The Great Blue Heron and other wading birds forage for fish in shallow waters; they are therefore greatly impacted by the health of Biscayne Bay and its feeder waterways. Photo: Kevin Bailey
Excessive fertilizer use on urban landscapes in Miami-Dade County (MDC) contributes to adverse impacts on water quality affecting Biscayne Bay and other waterways, by impairing them with increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. High levels of these nutrients can harm plants and wildlife otherwise adapted to lower nutrient levels, and cause harmful algal blooms (HABs) and fish kills.
We needYour Voice to advocate for a strong fertilizer ordinance that will help MDC curb fertilizer pollution entering the Bay. On April 20 the MDC Board of Commissioners will take a final vote on a fertilizer ordinance sponsored by MDC Commissioner Eileen Higgins. The proposed ordinance is considered to be the strongest municipal fertilizer legislation in Florida and is an important recommendation of the Biscayne Bay Task Force.
Having a strict county-wide fertilizer ordinance is an important step toward conserving and restoring our local ecosystems.
