Jackson Blue Spring Basin Report

From Chad Taylor:

Greetings All: The times they are a changing, fast! Please mark your calendar for the following very interesting events.

1. Tuesday, August 22, 2006, 6:00 p.m. CENTRAL (all times below are central), Jackson County Administration Building, first reading of Jackson Blue Springs Water Quality Ordinance, Public Hearing, public is noticed, invited and encouraged to attend. See attached proposed Ordinance.

2. Tuesday, September 12, 2006 9:00 a.m., Jackson County Administration Building, second reading of Jackson Blue Springs Water Quality Ordinance, Public Hearing, public is noticed, invited and encouraged to attend. Board of County Commission (BOCC) will vote today. Extended Jackson Blue Spring Basin Moratorium expires.

3. Thursday, September 14, 2006 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Chipola College Arts Center, Premier Opening Event, Apalachicola River An American Treasure Exhibit, everyone is invited. See http://www.apalachicolaamericantreasure.com/ click on Premier Event. This is the first visit to the river basin for this remarkable Exhibit that includes photos of the Chipola River and other places near and dear to our hearts and a 57 minute film documentary. Exhibit remains open from September 14 thru October 12, 2006.

4. Thursday, September 21, 2006 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Chipola College Arts Center, first "official" meeting, second actual meeting, of the Jackson Blue Spring Basin Working Group. Public announcement of working group and next agenda forthcoming soon. Special treat, meeting held at Apalachicola River An American Treasure Exhibit, showing of 57 minute documentary immediately following the working group meeting.

I encourage you to attend the Public Hearings on the Jackson Blue Springs Water Quality Ordinance. I will speak in support of this Ordinance for what it does accomplish and work henceforth to improve provisions that should include performance based on-site waste water treatment facilities, Florida Yards Program and other established protection strategies for our springs. The learning curve in Jackson County for springs friendly land use practices is steep and we should focus our efforts on bringing education and the very best scientific information to our fellow citizens so they can appreciate, understand and support protection strategies for our groundwater and springs. Jackson County will be reviewing our Land Development Regulations soon and that is an appropriate forum for further considerations on these matters. Failure by our Board of County Commissioners to pass this ordinance will result in irremediable impacts on the springs, spring caves and other karst features of the Blue Spring Basin. Speak now or forever hold your peace!

Perhaps of even more importance this ordinance has little if any impact on the offer proffered and negotiations for the sale of a portion and stipulations on the parcel of land that mostly encompasses the spring caves of Jackson Blue Spring. Any encouragement or positive influence there is very important. I have further information for those with interest.

Hope you can join us for these important and interesting events. Any questions, comments or suggestions are always welcome. Hope all is well with you and yours.

Chad

C. Chadwick Taylor
CCT & Associates, Inc.
4209 Buckland Trail
P. O. Box 315
Greenwood, Florida 32443
850/594-7951
Mob. 850/526-0176 & 850/526-0157
cct@phonl.com