31 Tight Lines Bulletin - Spring 2016 along with other federal and state agencies, have the opportunity to grow the refuge by working with willing sellers and partner agencies to conserve high priority habitat and water resources.  Now is the time to purchaseadditionalconservationeasements in the Kissimmee River floodplain to ensure this land does not fall victim to develop- ment.  Expansion of the conservation area will help protect a rural way of life for many Florida ranchers as well. • Establish a network of sediment traps in major canals that lead from agricultural areasintocoastalestuaries. Agriculturalin- terests must take ownership of this material coming off their land. These traps, properly placed and maintained, will help reduce sedimentandnutrientloadsenteringcoastal estuaries. Water Management Districts and other government entities should provide incentives and work in partnership with the agricultural community to determine stra- tegic locations for placement and routine maintenance of these traps.  The dredged, nutrient rich, sediment could be recycled for use on adjacent farm lands or other practicaluses. Experimentalsedimenttraps have already been implemented with suc- cess, on a small scale, in the C-51 canal.  Some of the dredged material was used by the Florida Department of Transportation for road improvements.  Expansion of this underutilized water quality improvement method is warranted. • The C-51 Reservoir project proposed where the Palm Beach Aggregate's pits are located needs to be completed. We must quit sending our excess water to tide in the Lake Worth Lagoon. The Reservoir would give managers improved flexibility on how the water is used, such as helping to restore historic flows northward into the Loxahatchee Slough. • Increase efforts to develop additional Wastewater and Storm Water Treatment Areas (STA) in the urban watershed.  In- novative projects like Green Cay and Wa- kodahatchee in Boynton Beach are shining examples of how wastewater and storm water can be naturally treated before it en- ters estuaries like the Lake Worth Lagoon.  Coastal municipalities throughout South Florida should be encouraged and incen- tivized to build similar projects.  Beyond improving water quality and storm water storage capacity, urban STA’s provide many other community benefits such as recre- ational uses, educational opportunities and increased wildlife habitat. As more growth occurs, addtional roadways and rooftops will continue to add to the problem. We must find better ways to capture the im- pending runoff. Urban-based STAs can provide part of the solution. • Conversion of septic tanks to public sewer systems in coastal watersheds must be made a priority.  Water discharges from Lake O are not the only thing killing our estuaries.  The problems associated with septic tanks near coastal water bodies is well documented.  Property owners must take ownership of the impact their septic tanks have on water quality.  Municipali- ties and or utility companies could provide some assistance, but everyone should have some skin in the game.  Conversion from septic to city sewer can be amortized over a period of years to make the process afford- able.  The expense is not wasted since con- nection to a public sewer system generally increases the value of the property for the homeowner.  The Village of Islamorada in the Florida Keys recognized the magnitude of this problem and has begun a process by which residents are being connected to public sewer lines.  Solutions, like those listed above have been known for decades.  Yes, they are expensive, but what will be the costs if we continue to delay or don’t act?  None of the above will be a ‘silver bullet’ that fully pro- tects our estuaries.  However, they are sig- nificant steps that must be taken to reduce the harmful impacts of massive freshwater discharges, and help mitigate for future releases. People are tired of inaction, politi- cal in-fighting, finger pointing, and excuses for not acquiring land for water quality improvement and storage.  Conservation lands are essential to accommodating the demands of Florida’s growing population.  Flood control will always take precedence over environmental concerns, but we can do a far better job of methodically storing, treating and moving water. Improving and protecting our water quality is an issue that should unite all sectors of Florida’s economy: the recreational and commercial fishing industry, the marine industry, the tourism industry…and yes, even develop- ers and agricultural interests will benefit from a more sustainable approach to water management.  It’s time for a different story on the evening news. Voice Your Concern…. • Governor Rick Scott ph: (850) 488-7146 www.flgov.com • Steve Crisafulli Speaker of the Florida House (321) 449-5111 www.stevecrisafulli.com • Senator Joe Negron ph: (772) 219-1665 negron.joe@flsenate.gov • Representative Richard Corcoran (Appropriations Committee Chair) ph: (813) 792-5177 www.richardcorcoran.com