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Rivers Coalition
August 2025 Newsletter |
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Thursday, September 25, 2025
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
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Stuart City Hall Chambers
121 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL |
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| This meeting is in person and via Zoom, and is open to the public, with plenty of free parking available. Email info@riverscoalition.org for Zoom link. |
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Rivers Coalition Meeting July 2025
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Are You Exposed? What Sea Level Rise Means for Martin County
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Amy Eason, Martin County Environmental Resource Engineer, gave a presentation on the county’s updated vulnerability assessment with regard to flooding, water quality, and sea level rise.
Photo courtesy of Bruce Osborn |
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Federal Judge Halts Detention Center Operations
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On August 21st, a federal judge halted operations at the Everglades detention center, citing environmental harm. This ruling is a major victory for the fragile wetlands, wildlife, and communities that depend on them.
Friends of the Everglades and their partners have long argued that the Everglades is no place for prisons, rock mines, or airports—and this outcome proves that persistence pays off.
Read more here: Detention Center Halted |
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Florida Oceanographic Society Hosts Weekly Eco Adventures
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Explore the coastal ecosystems like never before! Florida Oceanographic Society invites you to join two engaging, educational programs hosted at the Coastal Center in Stuart.
Mangrove & Seagrass Walks every Friday and Sunday at 12 pm
Guests are guided along the nature trail starting at the seagrass nursery, where you’ll learn about different mangrove species and understand why they’re so vital.
Novice Naturalists Program every Thursday and Saturday at 12 pm
A hands-on experience exploring how mangroves help mitigate storm surge, prevent erosion, and protect coastal properties. Perfect for beginners eager to connect with nature.
Learn more here: FOS Events |
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Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup
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On July 26, more than 1,200 volunteers joined forces for the 18th Annual Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup. From Hobe Sound to Sebastian, participants hauled in an incredible 3.93 tons of trash from our waterways.
A huge thank-you goes out to the Florida Oceanographic Society, the Indian Riverkeeper, River Kidz, and every single volunteer who rolled up their sleeves to make a difference. Your efforts protect wildlife, improve water quality and keep our Treasure Coast beautiful for all! |
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River Kidz Reel in a Great Day
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| On July 25, the River Kidz joined the Stuart Sailfish Club’s Youth Fishing Seminar Series. They came to learn about fishing—but their love for our local waters really stole the show. It’s clear this next generation is ready to be the voice for conservation! The River Kidz had an awesome time meeting everyone. Fish on! 🎣 |
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Rescue the River of Grass
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Sign Now to Join the Movement!
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The Everglades is one of the most critical ecosystems in the world, providing unique habitat for wildlife, protecting the water supply for millions of Floridians and safeguarding our coastal communities and economies. However, this precious resource remains imperiled due to a lack of water storage and treatment. More land is needed to store and clean water from Lake Okeechobee so it can flow into the Everglades and prevent harmful discharges to the northern estuaries.
To address this urgent issue, Friends of the Everglades has launched a campaign aimed at public acquisition of land in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) for environmental restoration.
With your support, we can take meaningful action to restore the Everglades and protect Florida’s environment for future generations. |
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Rivers Coalition Meeting Minutes
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July 24, 2025 Summary of Comments
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Mark Perry called the meeting to order at 11:02 am. There were 59 attendees in person, 22 attendees on ZOOM call.
Minutes taken by Miki Blumenthal, Administrative Assistant.
Business Matters:
Member roll call was taken. Mark Perry welcomed everyone and recognized the Rivers Coalition board members present.
Presentation: Are You Exposed? What Sea Level Rise Means for Martin County
Amy Eason, Martin County Environmental Resource Engineer, gave a presentation on the county’s updated vulnerability assessment with regard to flooding, water quality, and sea level rise.
An extended Q&A session followed her presentation. The above presentations in its entirety can be seen at www.riverscoalition.org.
Government & Agency Reports:
Martin County: See main presentation.
City of Stuart: Ben Hogarth talked about the city’s vulnerability assessment and also the adaptation plan that they hope to have in place by the end of this year.
SFWMD: Drew Bartlett, Executive Director of SFWMD, gave a presentation on “Everglades Restoration Working,” focusing on results. An extended Q&A session followed his presentation. The presentation in its entirety can be seen at www.riverscoalition.org.
USACE: Maj. Bell gave updates on the C23/24 and STAs, as well as the C44. He talked about conditions necessary in order to conduct algae testing.
Lake O Update: In Paul Gray’s absence, Mark Perry talked about current lake levels and the slow rise contributing to recovery.
State and Federal Legislation: Eve Samples discussed the recent sugar protections/handouts, established with the recent passing of federal legislation, which are the largest handouts to the sugar industry in history.
Coalition Reports:
River Kidz: Casey Kniffin stated the River Kidz would be assisting the Indian Riverkeeper at the upcoming Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup this weekend at the Jensen Beach Causeway. The River Kidz also have an opportunity to speak to the Florida Native Plants Society.
Speakers Bureau: Todd Weissing gave an update on the member renewal process, stating members would be contacted in the near future. Speakers can be requested at riverscoalition.org.
Water Quality Report: Mark Perry gave a water quality report and presented a slide show on the BMAP (Basin Management Action Plan) progress. A Q&A session followed his presentation. The presentation in its entirety can be seen at www.riverscoalition.org.
Seagrass Update: Todd Thurlow stated that Lake Okeechobee levels had met goals of the USACE lake recovery operations. He shared maps showing salinity levels. He reminded everyone of the address of his website for updates, photos, and live flow maps: eyeonlakeo.com.
Riverkeeper Update: No update given.
Member Comments and Announcements:
An audience member asked a question about toxic algae.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:50 p.m. |
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· August - no meeting
· September 25, Thursday
· October 23, Thursday
· November 20, Thursday
· December 2025 - no meeting |
All Meetings are at 11:00 a.m.
Stuart City Hall Chambers
121 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL |
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· Mark Perry, President
· Eve Samples, Vice President
· Jim Moir, Secretary
· Darrell Brand, Treasurer
· Charles Grande, Director
· Todd Thurlow, Director
· Todd Weissing, Director
· Gil Smart, Director
· Merritt Matheson, Director
· Casey Kniffin, Director
· Ed Killer, Director |
PO Box 2627
Stuart, FL 34995
772-225-6849 |
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Rivers Coalition Organizational Members
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| 1000 Friends of Florida, 27-80 Paddlers, American Association of University Women, Admiralty Yacht Club, Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, Atlantic Point Yacht Club & Marina of Stuart, Audubon Florida, Audubon of Martin County, Ballantrae Anglers Club, Ballantrae Yacht Club, Beau Rivage HOA, Business Development Board of Martin County, Citizens for Clean Water, Computer Network Services, Conservation Alliance of St. Lucie Co. Inc, Cypress Lake HOA, Dolphin Ecology Project, Driftwood Motel of Jensen Beach. Economic Council of Martin County, Farm Vets, Everglades Foundation, Florida Oceanographic Society, Florida Sportsman, Florida Wildlife Federation, Fort Pierce Yacht Club, Four Rivers Property Association, Four Winds Condo Association, Friends of The Everglades, Friends of Harbor Branch - FAU, Guardians of Martin County, Harborage Yacht Condominiums, Harbour Ridge Yacht Club, Hutchinson Island Preservation Initiative, Humanists of the Treasure Coast, Indian Riverkeeper, Indian River Plantation POA, Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce, Joe's Point HOA, Keep Martin Beautiful, Lake Okeechobee Restoration Initiative, Lake Worth Waterkeeper, Leadership Martin, League of Women Voters of Martin Co., League of Women’s Voters of SLC Co., Lighthouse Point Association Inc., Locks Landing HOA, Marine Cleanup Initiative Inc., Marine Industries Assoc. of Treasure Coast, Marine Resources Council, Martin County Anglers, Martin County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, Martin County Conservation Alliance, Martin County Democratic Environmental Caucus, Martin County Farm Bureau, Martin County Future Group, Martin County Hotel & Motel Association,Miramar POA, Nettles Island Community Action Assoc., North River Shores Prop. Assoc., Ocean Research and Conservation Association, Palm City Civic Assn, Palm Cove Yacht Club, Palm Cove HOA, Pierpoint Condominium Assoc., Port Salerno Commercial Fishing Dock Assoc., Port Sewall Harbor & Tennis Club Owners Ass, Port Sewall Property Owners Assoc., Port St Lucie Anglers, President’s Council of Hutchinson Island, Realtor Association of Martin County, Rio Civic Club, River Club Dock Owners Association Inc., River Kidz, River Vista HOA, River Warriors, Royal Harbor Homeowners Assn, Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, Sailfish Point POA, Sailfish Point Yacht Club, Savanna Fishing Club, Save the Manatee Club, Seagate Harbor Homeowners Assoc., Sierra Club-:Loxahatchee Group, Snug Harbor Yacht Club, St. Lucie Audubon Society, St. Lucie River Yacht Club, St. Lucie Sailing Club, St. Lucie Settlement Inc., Stuart Corinthian Yacht Club, Stuart Heritage, Stuart Rod & Reel Club, Stuart/Martin County Chamber, Surfrider Foundation, Teamsters Local 769, The Garden Club of Stuart Inc, The Estuary at North River Shores, The Junior League of Martin County, Treasure Coast Buddhist Cooperative, Treasure Coast Builders Association, Treasure Coast Golf Course Superintendents Association, Treasure Coast Rowing Club, Treasure Coast Unitarian Universalist Church, US Sailing Center of Martin County, Venture Three Community, VoteWater, Windjammer Condo Association |
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