June 26, 2015
For More Information Contact: Sandra Ripberger at sandrarip@yahoo.com
Judge Rules Against Harbor Sound Development
Bradenton - In a victory for the protection of coastal mangrove wetlands, Sierra Club and other groups have successfully challenged the Southwest Florida Water Management District issuance of a permit to fill mangroves as an Administrative Law Judge issued an order recommending denial of the permit.
The petition for an administrative hearing was filed by Joe McClash, The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (F.I.S.H.) and Manasota 88. The Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Club filed a motion to intervene as did the Suncoast Waterkeeper.
Attorney Ralf Brooks represented the Sierra Club “We agree with the findings and conclusions of the Administrative Law Judge. It is important to preserve these mature mangrove wetlands on site because they provide natural storm protection, prevent erosion and provide important habitat for wildlife here in Anna Maria Sound near the historic fishing village of Cortez. It is important to protect our remaining mangrove wetlands as valuable natural resources especially in aquatic preserves and outstanding Florida waters."
Administrative Law Jude Bram D. E. Canter found the “proposed project is not clearly in the public interest because it would cause significant adverse cumulative effects on the conservation of fish and wildlife, fishing and recreational values, and marine productivity of Anna Maria Sound.”

The Order is available online at this link: https://www.doah.state.fl.us/ ROS/2014/14004735.pdf
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