Lessons for Useppans About Complex Water Quality Issues - Written by Museum Board Chair Bob Stevens, photos by UseppaGin - Three water quality advocate organizations were the attraction Saturday night, February 9th at the Barbara Sumwalt Museum. Their representatives talked about a very real concern for all of us connected to Useppa Island. Our beloved little island is touched by both Red Tides and by algae blooms. The blooms develop from water run-off from Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River watershed. The three organizations are working very hard, with the best available scientific information, to lessen the impact of the water run-offs. Daniel Andrews from Captains for Clean Water, Rae Anne Wessel from the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, and Steve Davis from the Everglades Foundation spoke explaining the problems and offering hope for the future. Solutions are in sight, and the Florida Governor has put his leadership support to the efforts, a heartening change from previous state administrations.