WASHINGTON, D.C.--The United States is using less water than during the peak years of 1975 and 1980, according to water use estimates for 2005. Despite a 30 percent population increase during the past 25 years, overall water use has remained fairly stable according to a new U.S. Geological Survey report. Assistant Secretary of the Interior Anne Castle announced the report, Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 2005, as part of her keynote speech today at the Atlantic Water Summit in the National Press Club. The report shows that in 2005 Americans used 410 billion gallons per day, slightly less than in 2000. The declines are attributed to the increased use of more efficient irrigation systems and alternative technologies at power plants. Water withdrawals for public supply have increased steadily since 1950--when USGS began the series of five-year trend reports--along with the population that depends on these supplies.

http://www.hrwa-fl.org

No Trespassing" signs and other attempts to discourage the public from crossing or laying out on a particular stretch of sand would be more heavily regulated under a new law that goes before the public for the first time today. While signs and barricades apparently aimed at turning the public away from certain sections of the beach have been a sporadic problem on Siesta Key, county commissioners are considering the law because of fears the practice will spread.

Please follow the link below for the complete article.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20091103/ARTICLE/911031063/2416?Title=County-workshop-set-on-beach-access

Fall issue is now available!! Great articles including: "Business of the Bay is Changing" "$7.6 Million in Stimulus Funds Energize Hillsborough County" "Port of Tampa Roised for Growth"

Sylvia Earle grew up in Pinellas County playing and exploring in the bay and gulf waters as a child. Bobbie O'Brien interviews her during this PODCAST.

Please follow the link below to listen to the PODCAST.

http://www.wusf.usf.edu/wusf-fm/news/News_Detail_TVLk.cfm?ID=1518

This EPA notice announces the availability of an EPA decision identifying water quality limited waterbodies and associated pollutants in Florida to be listed pursuant to the Clean Water Act. Public comment is requested not later than October 23, 2009. A copy of the notice with contact information along with the list of water bodies to be added or removed from the impaired waters list can be found at the link below.

http://www.epa.gov/region4/water/tmdl/florida/index.html

On Wednesday, September 9, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the International City/County Management Association, and Rhode Island Sea Grant, released “Smart Growth for Coastal and Waterfront Communities.” The guide includes an overview of the unique development challenges and opportunities along the water and provides specific approaches to development that include a description of the issues, tools and techniques, and case studies. For more information and a PDF version of the publication, visit the web site below.

http://coastalsmartgrowth.noaa.gov

The pace and scale of climate change may now be outstripping even the most sobering predictions of the last report of the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC). An analysis of the very latest, peer-reviewed science indicates that many predictions at the upper end of the IPCC's forecasts are becoming ever more likely. Meanwhile, the newly emerging science points to some events thought likely to occur in longer-term time horizons, as already happening or set to happen far sooner than had previously been thought.

Follow the link below to access the Climate Change & Florida Component. The report is the last in the list of links.

http://www.sarasota.wateratlas.usf.edu/education/#ClimateChange

Tallahassee — In order to better assist land owners, sellers, buyers and interested members of the public, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Division of State Lands recently launched a redesigned Web site that streamlines access to state lands resources. The improved Web site demonstrates the Department's commitment not just to the environment, but to customer service as well, offering clear and navigable information in a 'one stop shop.'

Check out the new site at the link below

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/lands

Please join us Saturday September 26, 2009 to help care for land right here in Sarasota County. At the Deer Prairie Creek Preserve volunteers will get their hands dirty to improve wildlife habitat, remove invasive plants, and protect the "Wild and Scenic" Myakka River. For complete information & to register contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

Registration is now open for the 2009 Estuary Academy, set for Saturday, October 24 from 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. at Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg. The Academy's mission is to introduce citizens to the wealth of scientific research being conducted in the Tampa Bay Watershed, and provide hands-on science learning experiences. This year's theme is "A Glimpse Beneath the Surface," highlighting underwater life and human interactions with this watery world. The $10 registration fee includes lunch, fabulous speakers, door prizes and a choice of terrific, hands-on workshops. The Academy has something for everyone! Participation is limited to 100 adults and children over 12, and pre-registration is required. An agenda and registration form are now available online at www.tbep.org. Registration payment can be made online through PayPal. If you wish to pay by check, please contact Colleen at (727) 893-2765 or email colleen@tbep.org

http://www.tbep.org