The Southwest Florida Water Management District is seeking public input about proposed minimum flows for the Dona Bay/Shakett Creek system below Cow Pen Slough in Sarasota County.
A minimum flow or level is the limit at which further water withdrawals will cause significant harm to the water resources and/or environment. The District Governing Board sets these limits as part of achieving a balance between meeting human water needs and those of Florida’s natural systems.
A public workshop on proposed minimum flows for the Dona Bay/Shakett Creek system will be held Thursday, Oct. 16 at the District’s Sarasota Service Office, 6750 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the boardroom.
This meeting will provide an important opportunity for local governments, citizens and others to be part of the development of minimum flows and levels.
Public comment gathered at the meeting will be summarized and presented to the Governing Board when staff presents the recommended minimum flows at a future Governing Board meeting. Governing Board meetings are open to the public where brief oral comments are permitted on meeting agenda items.
Written comments are also welcome and can be submitted to Michael Heyl, Chief Environmental Scientist via mail at 7601 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637 or e-mail at Mike.Heyl@WaterMatter.org.
Draft reports containing information on the development of minimum flows and levels are available on the District’s web site at WaterMatters.org/documents under the Minimum Flows and Levels heading.
For more information, please contact Mike Heyl at 813-985-7481, ext. 2211, or 1-800-836-0797, ext 2211.