Jan 6th, 2009
As part of their ongoing struggle against Florida Power and Light (FPL), activists from Everglades Earth First! have set up an encampment at the entrance to the Barley Barber Swamp, demanding entry to ensure that ancient cypress trees are not being killed by water pumping for the adjacent Martin County Power Plant. Following a combined protest/picnic, demonstrators attempted to hike in to inspect the swamp, but were prevented from entering by police. A standoff has ensued.
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Swamp Standoff Ends With 17 Arrests
Jan 12th, 2009
Seventeen protesters from Everglades Earth First! were arrested on Saturday, January 10, six of them for crossing into the Barley Barber Swamp, which is owned by Florida Power and Light. This ended a 6‑day standoff, in which protesters had camped at the entrance of the swamp demanding entry, accusing FPL of barring the public in order to conceal the fact that its adjacent Martin County Power Plant was destroying the swamp and its 1,000-year old cypress trees through excessive water pumping.
Everglades Earth First! has put out a call for financial support to help bail out those arrested. “Direct action is a community effort that goes well beyond the risk of arrest,” the group said. “It requires broad support from those who wish to see grassroots efforts succeed.”
Watch videos of this and other Everglades EF! actions at their YouTube page