Today, the voices of hundreds of people who spoke up to protect Lake Okeechobee were heard loud and clear at the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board meeting.

Audubon's Jane Graham and Charles Lee made a presentation to the Board advocating for Audubon’s specific recommendations to the Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan (LOPP) update. In addition, they presented the Governing Board members with a letter signed by over 450 citizens from across the state - from Jacksonville to Marathon – regarding the need for increased protections for our great lake.

The outcome of the Governing Board meeting was a success. There was constructive dialogue between the Board members, a representative from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Audubon staff. In a six-to-one vote, the Governing Board directed the SFWMD to submit a letter enclosed with the Governing Board's final resolution and LOPP plan to the legislature. This letter will list Audubon's recommendations to improve the plan, and explain that these issues will be further discussed with stakeholders before the LOPP's final version is submitted. The one dissenting vote on the Governing Board was Chairman Eric Buermann, who wanted this language directly in the resolution, calling it a "vote for the Everglades."

Audubon's Recommendations:

• Recommend new funding in appropriate agency budgets along with full implementation and monitoring of BMPs

• Develop a schedule of efforts to reevaluate and revise BMPs

• Proposals to evaluate and implement Edge of Farm treatment

• Encourage the elimination of Class AA sewage sludge dumping

• Prepare a clear budget and timelines for Dispersed Water Management Projects

• Reevaluate Phase II Lakeside Ranch STA and reprogram those funds for Dispersed Water Management Projects

Thanks to everyone who co-signed our letter and helped spread the word through Facebook & Twitter. With your help, Audubon will continue to speak with agencies and decisionmakers through this process, further advocating for the protection of our cherished Lake Okeechobee.