Long Lake of Ocklawaha is a natural, spring-fed lake in The Ocala National Forest, home to native waterfowl such as the Sandhill Crane, trophy Large Mouth Bass, and a fragile variety of Flora and Fauna indigenous to Florida

Residents, teen campers, and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy fishing, organic gardening, kayaking, and other nature-inspired activities.  Help protect the health of our lakeside community and the delicate ecosystem by eliminating the use of toxic pesticides.

 EPA research confirms that plants, fish, and other aquatic life are killed by Glyphosate which enters the lake from spray drifts and watershed run-off causing the formation of pesticide-induced algae blooms and aquatic plant overgrowth. Drinking water quality is compromised due to chemical penetration into the soil and ground-water sources. 

Roundup products were found to kill 96% of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds within 24 hours. These pollinators are essential for growing fruits and vegetables.

Every infant born today carries a chemical body burden passed from mother to child during pregnancy. This burden will mostly grow throughout a lifetime of exposure to chemicals in food, air, water, and everyday products.

Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention measure pesticides and other chemicals in the bodies of Americans every few years. In the most recent study, CDC tested for 212 chemicals, including 44 pesticides — and found most of them. DDT breakdown products were found in 99% of Americans tested, though the chemical hasn't been widely used here since 1972.

Even in tiny doses, many chemicals can derail the delicate systems that control our development, health, and reproduction causing birth defects, stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, sterility and infertility., neurological and developmental toxicity, endocrine system disruption, Alzheimer's, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. 

From conception through puberty, children are especially vulnerable. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics 'epidemiologic evidence demonstrates associations between early-life exposure to pesticides and pediatric cancers, Autism, decreased cognitive function, and behavioral problems.'

This petition is to stop the use of the following Pesticides by Residents, Businesses such as Farmers, Cattle Ranchers, and Young Life Camp of Long Lake in Ocklawaha: 

• glyphosate herbicide aka LESCO Prosecutor
• pelargonic acid aka Scythe herbicide
• glyphosate as RoundUp
• 2,4,D, MCPP-p, Dicamba as LESCO Three-way selective herbicide
• prodiamine plus synthetic fertilizer as Signature Evade for crabgrass:
• isoxaben as Gallery for broadleaf weeds
• Lesco 3-way for broadleaf weeds
• Tupersan (siduron) for crabgrass
• Tupersan pre-emergence herbicide, plus turf food
• Acelepryn for grub control
• Dylox (trichlorfon) for grub control
• Pendulum (pendimethalin)
• fertilizer: 28-0-8 40% xcu, 1f

Alternative treatments and methods are being used in other local communities that are proven both safe and effective, without having to sacrifice aesthetics. 

Long Lake residents should not delay in taking steps to live up to the guidelines set forth in the Sustainable Ocklawaha framework: 

"The residents and businesses surrounding Long Lake in Ocklawaha Florida will utilize these four guidelines, endorsed by the Non-Toxic Community Ocklawaha-Long Lake Committee, based on the Natural Steps for Communities model, and approved by the American Planning Association, to help communities implement sustainable practices:  

1.  Switch to non-toxic lawn care service providers that use products that do not build up in and harm wildlife, aquatic life, pets, or people. 
2.  What we make does not build up and harm nature or people. (Reduce dependence on chemicals and other manufactured substances that can accumulate in nature.)
3.  We protect natural systems from degradation. (Reduce dependence on activities that harm life-sustaining ecosystems.)

These guidelines can assist city employees, elected officials, and volunteer committees and boards in moving in a more sustainable direction in decision-making, policy development, and City planning."

CONTINUED PESTICIDE USE DOES NOT FIT INTO THIS FRAMEWORK. ASK LONG LAKE RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES, CATTLE FARMERS, AND YOUNG LIFE CAMP TO START MAKING THE CHANGES NEEDED TO FULFILL THESE GOALS.