The Southwest Florida Water Management District is seeking public input about proposed minimum flows and levels (MFL) for the Middle Peace River from Zolfo Springs to Arcadia.
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 MFL for the Middle Peace River will be held Tuesday, Oct. 11, at the District’s Bartow Service Office, 170 Century Boulevard. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the boardroom.
This meeting will afford 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 MFL at the District’s Oct. 25 Governing Board meeting. At that time, the Governing Board may choose to adopt the MFL into District rules. 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 via mail or email to Marty Kelly, manager, Ecologic Evaluation Section. The addresses are 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604-6899 or marty.kelly@swfwmd.state.fl.us.
Draft reports containing information on the development of MFL are available under the Peace River heading on the Documents and Publications page of the District’s web site, WaterMatters.org. For more information, please contact Marty Kelly at (352) 796-7211, ext. 4235, or 1-800-423-1476, ext 4235.