Boyd forum on Apalachicola River today

Due to space limitations, the Apalachicola River and Bay Congressional Forum is not open to the general public, but all local, state, and federal officials as well as local stakeholders have been invited, according to a news release.

U.S. Congressman Heath Shuler (D-NC), the Chairman of the Small Business Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship, will be Boyd's special guest at the forum and will help determine what Congress can do to assist the people of North Florida and small business owners affected by this historic drought and low flows.

Other forum participants will include: Brigadier General Joseph Schroedel, South Atlantic Division Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Sam Hamilton, Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Dan Tonsmeire, Apalachicola Riverkeepers; Dave McLain, Senior Policy Director for the Apalachicola Riverkeepers and a member of the Apalachicola River Riparian County Stakeholders Coalition; Jackson County Commissioner Jeremy Branch; Kevin Begos, Executive Director, Franklin County Oyster & Seafood Task Force; Grady Leavins, Owner of Leavins Seafood; Franklin County Commissioner Joseph "Smokey" Parrish; Dr. Felicia C. Coleman, Director of the Coastal & Marine Laboratory at FSU.

 "The people of North Florida, who depend on the Apalachicola River and Bay for their livelihood, must be heard," Boyd said in the news release. "I am eager for the Corps and FWS to hear firsthand from our oystermen, shrimpers, and others along the river and bay who have a tremendous stake in the ACF issue. Those of us in North Florida are committed to making sure that Florida's resources are protected. After years of disputes, I will continue working and pushing on a local, state, and federal level to see that a reasonable and long term water management solution for the ACF system is developed."