Action Alert: Support River of Grass Greenway (ROGG) Master Plan

 Since 2009, BikeWalkLee has been an enthusiastic supporter of The River of Grass Greenway (ROGG) project, which would create a 75-mile shared use path along US 41 between Miami and Naples.  This project is now under attack and your support is needed.  The two-year Master Plan study is out for comment and emails in support of the plan are needed by June 24th (or July 1st at the latest).  If you support this project, now is the time to speak up!  Send you email to: Mr. Mark Heinicke at mheinic@miamidade.gov.

 

ACTION ALERT

The River of Grass Greenway (ROGG) is a proposed 75-mile shared-use pathway along US 41 between Miami and Naples.  After nearly three years of public workshops, steering committee meetings, and agency reviews, the ROGG Feasibility and Master Plan Study is nearing completion.

Now is the final opportunity for the masses to provide public comment to demonstrate support and demonstrate a need for this project, which then influences political decision makers.  There is vocal opposition from those who do not want change, and consider the ROGG to be more harmful than beneficial.

US 41 between Miami and Naples is the only way to access many attractions within six national and state parks of the Everglades ecosystem, and the only road cyclists or pedestrians can use to travel across the state in southern Florida.  Unfortunately, safety conditions for cycling on this stretch of road make it prohibitive to all but the bravest.

A shared-use pathway would not only provide safety for the self-propelled, but also a walkway for nature viewing, photography and general enjoyment of the Everglades ecosystem.  The ROGG would provide endless opportunities for educating visitors about the cultural and natural resources of this internationally renowned wetland.

The Master Plan team has worked diligently to maximize compatibility between the ROGG and the adjacent sensitive environment.  For example, if ROGG implementation includes a companion shuttle system between trailheads, it would provide significant environmental benefits of reducing traffic on US 41, reducing carbon emissions and reducing congestion at the parks.  This would reverse the current trend of increasing traffic counts at the parks and the associated problems of providing parking.  Moreover, the ROGG + shuttle system would provide the masses with an eco-friendly alternative: enjoy our Everglades national treasure without a personal vehicle.

Its up to YOU to provide comments that demonstrate public approval of the ROGG and allow it to progress to the next phase.

Public comments are due by July 1 and should be emailed to Mr. Mark Heinicke at mheinic@miamidade.gov

To see the latest draft of the Feasibility Study and Master Plan, the link is  http://www.miamidade.gov/rogg/2015-may-report.asp

Additional information about the ROGG can be found at www.evergladesROGG.org.

Moser Column: fitting send-off to a running inspiration

This week's Moser column reports on the retirement of North Fort Myers H.S. coach of girls cross country and track, and advocacy spotlight is on the River of Grass Greenway update.

 Florida Weekly, March 5, 2014

Dan Moser

Southwest Florida is laden with talented athletes, most who excel because of key mentors and coaches who bring out the best in them. One of those special people is Loretta Purish, longtime coach of girls cross country and track at North Fort Myers High School, who is retiring after almost 30 years as an educator and mentor. Having known Ms. Purish mostly through the local running scene more than high school athletics for three decades, it was no surprise that she was given the kind of send-off she received at what was formally known as the Red Knight Invite, a track meet that drew nine teams this year. In Ms. Purish’s honor and in appreciation for all she’s done for NFMHS, the Lee School District, her students and the many athletes she coached, the track meet was named after her. A large “Loretta Purish Track” sign was unveiled at the meet as part of a going away ceremony. Congratulations, Ms. Purish, on being honored, but more importantly, for all the young lives you’ve touched in a positive way over the years. Your runner friends look forward to seeing more of you now that you’ll have some extra time on your hands.

Retiring Coach Loretta Purish with FMTC Buddies Astrid Soll and Maria de Leon

Events update
There are some events to consider participating in over the next weeks and months.  Beautiful Lakes Park is the setting for a 5K walk to support pancreatic cancer research on Saturday, March 15 (www.pancreaticcancerresearchevents.org).

The very next day, the Day Adventist Church, which provides one of the best nutrition education programs anywhere, will be holding its first 5K event, Mission for Nutrition, at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, across from Calusa Nature Center on Ortiz Avenue at Colonial Boulevard. There will be dental, vision, glucose and other screenings as part of the health and wellness expo taking place at the same time as the race.

 At the end of the month, on Saturday, March 29, have your pet join you at Coconut Point for the Fast and Furriest 5K/1M Walk (www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org).

 And don’t forget to get on your bike and ride Royal Palm Classic’s 15, 30 or 62 miles from the Fort Myers Brewery in Gateway (www.royalpalmclassic.org) on Sunday, March 16, and similar distance options at Legacy Trail Tour de Parks Ride from Venice on Sunday, March 23(www.legacytrailfriends.org).

Advocacy matters
At a recent joint meeting of bicycle and pedestrian committees from Lee and Collier counties, an update was presented on how things are progressing for the River of Grass Greenway (ROGG, www.evergladesrogg.org), the proposed pathway from Naples to Miami. While it’s a slow process due to many factors, from environmental matters to funding issues, supporters and volunteers who have been working to make this project happen are seeing things come together. When put in perspective, this is a much needed route because there’s really no practical way across the state by bicycle. Palm Beach Boulevard (SR80) is the only option, but it’s far from ideal, and is quite inconvenient for those wishing to head south on the east coast to the Keys. Additionally, it’ll be much more than a bike route since it’s primarily a separated pathway that will allow for many other ecotourism activities. Hopefully, the kind of political and funding support that’s coming together for the Coast-to-Coast Connector (www.fgtf.org/coast-to-coast), which will link the Tampa Bay area to the Space Coast, will be replicated for the very worthy River of Grass Greenway, located in our neck of the woods.

Be sure to check BikeWalkLee’s blog (bikewalklee.blogspot.com) for more on this and other important matters related to our built environment.
Until next time, I’ll look for you on the roads and trails.

— Dan Moser is CyclingSavvy instructor/ trainer and program director for Florida Bicycle Association who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. He can be contacted at dan@floridabicycle.org or 334- 6417.

Concerns about US41-Everglades rumble strips

 The River of Grass Greenway (ROGG) Coalition (a BWL supporter organization) sent a letter to FDOT Secretary Hattaway asking FDOT to consider rumble strip alternatives that would be amendable to cyclists.  We'll keep you updated as the project moves forward.

From: Maureen Bonness [mailto:bonness@infionline.net]
Sent: Monday, November 05, 2012 11:10 AM
To: Billy.hattaway@dot.state.fl.us
Cc: johnny.limbaugh@dot.state.fl.us; Patty Huff; Michelle Avola; Darla Letourneau
Subject: US41-Everglades rumble strips

RE:  US41 shoulder-widening project in eastern Collier County

Dear Secretary Hattaway

First, I applaud FDOT for taking on this project, for the safety of cyclists and motorists.

Cyclists such as myself are concerned about the placement of rumble strips within the shoulder after construction is finished.  According to a conversation with Janet Cook this morning, FDOT is considering alternatives that would be amenable to cyclists, yet within safety compliance.  It is unknown when a final decision will be made.

Certainly there must be an engineering solution to creating an audible warning for motorists approaching a culvert/bridge, without rendering the shoulder completely un-bikeable.  The design utilized on this project may become a model for shoulder improvements for the 16-mile segment of US 41 WEST of Everglades City, where bridges/culverts are numerous and rumble-strips nearly continuous.

Thank you for your consideration on the rumble-strip issue.  For cyclists, it is a very serious safety issue.

Sincerely,

Maureen Bonness

River of Grass Greenway Executive Committee www.evergladesROGG.org

Feasiblity study for River of Grass Greenway (ROGG) included in FDOT WorkProgram for 2011/12

Friends of the ROGG,

Great news! A feasibility study for 16 miles of “ROGG-west” will be included in FDOT program next year.
At the December 10th meeting the Collier County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) demonstrated their support for the ROGG by voting to include the ROGG-west PD&E study (between CR92 and SR29) in FY 2011/12 of the FDOT work program, at an estimated cost of $3 million. This vote was opposite of recommendations of the County transportation staff, as well as two of three advisory committees (TAC, CAC). The price tag for the ROGG feasibility study has increased significantly, which led County staff to question the most appropriate use of limited funds.

-- THANKS to everyone who contacted MPO members.
-- THANKS to the Collier MPO for their support of the ROGG
-- THANKS to FDOT District 1 for their support


River of Grass Greenway Committee