Date and Time
Tuesday Oct 3, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EDT
Location
Presented by Virginia H. Barker, Director,
Brevard County Natural Resources
Management Department
October 3, 2023 at 12:00 PM Eastern (US and Canada)
The Indian River Lagoon is a priceless natural treasure that was neglected for decades, but hope is on the horizon. The SOIRL Program has a science-based plan for investing in the most cost-effective projects to reduce pollution. There is no single or simple solution. Progress takes time and long-term commitments, but we are seeing signs of improvement. Everyone has a role in helping to heal the lagoon.
The seminar will end with a live Q&A session, but we also recommend that participants to please email any questions you might have that relate to this topic to caitlin@mrcirl.org.
Given the limited seating in the Lagoon House, and an increased demand for in-person tickets, there is now a $5 in-person attendance fee. Please feel free to bring your own lunch. Coffee and cookies will be provided. Viewing Lagoon at Noon Presentations via Zoom and Facebook Live continue to be free. We thank you for your continued support of our Lagoon at Noon, formerly Lunch & Learn Program.
When registering for online viewing, the Zoom link will be in your Eventbrite confirmation email, under "Additional Information". A recording of the presentation will be posted to the MRC's YouTube page for future viewing.
Description
Virginia Barker completed undergraduate degrees in Science and Math at Duke University and returned to Duke after 5 years of professional work to pursue a Masters in Coastal Environmental Management. Her thesis was in Resource Economics. She has worked in Sri Lanka for US AID, as a research diver for the Florida Department of Natural Resources, and in marine and environmental management positions for Monroe County and Brevard County.
Ms. Barker currently serves as the Director of Brevard County’s Natural Resources Management Department. During her 25 years with the County, she has been responsible for beach management, the stormwater utility program, mosquito control, Indian River Lagoon efforts and numerous other environmental initiatives and programs.
In 2016, Virginia spearheaded development of the science-based Save Our Indian River Lagoon Project Plan and establishment of a Citizen Oversight Committee. The Project Plan and Oversight Committee guide how a new ½ cent sales tax that was approved by Brevard voters will fund approximately $500 million of pollution elimination efforts to restore healthy conditions to the Indian River Lagoon. Implementation of the 10-year Save Our Indian River Lagoon Project Plan began in 2017.
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