In this Yule season, as the sun returns after the Winter Solstice, let us be thankful that we can boat, fish, and even swim year-round here in our subtropical south Georgia and north Florida.

Solstice Sunset, Yule Log: Merry Christmas

But even if you missed Festivus, there are still grievances to be aired.

• Please tell the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and Georgia legislators to stop a proposed titanium strip mine far too near the Okefenokee Swamp. White paint is not enough reason to risk that treasure of alligators, birds, fish, deer, bear, and jobs. Also, please ask your county commission or city council, in Georgia or Florida, to pass a resolution supporting the Swamp against the mine.
• Please go to the Florida Department of Transportation’s Northern Turnpike Extension web page and tell FDOT we don’t need any more toll roads. Even the M-CORES task forces could find no need, so stop reviving that dead project.
• Floridians, please ask your state legislative delegation to stop FPL from squelching rooftop solar through SB 1024 and HB 741. Rooftop and community solar power can keep many households from losing electricity for weeks after a hurricane, while reducing electricity bills year-round: something no toll road can do.
• Plenty more things need advocacy, but these three will do for this holiday season.

It’s the season to burn the Yule log. I’ve got one in my fireplace right now. Well, little pieces of a naturally fallen oak tree.

Yule log

Let’s be thankful for the forests, swamps, and fields that support us, the aquifers from which we all drink, and the rivers that run through.

If you still need gifts to give, a good one would be a membership in an organization that advocates for fishable, swimmable, and drinkable water, and holds frequent paddle outings and cleanups.

Sunset big sky, Banks Lake, 2021-12-18.

We also have in our WWALS online store hats, stickers, and notecards, all of which make excellent gifts.

Thanks to all of you who who have already supported WWALS this year. We hope to see you and others on an upcoming paddle outing, cleanup, at a festival, or online.

Happy Holidays!

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

You can join this fun and work by becoming a WWALS member today!

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