessica Briske
Learn how to help, click here.

Rivers Coalition • PO Box 2627 • Stuart • FL • 34995

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