It’s been a difficult year. Last summer’s shocking images from our waterways are not easy to forget. Dead and dying pelicans, manatees, and dolphins. Florida’s once pristine springs covered in algae. Local fisherman and eco-tourism businesses struggling to stay open. For anyone who loves natural Florida, the crisis in our waterways has been a tragedy.

But something incredible happened. People took matters into their own hands. They demanded that their legislators fix the problems and clean up our water. Thousands of people like you wrote letters, attended rallies, signed petitions, and contacted media. For the first time in years our public officials started to pay attention to Florida’s water.

Unfortunately, some legislators have different ideas. It was disappointing to see Speaker of the House Will Weatherford say that there will be no major water policy this year.

Can you believe it? Does he know what has happened to Florida’s water?

As environmental advocates, we must make it loud and clear that “no” is simply not good enough.

The 2014 Florida Legislative Session starts next week. Will you help us defend Florida's rivers, lakes, and springs?

Thanks to people like you, Florida’s water is at the forefront of state politics. But how far we make it during the legislative session is yet to be determined. Every legislator needs to hear that you care before they cast a vote that affects our incredible water resources.

Make no mistake, your efforts matter. But it takes a serious commitment to compete with well-funded industry lobbyists who want nothing more than for us to be quiet and stop speaking up for our natural resources.

This is the most critical Legislative Session for Florida's water in years. Don't let the momentum we've built go to waste.