What is the IRLC?
The Indian River Lagoon Coalition
Published on
They are nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit demanding that our government take necessary and continuing actions to clean and restore the Indian River Lagoon.
The IRLC seeks to enjoy an Indian River Lagoon of clear waters, alive with lush sea grass beds, thriving fish, birds, manatees and dolphins.
“The lagoon is, by all objective accounts, the economic and environmental lifeblood of its bordering communities, cities, and counties. A dying/dead waste lagoon affects everyone, not just environmental activists. Once (eco)tourism and service industries are affected, economic development projects and property values will certainly follow. Revenues will decrease, and quality of life will plummet.”
The Coalition’s plan of action is twofold:
- Combine all interest, information, and resources that we have in our community and use it to pressure our government entities (local, state, and Federal) to take appropriate actions.
- Coordinate, through the same alliance, effective awareness campaigns and educational opportunities throughout the community for a necessary culture shift to RESPONSIBLE (sustainable) living.
Interested already? Become a pledged member: Join@citizensforthelagoon.org
What Impacts Have IRLC made?
Many projects have been started and have grown with the IRLC’s goals in the driver’s seat.
Arguably the most extensive, science-based project yet is the Save Our Lagoon Project Plan.
It was was developed in July 2016 by a team of scientists, researchers, financial experts and lagoon restoration experts.
The IRLC and Brevard residents stepped up and overwhelmingly voted for the half-cent sales tax to fund the projects in this plan.
The 100+ page plan was adopted by the Brevard County Commission and is currently being implemented.
How You Can Help the Lagoon?
Recycle and keep Lagoon free of trash
- Use reusable bags at the grocery or paper ones
- Use as little plastic as possible
- Plant native plants that don’t need water or fertilizer
- Minimize pesticide use and dispose of toxic chemicals correctly
- Stop septic leaks: Inspect your drain field as well as your septic tank
- Wash your car at a carwash — keeps soap & chemicals out of the Lagoon
- Only clean water down street sewers or drains — no trash, no grass, no oil or soap
- Go Solar for your home
Volunteer!
- Support nonprofits helping the Lagoon
- Join a local City Sustainability Board
- Pick up trash with Keep Brevard Beautiful
- Help plant living shorelines, oyster reefs & mangroves
If You Boat…
- Practice proper boat fueling technique
- Use marine pump out facilities
- Don’t empty your tank into canals or the Lagoon
- Use marine approved cleaning products
Your Yard
- When mowing, make sure to blow grass clippings back onto the lawn
- Obey the summer fertilizer ban: June 1 – Sept 30
- Minimize watering your lawn
Dog Owners
- Scoop the poop! — dog waste has lots of bacteria. Pick up, put in trash.