District's SWIM Program celebrates 20 successful years

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program with a series of events highlighting restoration and water quality improvement projects throughout the District.

To commemorate this anniversary, three events will recognize program supporters, increase overall awareness and showcase the success of the SWIM Program. The events include:

October 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Lake Hartridge Nature Park in Polk County. This event will provide a tour with topics highlighting restoration and water quality projects, the SWIM Program’s success and future plans for the region.

October 17 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center in Charlotte County. This event will begin with a check presentation from Sen. Mike Bennett and Rep. Michael Grant, followed by a SWIM Program presentation and a boat tour and overview of the District’s seagrass mapping efforts in Charlotte Harbor.

November 2 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Cockroach Bay in Hillsborough County. This event will include a presentation with local elected officials and key note speaker and awards ceremony, followed by water and land tours of the restored areas of Cockroach Bay.

The Florida Legislature passed the SWIM Act in 1987, requiring the five water management districts to maintain a priority list of water bodies of regional or statewide significance. The districts develop plans and programs for the improvement of those water bodies.

Since 1987, the SWIM Program has completed more than 200 habitat restoration and water quality improvement projects, translating to more than 3,000 acres of restored habitat. The SWIM Program and its partners have received 39 environmental excellence awards for these projects.

Space is limited for these upcoming events. For more information or to RSVP, please call Karen Kobil at 800-836-0797, ext. 2101.