Friends of Baldwin met in Robertsdale on May 4. The following reports were made:

         Bob Gross reported on the Baldwin Co. Environmental Advisory Board meeting. It was reported that there is salt water incursion only in shallow aquifers, but that is ceertain to increase as more pumping is done for increased population. Daphne is seeking an $11 million grant to repair damage to D’Olive Creek but the question is why should public monies be spent to repair damage which could have been avoided with responsible planning. There were Stormwater updates from Foley, Fairhope and Daphne and there is agreement that this is a significant issue.

      Patsy Parker and the Perdido Beach Property Owners’ and Residents’ Ass’n were congratulated for the success of the incorporation vote for the town of Perdido Beach.

          The Zoning Com. will review options for objecting to the “long lasso” zoning recently enacted by Daphne.

      Friends of Baldwin has been approached for help in beginning zoning efforts in District 14 which runs from Fish River to Hwy 104. Dick Sute said that he believes he can find the “soldiers” to do the leg work, but a “point person” is needed. Any suggestions?

      Bob Gross spoke on the natural ability of nature to cleanse pollutants through wetlands. He then introduced Dr. Michael Steltencamp, Environmental Director of International Paper, who presented a program on his company’s attempt to mediate the impact of effluents on the environment at the Cantonment Mill. They have spent $20 million to upgrade the waste treatment plant and built a 10 mile pipeline to discharge effluent through 30 valves into berms.

     For more information , visit www.protectourecosystem.com, or contact Jessica Morris at 850 968-4203.

      The next Friends of Baldwin meeting will be on Monday, June 1, at noon at Mama Lou’s in Robertsdale. Johnny Carlton, former head of ADEM in Mobile and Baldwin will be the speaker.