Moirs Environmental Dialogues

No one has worked harder to defeat harmful algal blooms and to stop red tide outbreaks in Florida during the last six years than has Cris Costello of the Sierra Club. Cris talks with Rob about the many battles by both municipalities and counties across the state of Florida to pass strong responsible lawncare ordinances. Each ordinance has a “backbone” of responsible stewardship that Cris clearly points out. We talked the day after the city of Rockledge tabled the vote reduce nitrogen pollution to improved local ecosystems and economies. Cris and Rob also discuss how a good ordinance was defeated in Brevard County. Lessons learned along the way will with time, sufficient vetting, and burgeoning coalitions result in passage. Success in Tampa Bay when people modify their turf care practices lawns stayed green and water quality improved. Most remarkable has been the comeback and new growth of sea grasses – food for green turtles, nurseries for game fish.