Wake surfing creates massive waves—up to four times larger than traditional ski boating. These waves create hazardous conditions for paddlers, rowers, and other boaters, including other water skiers and fishermen. The enhanced waves threaten anyone on the water -- even small children wading at our public beaches are at risk from these breaking waves. On a shared lake, the safety of everyone is a first priority.

Churning up Sediments and Destroying Plants: The giant wake generated to wake surf churns up sediment as deep as 26 feet disturbing fish habitats, releasing built-up toxins, and contributing to algae blooms, which cloud the water and harm wildlife. It threatens the entire ecological balance of the lake.

Shoreline Erosion: The powerful waves crash onto the shoreline, swamping areas and accelerating erosion. This can cause immediate and dramatic damage. A lake's shore way evolves over a long period of time in response to many natural environmental factors -- lake contour, size, depth, as well as weather and wind. Unnaturally large waves can disrupt the balance of the lake and its shoreline. Sensitive natural habitats for aquatic plants and animals are disturbed. Public and private property is subject to unnatural erosion and damage. This impact can happen fast and can be irreversible.

The rapid expansion of urban and suburban areas has led to a significant shift in the natural landscapes that once thrived in many regions. In an effort to beautify and maintain properties, many developers and homeowners have opted for non-native and often invasive plant species. While these exotic plants may seem appealing due to their aesthetic qualities or lower maintenance needs, they present numerous environmental challenges that ultimately undermine ecosystem health and biodiversity.

Non-native and invasive plants disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources such as water, nutrients, and space. This can result in the decline of native plant populations, which are crucial for sustaining local wildlife, particularly pollinators like bees and butterflies. Many native species also play a vital role in maintaining soil health, preventing erosion, and contributing to water management through natural filtration systems. When these plants are replaced by non-native species, it compromises the stability of the ecosystem.

In addition to their negative environmental impacts, exotic plants require more maintenance, including additional watering, chemical treatments, and fertilizers, all of which increase the demand on local water supplies and contribute to pollution. Native plants, by contrast, are adapted to the local climate and require significantly less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. This makes them a more sustainable choice for landscaping in urban developments, reducing the overall environmental footprint of new construction projects.

Several regions across the U.S. and around the world have recognized the importance of incorporating native plants in landscaping and have begun to require or incentivize sustainable landscaping practices. For example, the city of Portland, Oregon, mandates the use of native plants in new developments to restore ecological balance, conserve water, and reduce chemical use. Similarly, states like California and Florida have adopted policies to encourage the planting of native vegetation in both residential and commercial landscapes.

Requiring at least 10% of new development properties to be restored with native plants will not only help preserve local biodiversity but also contribute to the overall health of the environment by reducing water usage, minimizing pollution, and promoting sustainable landscaping practices. By making this requirement a standard practice in new developments, we can foster a culture of ecological stewardship and enhance the long-term resilience of urban ecosystems.

We urge our lawmakers to take immediate action and mandate the use of sustainable native landscaping in new developments to restore and protect local ecosystems, reduce environmental impacts, and promote sustainable land use.

The proposed facility is within 250 metres of family homes and in the middle of densely populated areas. Residents of surrounding suburbs have not been properly informed, and those who have are extremely concerned about the severe, adverse environmental and social impacts of processing 550,000 tonnes of putrescible and inert waste per annum. Over 1,000 objections were received but largely ignored by the Casey Council and Administrators. On 12 August 2024, the EPA introduced new buffer and separation distance guidelines to protect the health and safety of residents, which the City of Casey override with permit conditions.

The petitioners, therefore, request that Casey Council ensure that a waste transfer station is not constructed in the South-Eastern Metropolitan region by overturning the approval of planning permit application PA23/0694, rejecting development license application APP032219, and investigating the processes that have led to the planning permit application being approved by the City of Casey.

For more info please visit
01. https://www.lawhelpaustralia.org.au/news-updates/casey-council-approves-waste-transfer-station-without-epa-endorsement/
02. https://web.facebook.com/LynbrookResidentsAssociation

Historically, native wildflowers thrived throughout Florida, providing habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies, which play a vital role in sustaining our agricultural systems and preserving biodiversity. With wildflower populations in decline due to habitat loss, restoring them along freeway corridors is a step toward rebalancing these ecosystems. Studies show that wildflowers not only improve pollinator health but also provide erosion control, increase water retention in soil, and create visually appealing landscapes.

The Texas Department of Transportation has already set a precedent with their successful wildflower planting program, which has reduced mowing costs, improved roadside aesthetics, and helped protect pollinator species. Florida, known for its natural beauty, could greatly benefit from a similar initiative.

By planting wildflowers instead of grass, Florida can achieve:

Environmental benefits: Reduced carbon emissions and resource consumption due to less frequent mowing, water conservation, and increased habitats for native wildlife.
Economic savings: Reduced long-term costs associated with mowing and maintenance.

Community and tourism benefits: Enhanced aesthetics, promoting a greener, more attractive state for residents and tourists.
Implementing this change aligns with Florida’s long-term sustainability goals and would showcase the state's commitment to protecting its natural resources while creating a more eco-friendly and visually appealing transportation network.

Urban Greening and Environmental Benefits:

Biodiversity Boost: Native wildflowers provide essential habitats for local pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and other insects, which are crucial for the health of ecosystems. The addition of wildflower shelters can enhance biodiversity by supporting these species, especially in urban areas where natural habitats are limited.

Air Quality Improvement: Green roofs, including those on bus shelters, act as natural air filters. Native plants can absorb pollutants like carbon dioxide and particulate matter, improving air quality around busy urban streets and reducing the urban heat island effect.

Water Management: Wildflower shelters can help manage stormwater by absorbing rainwater, reducing runoff, and lowering the risk of flooding in urban areas. Native plants are often more resilient to local conditions and require less maintenance than non-native species, making them an efficient and eco-friendly choice for green infrastructure.

Social and Community Impact:

Improving Public Spaces: Bus stops are essential public infrastructure used daily by many people. Enhancing them with wildflower installations can create more pleasant, aesthetically pleasing environments. Studies have shown that green spaces contribute to improved mental health and well-being, as they provide a connection to nature in otherwise grey and urbanized settings.

Encouraging Sustainability Awareness: Wildflower bus stops can serve as a visual reminder of the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship. They encourage citizens and commuters to consider the natural world and may inspire broader community engagement in local conservation efforts.

Positive Economic Effects: These shelters could reduce maintenance costs in the long term. Native wildflowers are typically hardy and well-adapted to the local climate, requiring less watering, fertilizer, and upkeep compared to traditional landscaping.

Successful Case Studies:

Utrecht, Netherlands: Utrecht has successfully implemented bee-friendly bus shelters with green roofs covered in sedum, a native plant that attracts pollinators. This initiative has improved air quality, provided shelter for urban wildlife, and enhanced public spaces, making it a model that other cities can follow.

Toronto, Canada: Toronto has introduced green roofs on select bus shelters, helping to cool the surrounding environment, mitigate urban heat, and improve stormwater management. The success of these shelters has demonstrated how urban greening projects can provide tangible benefits to city infrastructure.

Raw Earth Foundation is dedicated to fostering greener communities through a mission focused on environmental stewardship and sustainability. The organization recognizes the urgent need to address the rapid decline of wildlife and the environmental crises affecting our planet. With a commitment to creating healthier ecosystems, Raw Earth Foundation actively engages in initiatives that promote biodiversity and support local wildlife. By addressing these critical issues, the organization aims to inspire collective action and create lasting positive change for our environment and communities.

One of the leading causes driving this detrimental concern is habitat loss. It is clear that we must invest our time and efforts into reversing this troubling trend. I firmly believe there is a compelling case for local councils and community members to act together.

I propose a straightforward yet immensely powerful initiative: let us transform our bus stop shelters into wildflower gardens. This initiative would not only create a more vibrant and pleasant environment for commuters but also provide crucial microhabitats for our declining wildlife. Imagine standing at your local bus stop, surrounded by the riotous colors of wildflowers, watching butterflies dance from bloom to bloom. This vision is not just whimsical; it is imperative for our ecosystem's health.

By establishing wildflower gardens around bus stops, we can create not only a more beautiful community but also contribute to biodiversity, improve air quality, and mitigate urban heat. This initiative fosters community pride and engagement, encouraging us all to take ownership of our environment.

For the sake of our wildlife, our environment, and future generations, we must embrace this responsibility. I implore you to support this proposal and join me in calling upon local councils to commit to establishing wildflower gardens around bus stops. Together, let us create a greener, sustainable, and brighter future for all. Please sign this petition and let our voices be heard.

Why such legislation is needed:

1. March 2010
Preliminary Observations on Geoengineering Science, Federal Efforts, and Governance Issues
www.gao.gov/assets/gao-10-546t.pdf

2. September 2010
A Coordinated Strategy Could Focus Federal Geoengineering Research and Inform Governance Efforts
www.gao.gov/assets/gao-10-903.pdf

3. October 2010 Engineering the Climate: Research Needs and Strategies for International Coordination
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/nation/pdfs/Geongineeringreport.pdf

4. June 2023
Congressionally Mandated Research Plan and an Initial Research Governance Framework Related to Solar Radiation Management (whitehouse.gov)

The June 2023 Congressionally Mandated Research Plan and an Initial Research Governance Framework Related to Solar Radiation Modification experimentation excludes New Hampshire Representatives and our constituents from having any meaningful input on geoengineering governance policy or the ability to oppose and prohibit potentially harmful atmospheric experimentation such as stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI).

For the most comprehensive information and resources go to:
www.GeoengineeringWatch.org
www.ZeroGeoengineering

There are a multitude of reasons for opposing the PATH bike route construction. A few include:

• It is highly invasive and will be destructive to the floodplain.
• Regardless of the terms PATH/Dekalb use ("trail," "path") this is essentially a road - 12' wide concrete with cleared area on both sides. We do not need nor want a bike road through the floodplain.
• The floodplain is very narrow. This area cannot tolerate this type of disturbance without fundamentally changing its nature.
• The bike road will be very intrusive to the residential area backing it. Issues of noise, privacy and security will all be raised, and home values will be lowered due to loss of the currently private and secluded wilderness backing the neighborhood.
• The ingress/egress routes are planned for quiet dead-end streets, and will greatly impact the adjacent homes as well as the rest of the residences on these streets.
• This is a FEMA AE rated floodzone throughout, with a total of 75' riparian setback required by the combined state and county laws. No development should be done here, including this proposed bike road.
• There is an alternative for an east-west biking route from Tucker to Mercer: Flowers Road. If a bike route is needed, it should be put along this quiet, wide, and pretty street instead of through the floodplain.

Our key objective is to work alongside mana whenua to restore the viability of the natural ecosystems through regeneration of the native biodiversity, and to control invasive plants and animals in the area.

We also believe a unique opportunity exists to purchase Kauri Mountain Farm from the current owner and form a public reserve. We are working to find a purchaser who is as passionate about this incredibly special area as we are.

By Brice Claypoole, age 15, Suncoast Waterkeeper

Do you love swimming and playing on our beaches? So do I! Unfortunately, Manatee County Commissioners are attempting to remove our local wetland protections. Wetlands filter nutrients and pollutants out of water, so removing protections for them will make our waters dirtier in Manatee and surrounding counties. I think that we kids should get a say in this decision because removing wetland protection will impact our future. Will you sign the youth petition and share it with your friends?

For more information see: https://www.suncoastwaterkeeper.org/save_our_welands

If you’re interested in getting involved further with the youth effort, please contact brice@suncoastwaterkeeper.org.