Jason Bennis, Dan Kimball, Rainer Schael and Mary Munson

The Center for Earth Jurisprudence hosted a policy and law workshop that explored innovative means of protecting and managing the “commons,” specifically Florida Bay and the Everglades. Featured speaker Superintendent of Everglades National Park Dan Kimball discussed public participation and efforts to incorporate the values of individuals who know and understand the ecosystems into a management plan that effectively responds to the various interests represented. Jason Bennis, marine policy manager of the National Parks Conservation Association, Sun Coast Regional Office, presented the perspective of a nonprofit advocacy group, underscoring efforts to protect the delicate Florida Bay through such innovations as their support of the new Eco-Mariner program (www.EcoMariner.org, offering boaters information about Florida Bay) and suggestions for piloting a restricted “pole/troll” area. Recreational angler and president of RS Environmental Consulting Rainer Schael added another dimension to the discussion by presenting the viewpoint, always as friends and occasionally at odds, of the recreational users. See photos here.

Rainer Schael and Florida Bay resident  Superintendent Dan Kimball 

On October 23 - 24, 2007, the Center for Earth Jurisprudence organized “Water World: H2O, Life and the Future,” a two-day interdisciplinary conference held at both Barry and St. Thomas universities, about the future of our Earth’s most precious resource that explored moral, ethical issues of access to water. Featured speakers included photographer Clyde Butcher, author Michael Grunwald, reporter and editor Cynthia Barnett.  Florida Catholic covered the conference in its article, “Water Woes,” http://www.thefloridacatholic.org/mia/mia2007/miaarticles/20071109_mia_water_woes.php

DIRECTIONS

From Interstate 95:
• Take SR-826 westbound and exit at NW 37th Ave. Proceed to the light.
• At the light, turn left. The university entrance is 1/8 mile ahead on the left.

From SR-826 (Palmetto Expwy) Northeast:
• Go eastbound on SR-826 and exit at NW 37th Ave.
• At the light, turn right. The university entrance is 1/8 mile ahead on your left.

From FL Turnpike (South):
• Take the Turnpike South to 826 West (Palmetto Expressway).
• Go westbound on SR-826 and exit at NW 37th Ave.
• At the light, make a left turn. The university entrance is 1/8 mile ahead on your left.

From I-75 (South):
• Take I-75 to SR-826 Northeast (Palmetto Expressway).
• Go northbound on SR-826 and exit at NW 37th Ave.
• At the light, make a right. The university entrance is 1/8 mile ahead on your left.