Dr. Ellen K. Rudolph

Florida Conservation Initiatives

The solutions are complex, but something must be done to control GROWTH and the resulting urban sprawl that is surely changing the face of Florida.

Current and proposed development plans must be revisited before wildlife habitats are totally destroyed and community water supplies are over-stressed, and all our precious greenspace in Florida is lost.

All of Florida's Citizens need to become active participants in local planning efforts in their communities to protect our safety, health, welfare and quality of life. How to do this?

For possible answers, explore some of these models of Florida citizens in action. Email Dr. Ellen if you think your group should be represented here.


Part I

The Rainbow River Watershed
~And the Progression of Urban Development on a Forest Understory~


Photos by Dr. Ellen K. Rudolph

Rainbow River I - July 2006 views of the beautiful, spring-fed Rainbow River, an aquatic preserve and natural landmark near Dunnellon, FL
Rainbow River Ranch II - River views of the Rainbow River Ranch property on the Rainbow River, taken in late August 2006 near Dunnellon, FL before development began
Rainbow River Ranch III - 'Understory' views of the Rainbow River Ranch property on the Rainbow River, taken in late December 2006 near Dunnellon, FL after development activities had begun


Part I

Other Models of Florida Citizens in Action

Rainbow River Conservation, Inc. (RRC) in Dunnellon, Florida, working to preserve the Rainbow River watershed

Contact Burt Eno, President

Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc based in New Smyrna Beach, FL
Greater Pine Island Civic Association and the Calusa Land Trust
Calossahatchee River Citizens Association
IMPORTANT ARTICLES
An Environmental Overview by Phil Buchanan

Why Preserve? by Phil Buchanan

Responsible Growth Management Coalition, Inc

Florida promises a beautiful climate and quality of life, but pressures from the growth economy threaten to destroy this dream.  The Responsible Growth Management Coalition fosters and supports practices that help to ensure that Southwest Florida (SWFL) remains a desirable place to live for all citizens. 

Legacy Institute for Nature and Culture
LINC
Audubon of Florida

Audubon – the voice of conservation in Florida for 100 years. We connect people with nature to save birds and protect the places that make Florida special.
Audubon is rooted in the values of community leadership, science-based decisions and firsthand outdoor experience.

The Florida Native Plant Society

To promote the preservation, conservation, and restoration of the native plants and native plant communities of Florida

Florida PIRG

An advocate for the public interest. When consumers are cheated or the voices of ordinary citizens are drowned out by special interest lobbyists, Florida PIRG speaks up and takes action. We uncover threats to public health and well-being and fight to end them, using the time-tested tools of investigative research, media exposés, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation. Florida PIRG's mission is to deliver persistent, result-oriented public interest activism that protects consumers, encourages a fair, sustainable economy, and fosters responsive, democratic government.
Florida League of Conservation Voters

The Florida League of Conservation Voters (FLCV) has for 27 years served as the nonpartisan advocacy and educational arm of the environmental/conservation movement in Florida.

1000 Friends of Florida

Promotes healthy urban and natural places by wise management of growth and change. We educate, advocate, negotiate and, when necessary, litigate to protect our high quality of life. We help citizens have the technical knowledge and access needed to ensure that public and private decisions lead to livable communities. Our planners, attorneys and community activists work to protect natural areas, fight urban sprawl, promote sensible development patterns, and provide affordable housing. Above all, we strive to give citizens the tools to keep Florida's communities livable.

Conservation Trust for Florida

The mission of the Conservation Trust for Florida is to protect the rural landscapes of Florida. We focus on farms, ranches, working forests, and natural areas that provide landscape connections.
It protects rural lands vital to the state's character and economy through conservation easements and land purchases, and by helping rural landowners retain their traditional and productive land-use activities.

Everglades Trust

The Everglades Trust, Inc. is a 501(c)(4) corporation created to ensure Everglades restoration is completed on time and on budget. It was founded in 1994 by the late George Barley (1934-1995), a seventh generation Floridian. George's no-nonsense business acumen quickly put Everglades restoration in the environmental spotlight. Fortunately, George's vision of a restored Everglades for our children, our children's children and our nation did not perish, and, today, the Trust is guided by a powerhouse of dedicated people who love Florida, as George did.

Council for Sustainable Florida

The Council for Sustainable Florida (Council or CSF) is the premier statewide organization committed to the balance of economic interests with the need to be socially and environmentally responsible.

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of natural resources and wildlife habitat on and around these barrier islands.

Florida Earth Foundation

Florida Earth Foundation’s mission is to bring people together through education,  public outreach, and facilitation to ensure the future integrity of Florida’s environment and quality of life.

Florida Lake Management Society

The mission of the Florida Lake Management Society is to promote protection, enhancement, conservation, restoration, and management of Florida's aquatic resources;  provide a forum for education and information exchange; and advocate environmentally sound and economically feasible lake and aquatic resource management for the citizens of Florida.

Save the Manatee Club

Established in 1981 by former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham and singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett, the Club was started so the public could participate in conservation efforts to save endangered manatees from extinction. Its mission is to protect manatees and their aquatic habitats for future generations.

Florida Wildlife Federation

A private, statewide, non-profit citizens' conservation education organization composed of thousands of concerned Floridians and other citizens from all walks of life who have a common interest in preserving, managing, and improving Florida's fish, wildlife, soil, water, and plant life.

The Trust for Public land

The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national, nonprofit, land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, community gardens, historic sites, rural lands, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come.

Putnam County Environmental Council

The chief goal of the Putnam County Environmental Council is to get the Rodman Dam removed and to restore the Oklawaha River to its original wild and scenic state. In addition to their lobbying efforts, each year they have a "Rally for the Rivers." At first it was just for the Oklawaha, but it now includes the St. Johns, too.



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