An End of the Year Message From Our President
November 2023
Dear Friends of the Wekiva River,
As the end of 2023 approaches, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your
support of Friends of the Wekiva River (FOWR) and our work on behalf of this unique
ecosystem.
As 2024 arrives, the Wekiva River remains the target of more development and local
ordinances that don’t prioritize and safeguarding the fragile Wekiva Protection Area.
FOWR needs your help today, more than ever, to protect what remains of the Wekiva.
We must secure and protect the River for future generations to come.
This years’ efforts showcase FOWR’s commitment to doing just that. This snapshot of
activity during the 2023 highlights our work on behalf of the Wekiva River and those wild
habitats and communities, both wild and properties adjacent to its banks:
Advocated conservation groups to convince Lake County to hold off on staff’s
proposed comprehensive plan amendment that would have allowed high-density
Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) within the Wekiva Protection Area.
Organized campaign to engage FDEP, the SJRWMD, FDOT, EPA, Seminole
County, and state and federal legislators to provide funding to clean up sand
deposits in Little Wekiva River downstream from SR 434.
Convinced Seminole County Commission to reject staff-approved plans to build a
WAWA in the Wekiva Protection Area.
Convinced Lake County Commission to reject a proposed expansion of an
assisted living facility with densities exceeding those allowed within the Wekiva
Protection Area in east Lake County.
Represented FOWR at numerous City and County Commission meetings to
advocate for responsible growth management and protection of prime recharge
areas within the Wekiva Study Area.
Advocated for controlling land use changes within the Rural Protection Areas of
Lake County.
Objected to plans by Eustis to eliminate agricultural and rural residential land use
categories and allow increased impervious areas within other land uses.
Filed objections to proposed FDEP rules for groundwater withdrawals within
Central Florida that would not have protected the Wekiva River and its tributary
springs.
Personally, I find it amazing that we do all of this as an all-volunteer workforce. That’s
right, without a single employee, we work on the Wekiva’s behalf every day of the year.
Without your financial support, there is no way we could do what we do.
My request to you as the year quickly approaches is to ask you to make a financial
donation so we continue to make a difference in the Wekiva’s future. Although the
Wekiva has no voice of its own, we do. Our educational programs, legislative learning
tours, opportunities to introduce people to the Wekiva River via kayaking and hikes and
attending numerous events throughout the year require dollars. Although 100% of the
Board of Directors contributes, we need your help, too.
Please go online now at friendsofwekiva.org and make a difference. We need your
continued assistance to do what we do.
Thanking you in advance for your continued support,
Mark Pafford, President
Friends of the Wekiva River, Inc.
