Silver Springs, Fla. - The Florida Conservation Coalition (FCC), a nonpartisan alliance of concerned individuals and nonprofit organizations, will hold a rally at Silver River State Park on June 23 to bring attention to the threats facing Silver Springs and other rivers, lakes, springs and aquifers throughout the region and state. Through the event -- Speak Up for Florida`s Waters -- the coalition aims to raise public awareness and galvanize further support for efforts to protect and restore Florida`s imperiled aquatic resources. "Water is the lifeblood of Florida," said Sen. Bob Graham, a longtime environmental advocate who founded FCC with other conservationists in 2011. "It ties our state together, provides untold recreational opportunities and draws millions of visitors each year to our state, supporting jobs and economic growth. The pollution and usage issues affecting every facet of our water supply are serious and immediate, and we must address them in order to protect our heritage and preserve our quality of life." Speak Up for Florida`s Waters will feature remarks by Sen. Graham, former state senator Lee Constantine and others, along with educational and outdoor activities, music, and tours of the Silver River Museum and a local cracker village. Full event details are available at www.FloridaConservationCoalition.org. Why Silver Springs? The declining health of Silver Springs, an iconic attraction for generations of Floridians and visitors, is emblematic of challenges to the water resources throughout the state. Over the past few decades, Silver Springs and the Silver River have experienced dramatic increases in nutrient pollution from fertilizer overuse and poorly treated wastewater. The excessive nitrate levels encourage algal growth that adversely affects fish and wildlife and compromises the water`s quality and clarity. Reduced flows resulting from excessive groundwater withdrawals and occasional drought have exacerbated the situation; flows from the springs and the Silver River have declined by more than 50 percent and 30 percent, respectively. Unaddressed, the decline in Silver Springs will not only adversely impact the overall health of the region`s natural resources, but it could have devastating economic consequences as well. Over a million people visit the springs each year, creating more than $60 million in economic benefits for Marion County. Tourism supports 1,060 jobs in the region, with a payroll of $12.61 million - and every dollar spent by visitors is dependent upon the physical and biological health of the area`s precious water resources. Silver Springs and the Silver River are just two of the many waterways throughout Florida imperiled by the consequences of a rapidly growing population, industry (including agribusiness) and inadequate or short-sighted public policy. As threats to our water quality and supply increase, the environmental and economic consequences of inaction grow as well. About Florida Conservation Coalition The Florida Conservation Coalition (FCC) is devoted to protecting and conserving natural resources that are essential to the quality of life and long-term economic prosperity in the state. The coalition works to ensure that safeguards are in place to protect and properly manage Florida`s rich natural environment, including the supply and quantity of its water resources. To learn more about FCC, visit www.FloridaConservationCoalition.org | 