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Port St. Lucie, Florida

 

Ballantrae Angler’s Club

Reprinted for your convenience from the TCPalm.com, dated Sept. 23, 2008

 

New Indian Riverkeeper says he 'can get tough if he has to'

By Tyler Treadway (Contact)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008

 

TREASURE COAST — The new Indian Riverkeeper has been a bureaucrat, so he knows how to negotiate; he's also been a certified law enforcement officer, so … "I can get tough if I have to," said George Jones. "My job is to be an advocate for the Indian River Lagoon and the people. And I take that responsibility very seriously."

 

Jones, a 34-year employee of the state Department of Environmental Protection, officially became riverkeeper on Sept. 1. Sponsored by the nonprofit Treasure Coast Environmental Defense Fund, his job is to look out for the best interests of America's most diverse estuary as well as the local residents, anglers, boaters and business owners who use it and depend on it.

A recent study by the St. Johns River Water Management District said the lagoon contributes about $4 billion to the economies of the counties it borders: Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Brevard and Volusia.

"I think there's a lot of grassroots support for the lagoon," Jones said. "People understand that it's an important resource, one of the most important resources in the United States, let alone in Florida."

Jones said the first few days of his new job have involved a lot of getting

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