Several of our programs this year have focused on issues and impacts regarding the project to dredge muck from the St. Sebastian River. This month's program will be an update on the project. Our guests will be one or more persons from the engineering company that the Indian River Lagoon Program has contracted to obtain permits for the project. In addition, Troy Rice, Director, and Bob Day, Project Scientist, both of the Indian River Lagoon Program will also be with us to provide information and answer questions.
   The program will be on Tuesday, September 24, 7:00 PM at the North Indian River County Library on route 512 in Sebastian. Please note that the program is starting a half hour earlier than usual to accommodate some of the out of town guests. All are welcome and refreshments will be served following the program.

   This award is given annually by the Friends to an individual or business, that has enhanced the environmental quality of the St. Sebastian River area, by one of the following criteria: 1) Landscaping - using environmentally friendly plants (i.e. mostly natives), or pest plant removal projects; 2) Water quality projects - storm water runoff control, muck removal or pollution reduction (i.e. fertilizers/chemicals, installation of sewers, etc.); 3) Open land conservation - donation or purchase of conservation easement; 4) Erosion control - planting of appropriate plants along vulnerable areas.
   If you know of someone or a business in our general area that has carried out such a project this year, please let us know. Look for our application forms at our general meeting or at our display at select public events, or you can call Anne Dann at 388-3440. Nominations need to be received by October 31^st.

   "October 18, 2002 is the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Clean Water Act. This date marks a milestone in the efforts to protect our nation's water resources. …Congress, along with a number of the nation's Governors and national organizations has proclaimed 2002 as the Year of Clean Water. The America's Clean Water Foundation (ACWF), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization created in 1989 to coordinate the 20th Anniversary Celebration, is again serving as the primary sponsor and national coordinator of the Year of Clean Water."
   Be sure and check out the "Year of Clean Water" website at www.yearofcleanwater.org to find out more about events, history of the Clean Water Act, resources and more.

source: www.yearofcleanwater.org