06/24/2024
So excited to see these recent photos of Bettie!! She is such a pony princess đđž
Great job Chad Keenum. So glad to see someone meeting her halfway - if you do you have a fabulous pony.
Hunter-Jumper Heaven in Wellington, Florida
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So excited to see these recent photos of Bettie!! She is such a pony princess đđž
Great job Chad Keenum. So glad to see someone meeting her halfway - if you do you have a fabulous pony.
Great time at WEC Ohio !!!
Thanks Sherbourne for so ably filling in for Steve!!
And for doing such a great job w Blue!!!
Doesnât get much cuter than thisâŠ.Charlotte Clarke (3 years old) and her mother Emily Clarke doing a great job with Lloyd ( A Bit Late) in the always cutthroat Upperville lead line class. And Lloydâs just a baby himself!!!
Great job ladies!!!!đđđ
With all the goings on in Wellington we didnât have a lot of time for horse showing, but had fun on a couple of trips each to Terra Nova and WEC Ocala.
Thanks to Curtis Burns APF - I and Meg Turpin for helping me to crack the code with Louis! Between the three of us I think we finally have figured out how to manage him. And of course thanks to my trainer Steve Rivetts for all he does for all of us at River Run Farm. Couldnât do it without him. And thanks to Trish OâConnor and Sam Meadows for all your good rides this winter.
Looking forward to some trips to WEC Ohio this summer and spending the whole summer at Nydrie in VA for the first time.
Great article for horsemen and women
Letâs try not to discount senior horses
We sat in the drive-thru at Tim Hortons, waiting in queue for coffee before heading to the riding school for our daughtersâ Saturday morning lessons. The year was 2021. Our family was just re-emerging from lockdown. It was a full house in the back seat of our car. My mother-in-law âNannyâ was ...
Please feel free to share!!
Please watch, comment and share.
The offer comes as the Wellington Village Council prepares final vote on the communities Mark Bellissimo wants to build in exchange for new showground.
Very good letter from our State Rep Katherine Waldron regarding these applications. Katherine is a gem. She really listens to her constituents and wants to help. She is sincere and smart. GO KATHERINE!! We are behind you next year in your race against Anne Gerwig.
Traffic IMPROVEMENTS ??!!
South Shore becomes a highway and thatâs an improvement??!!
Trouble viewing this email? Read it online
Very good letter from SFWA
Dear Friends,
A complex project proposed for a large swath of undeveloped wetlands and other lightly-developed lands in Wellington, Florida (western Palm Beach County) is coming up for a final vote in the Wellington Village Council this Wednesday. This will be decision time for a project that produced major controversy in the Wellington community â with divisions that seemed to fall along the lines of âquality of life vs. progress.â Visuals of many of the issues presented here can be found at the bottom of this email.
Described as âThe Wellington North and South,â the project seeks to create luxury housing and a new equestrian showground on approximately 290 acres of current and former wetlands in Wellington South as well as release 96 acres from the Villageâs Equestrian Preserve Area (a designated area of low-density zoning) in Wellington North to allow for high-density housing. The proposal was soundly rejected by Wellingtonâs Equestrian Preserve Committee but passed the Planning and Zoning Committee and the Village Council where it was transmitted to Tallahassee for review. Itâs now back in the Village Council for a second and final vote. Four out of five council members must vote yes to move the project forward. South Florida Wildlands Association (SFWA), other local environmental organizations, and many residents of Wellington remain deeply opposed to this development.
The Village of Wellingtonâs description of this many-faceted and complex project can be found here.
Weâre summarizing SFWA's work on this project in this email not only due to its relevance to the upcoming local decision but also because it provides an opportunity to explore how wetlands protect and enhance communities throughout Florida. The email also touches on the complex permitting processes that allow Floridaâs valuable and steadily shrinking wetlands to be filled in and developed. As thousands of wetland applications are currently working their way through Floridaâs water management districts and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (which took over permitting of federal wetlands in Florida from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2020), weâre hoping this information will prove useful to other Florida communities wrestling with similar issues. The Wellington Village Council and staff have already reviewed this material in detail.
SFWA wrote a comprehensive letter to the Wellington Village Council outlining our concerns. Chief among those was the value of remaining wetlands to a municipality built entirely in the historic Everglades. Beginning in the 1950s with the purchase of 18,000 acres of swampland in Palm Beach County by Charles Oliver Wellington, almost all of the original muck soils and wetland vegetation of what is now Wellington (founded in 1995) were removed, massive amounts of fill were brought in, and a d**e was constructed between Wellington and the Northern Everglades (courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ). That remaining section of the Northern Everglades is now the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.
In addition to the d**e, âover 2,000 catch basins or inlets, approximately 187,000 linear feet of collection and conveyance pipe, 91 miles of conveyance/treatment canals, 270 acres of detention lake area, seven flow control structures, and nine storm water pump stationsâ were constructed courtesy of the Acme Improvement District. This massive and artificial drainage system allowed Wellington to go from a âCensus-designated placeâ with a population of 4,622 in 1980 to the largest incorporated village in Florida with a population of over 61,000 today. An interesting history of Acme and Wellington can be found on their website. The drainage system may well be the most extensive ever built for a single community. It would probably make for an interesting episode of "Modern Marvels" - though during heavy rains, low-lying Wellington, completely dependent on pumps, drains, canals, and culverts and still sitting on the edge of the Everglades, can still flood.
Our letter points out the many irreplaceable functions remaining wetlands provide. Those include: 1) retention of stormwaters that helps mitigate flooding in low-lying areas; 2) a permeable surface that allows for groundwater recharge (Wellingtonâs entire public water supply is drawn from its underground aquifer); 3) natural filtration and cleansing of waters before they enter the aquifer or other surface water bodies; 4) quality habitat for wading birds and other wildlife; 5) carbon sequestration at a time of heightened concerns about climate change due to a buildup of human-produced CO2 in the atmosphere; and 6) a natural landscape that enhances a part of densely developed Palm Beach County that has been designated an âEquestrian Preserve Areaâ with requirements for light density housing. Unfortunately, despite a Conservation Element in its Comprehensive Plan which strongly emphasizes the value of protecting remaining wetlands and open space, the Village Council has paid little attention to these environmental concerns. Weâre hoping that will change before the final vote.
Here is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency quoting FEMA on the value of wetlands for flood control:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) states that floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disastersâexcept fire. Most communities in the United States have experienced some kind of flooding. FEMA encourages the use of wetlands for stormwater detention in lieu of, or in conjunction with, traditional structural flood control measures.
See EPA's original document on wetlands and flood control here.
We should also point out that Village staff, the applicant, and even the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), consistently referred to the wetlands on Wellington South as âlow-gradeâ due to the presence of exotic melaleuca. That reference seemed to dismiss the value of these wetlands (probably the largest tract of undeveloped wetlands not yet publicly owned and protected in Palm Beach County) and completely ignores current research indicating that even wetlands completely covered by melaleuca still provide most of the critical wetland functions mentioned above. See the research summary from Audubon here.
In later communications, SFWA focused on more technical aspects of the project â notably deficiencies in the required permitting of state and federally jurisdictional wetlands on the Wellington South site. Here, we identified a range of issues â including the fact that while the South Florida Water Management District signed off on the development of the state wetlands on the property (for a previous project called CountryPlace PUD that was never built), federally jurisdictional wetlands on the site currently have no permit. That is due to an expired U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit on the west side of Wellington South (expired in February 2023) and no federal (404) permit whatsoever for wetlands on the east side. See SFWAâs letter to the council here for more detailed information on permitting issues. According to an email we recently received from FDEP, the agency is currently reviewing the filling of wetlands carried out on the west side of Wellington South with the Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District. As of this writing, we have not heard back from FDEP on the results of their review.
Lastly, while SFWA focused on environmental impacts and permitting, we are also aware that the removal of 96.11 acres of Wellington North from the Equestrian Preserve Area and the Equestrian Overlay Zoning District (EOZD) designed to protect it, could have major implications for the preserve and this entire community. According to Wellingtonâs website:
Wellington's Council created the Equestrian Overlay Zoning District (EOZD) in 2003 in order to regulate development and activities within Wellington's Equestrian Preserve Area (EPA). The EOZD is the zoning regulatory framework that protects the community's character by regulating land uses and development.
That EOZD has not changed once since it was created over twenty years ago by the same governing body that may now vote to remove part of it. In South Florida, we have often seen the results of tinkering with protective zoning. Development begets more development. Places like the rural lands beyond Miami-Dadeâs Urban Development Boundary (UDB), the Agricultural Reserve of Palm Beach County, and the Density Reduction/Groundwater Resource (DR/GR) designation in Southeast Lee County have been steadily whittled away by changes requested by an endless parade of applicants that were agreed to by local governments.
The Village Council of Wellington has a great opportunity to go a different direction here â to protect this community and its human and physical environment and reconsider what the term âprogressâ means in 2024. They can vote no on Wellington North and South. We are no longer living in the 1950s when development in Wellington began and drainage of "worthless wetlands" and the creation of endless suburbs to take its place were more in vogue.
Wednesday nightâs council meeting will begin at 5 PM. It is a continuation of an earlier meeting where public comment was already given so it is doubtful the Village Council will take additional public comments at this meeting. If you choose to, you can use the Village of Wellingtonâs public comment link to provide your feedback (Choose âBoth Wellington South/Northâ).
https://www.wellingtonfl.gov/FormCenter/Planning-Zoning-5/Proposed-Projects-Public-Comment-101
Address if youâre attending in person and wish to watch the proceedings is:
Village Hall
12300 Forest Hill Boulevard
Wellington FL, 33414
You can also click here for a link to watch the proceedings online.
SFWA has been protecting wildlife and habitats in South Florida since 2010. In a high-growth region like South Florida, not exactly an easy task. Please support our important environmental education and advocacy with a tax-deductible contribution at the link below.
Rare photo showing the Village of Wellington in its pre-drainage condition. Photo courtesy the Acme Improvement District.
The three dark blocks in the center of this aerial photo show Wellington South. The Loxahatche National Wildlife Refuge is south and the award-winning Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat is due east. Dense development is to the north and the Equestrian Preserve Area (mainly horse farms) are to the south.
Closeup of Wellington South from the Village of Wellington.
Closeup of Wellington North from the Village of Wellington website. In this case, the red lines surround the 96 acres that would be removed from the Equestrian Preserve Area in favor of dense residential development.ï»ż
Map of wetlands identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as "biological wetlands." Further review, including field visits by federal and state agencies, would delineate the borders of "jurisdictional wetlands."
Graphic from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 Wetlands Permit for the west side of Wellington South (also referred to as Pod F). In their permit issued in 2018, the Army Corps found over 50 acres of federally jurisdictional wetlands on the property - 12 acres of which were designated a conservation easement as mitigation for the loss of wetlands and wildlife habitat. The permit expired in February of 2023. To our knowledge, no new permit (nor a "No Permit Required" designation) has been issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection which assumed most federal wetlands permitting in Florida in December of 2020. SFWA has been told the agency is currently reviewing this project.
Fill being placed on west side of Wellington South (Pod F) in November of 2023. SFWA Photo taken from the canal which separates the east and west parcels of Wellington South. View is looking west. The 12-acre conservation easement is on the right side of the photo.
SFWA photo of a roseate spoonbill, a Florida state-designated threatened species, taken in November 2023 on cleared wetlands of Pod F (low resolution due to a camera phone shooting from a distance). Other bird species we have observed on or flying across this site include white ibis, glossy ibis, kingfishers, and federally threatened wood storks.
View of Wellington South from FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer viewer. All sections of Wellington South are designated by FEMA as being inside a Special Flood Hazard Area (Zone AE) and are shown in blue. According to FEMA, "Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements and floodplain management standards apply" to this designation. Other properties shown on this map as being inside the Special Flood Hazard Area are open horse farms with large paddocks that hold large amounts of water during rain events.
Best regards,
Matthew Schwartz
Executive Director
South Florida Wildlands Association
1314 E Las Olas Blvd #2297
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 993-5351
https://www.facebook.com/southfloridawild
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South Florida Wildlands works to protect wildlife and habitat in the Greater Everglades.
Good thing to do before Wednesdayâs meeting
14710 Palm Beach Point Boulevard
Wellington, FL
33414
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Thank you to everyone who shared their photos and comments about what it means to them to "Keep Wellington Green"!
Wellington Wally visited WEC Ocala! Check out his horse show adventure, and don't worry...Wellington will always be his home! đŽđ
đ©đŁ Attention Wellington Residents đ©đŁ DO NOT let Bellissimo's Wellington North and South proposal slip under the radar and destroy The Equestrian Preserve! Here's what you can do: â Contact the Village of Wellington council members directly to let them know that you OPPOSE the rezoning for Wellington North and South: https://www.wellingtonfl.gov/directory.aspx?did=30 â Submit public comment to the Village of Wellington: https://www.wellingtonfl.gov/FormCenter/Planning-Zoning-5/Proposed-Projects-Public-Comment-101?fbclid=IwAR0s-ijqC9bOJ0JXL2_erKx7RnnKKJisQEyluG24pdVpKiomw1VprE7ZGFk â Attend Meetings: the final Planning and Zoning meeting will be held on August 16th at 7pm and the Village Council meeting on August 28th at 7pm where the final vote will be made. Both are located at Village Hall. â SHARE this post!
đ©đŁ Attention Wellington Residents đ©đŁ DO NOT let Bellissimo's Wellington 3.0 proposal slip under the radar and destroy The Equestrian Preserve! Here's what you can do: â Submit public comment to the Village of Wellington: https://www.wellingtonfl.gov/FormCenter/Planning-Zoning-5/Proposed-Projects-Public-Comment-101?fbclid=IwAR0s-ijqC9bOJ0JXL2_erKx7RnnKKJisQEyluG24pdVpKiomw1VprE7ZGFk â Attend Meetings: The first meeting will be held on June 7 at 6:30 at the Wellington Community Center â SHARE this post!
What a great way to end the season with Last Hurrah! Many thanks to World Equestrian Center - Ocala for a wonderful winter season and to Trish OâConnor for helping Tony gain great experience in the ring!
We were proud to present the inaugural Rider to Horseman: A Clinic With Purpose, featuring Traci & Carleton Brooks of @balmoralfarm in December 2022. Thank you to all who made it amazing đ. We look forward to hosting again in 2023 đ€©.
A family that seeks to grow and learn together is why the Yingers were awarded the All in the Family Scholarship. We are thrilled that they will get a triple opportunity to expand their knowledge at the Rider to Horseman: Clinic With Purpose at our farm. It's not too late to sign-up - join us Dec. 10-11 but sign up by the DEC 1st deadline. rrfhorseheaven.com/clinic-with-purpose
Love this. Also love that the Rider to Horseman All in the Family Scholarship went Lacy, Lilly and Lindsay Yinger this year. The Clinic With Purpose, featuring Traci & Carleton Brooks of Balmoral Farm, Inc. is coming to Wellington Dec. 10-11. Whether you want to ride or audit - sign up by Dec. 1! rrfhorseheaven.com/clinic-with-purpose
We would also like to congratulate Lilly, Lacy & Lindsay Yinger on receiving the All in the Family Scholarship, sponsored by Rider to Horsemanđ. Look forward to welcoming these three to A Clinic With Purpose on Dec. 10-11 at our farm in Wellington. It's not too late to join us - sign-up by Dec. 1! rrfhorseheaven.com/clinic-with-purpose
Congratulations to the second USHJA Zone 4 Scholarship Recipient, Kathryn Landreneau. She will be traveling with Kristina Gura Landreneau from Laurel Hill, FL to participate in the Rider to Horseman: Clinic With Purpose on Dec. 10-11 in Wellington to gain invaluable knowledge from Traci & Carleton Brooks of @balmoralfarm. đ We have a few participant spots left - sign up by 12/1. rrfhorseheaven.com/clinic-with-purpose #ridertohorseman #horsemanship #itsaboutthehorse
Congratulations to Eva Coords, the Rider to Horseman: Clinic With Purpose Equestrian Sotheby's International Realty Scholarship Recipient. Thank you David Welles Equestrian Sotheby's International Realty for your support. The scholarships are as rewarding for us and as they are for our well-deserved recipients! Ready to soak up the awesome knowledge to be shared by Traci & Carleton Brooks of Balmoral Farm, Inc. on Dec. 10-11. Want to join us? Do so by Dec. 1 - rrfhorseheaven.com/clinic-with-purpose đ· credit: Katie Miller Teuschler