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Current Issues

Help Manatees in Lee County, Florida
This issue is regarding a permit for a 128-slip marina near a warm water refuge for manatees in Lee County, Florida. If approved, the project will mean an increased risk of boat collisions. Due to the concern raised, we were successful in getting the item withdrawn from the Florida Board of Trustees' January agenda. Now we need your help to make sure that this bad project does not receive the green light from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, its federal permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or the Board of Trustees. Go >>

Obtain Greater Enforcement of Boat Speed Zones
Cuts in state and federal funding have resulted in fewer on-water law enforcement officers in critical areas of Florida. The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, created to safeguard manatees, is one such area. Last July, a mother manatee was horribly injured in the bay by a speeding boat and subsequently died. Go >>

Don't Downlist Manatees!
Despite exploding human population growth and shrinking aquatic habitat in Florida, manatees will lose their protections as a federal endangered species under a new plan prepared by the Bush administration. You can help! Send a quick online letter to decision-makers letting them know you strongly oppose the manatee’s downlisting at this time. Go >>

Updates

More Good News for Manatees!
Thanks to your help, Florida Governor Charlie Crist vetoed legislation recently that would have threatened protection for seagrasses and weakened important growth management laws. Please take a moment to contact Governor Crist and thank him for his actions to protect manatees and their habitat. Go >>

Good News! Gov. Crist Signs Bill to Fund Manatee Rescue & Rehab
Thanks to you, Florida Governor Charlie Crist recently signed SB 1286, which will help fund the manatee rescue and rehabilitation program, University of Florida Marine Mammal Veterinary program, and retention of 66 law enforcement positions for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Thanks so much for your support on this issue.

Good News for Manatees!
Following a request by Florida Governor Charlie Crist, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission deferred the manatee’s status change from Endangered to Threatened. They also directed their staff to undertake a review of the flawed state classification system for ALL imperiled species. Please contact Governor Crist and the FWC to thank them for their strong support of manatees. Go >>

Governor Crist Vetoes Fishing Tournament Facility Project
Last year, Florida Governor Charlie Crist vetoed two state budget items that would have funded a fishing tournament facility and cleared Ocklawaha River for fast-moving boat traffic. Thanks for your help! Your calls and letters let the governor know that you support restoration of the Ocklawaha River. Let's keep the momentum going! Get more info >>

Other Ways to Help Manatees

Sign the Endangered Species Act Legacy Pledge!
You can help protect the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a safety net for our nation's wildlife, fish and plants on the brink of extinction. For over 30 years, the ESA has provided critical protections for endangered species and the places where they live. Please sign the Endangered Species Act Legacy Pledge (SMC is a member of the Endangered Species Coalition) and show your support. When various threats arise to the Endangered Species Act in the form of legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives or the Senate or negative administrative actions, the conservation community will be able to take the list of pledge supporters to Members of Congress and let them know that their constituents support strong protections for our nation’s endangered fish, plants and wildlife. Go >>

Join the Manatee Sighting Network
Have you seen a manatee in the wild lately? If you live along a river, estuary, canal or coastal area in Florida, you can help provide valuable information to researchers who are tracking manatees. When you spot a manatee, just fill out our simple one-page form >>

Register To Vote!
Being an advocate means taking an active part in government. The best way you can do this is register to vote. Go to www.congress.org and click on "Register to Vote " and then click on your state in the U.S. map. It's that easy!

Florida Hometown Democracy: Take back your neighborhoods! There’s a solution to overcrowded schools, gridlocked roads, diminishing water supply, pollution, and rising property taxes. Join other citizens in controlling unbridled growth that is affecting your very quality of life. Read more and sign the petition >>


Thanks for your help and support!