This is one of the places the dozer got stuck.
It is hundreds of feet away from the creek and occured after four years of drought!
This was all done during the bulldozer's first pass. They weren't even actually plowing yet. The fire plow was raised the entire time. The neighbor told us the bulldozers would have to make at least two passes, followed by the actual plowing, harrowing, then grading. He also told us the fire line would be about 20' wide. This photo was taken in early August, over three months after the initial bulldozing. The debris is still there.
Here is where the bulldozer sank in the creek.
Once again, after four years of drought!
Imagine what the result would be after the plow were dropped and dragged through this wetlands. We're not sure yet if the DOF will follow through with any restoration of the area. They contend that they have done nothing wrong. They have told us to our face that they don't see any damage, that our trees are worthless, and that no one wants "those trees" anyway. The DOF will not acknowledge any wrongdoing in any way, including what has been done to the creek. The DEP washed their hands of it and turned it over to the St Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). The SJRWMD is not interested in imposing wetlands violations in connection to either the damage to the wetlands on the adjacent property, the bulldozing of the creek, or the damage we have suffered as a result of the DOF bulldozing on our property. The legal fees we have spent to hear these statements are approaching the $10,000.00 mark. This does not include costs we may incur for debris removal, restoration, and future damages as a result of root damage to adjacent trees. So far none of the agencies are willing to put their statements in writing.
6 comments:
These pictures are apalling. I can't believe that no one is doing anything about it! Surely they're not continuing the work? Has anybody even put a stop to it?
Thanks, Anonymous! We're not sure yet if the DOF will follow through with any restoration of the area. They contend that they have done nothing wrong. They have told us to our face that they don't see any damage, that our trees are useless, and that no one wants "those trees" anyway. The DOF will not acknowledge any wrongdoing in any way, including what has been done to the creek. The DEP washed their hands of it and turned it over to the St Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). The SJRWMD is not interested in imposing wetlands violations in connection to either the damage to the wetlands on the adjacent property, the bulldozing of the creek, or the damage we have suffered as a result of the DOF bulldozing on our property. The legal fees we have spent to hear these statements are approaching the $10,000.00 mark. So far none of the agencies are willing to put their statements in writing.
OMG!!!
Where are the people enforcing the laws?
Hi Anonymous! Regarding your question...that's what we'd like to know! We've tried to jump through all the hoops and play nice. Nice guys don't win in this type of thing. So far we have been ignored, or ping-ponged back and forth because no one at these agencies feels this is worth their time.
I live in Florida too and am a member of an environment interest group that would love to hear your story. Do you mind if I send them your link? Maybe they can help you get the attention you deserve and get this mess fixed.
Anonymous, thank you for your interest! Sure, feel free to pass this along to anyone you feel would be interested. In the meantime, I'd love to have your contact information to discuss this with you. If you aren't comfortable posting it, just shoot me an email and we'll go from there. I appreciate it! Also, you might want to check out my additional photos on Flickr. Follow the link posted here in my blog, and make sure to check back often to see how this game plays out.
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