Flagler Estates Concerned Citizens, Inc.

It is unfortunate that the District continues to use improper maintenance protocol despite the fact that they have been informed that there are more effective and efficient ways to do business.  Please note that the District crew is only doing as they are told.  This is in no way a criticism of them.  Rather, it is a reflection on those folks that are telling them how to do their job. Below is the letter:

_______________________________________________________

Hello:
>
>    Today a FERWCD tractor with the bush hog
> at the end of a arm mowed the ditchs on both sides of Baylor
> north of Cedar Ford.  The brush did not need to be
> mowed.  It is a waste of tax dollars to pay someone to
> mow something that does not need it.  It also causes
> ware and tear on the machine and uses fuel that could be
> used for something else.  Please review the need to mow
> ditches that do not need it.
>
> Thanks;

______________________________________________________

Information has been submitted to the Board regarding the proper and recommended maintenance procedures. (Also known as 'Best Management Practices') They were given literature from the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agriculture Science.

Below are pictures taken today - January 29, 2010 to allow you to see the problem for yourself.

Best Management Practices advise to mow only as necessary.  District policy is to mow on a schedule, whether it is needed or not.

Mowing vegetation too short as shown in these photos leads to erosion.  The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and St. John's River Water Management concur that the biggest problem pollutant in our waterways is SEDIMENTATION!

Our other pollution issue is low dissolved oxygen levels.  The scientific community recommends leaving vegetation because it helps to increase oxygen in the water as it flows into the canals. 

This information has been presented to the District Board and Staff repeatedly.  They prefer to "Do what they have always done". 

There IS a better way!