The Southwest Florida Water Management District is seeking public input about proposed minimum levels for Lake Anoka in Highlands County.
A minimum flow or level (MFL) 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. Minimum lake levels are used as guidelines in District permitting programs, for development of water resource projects and as information for development bordering lakes.
A public workshop on proposed minimum levels for Lake Anoka will be held Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Highlands County Agri-Civic Center, located at 4509 George Boulevard in Sebring. The meeting will begin at 5 p.m.
This meeting will provide an important opportunity for local governments, citizens and others to be part of the development of minimum flows and levels for the lake.
Public comment gathered at the meeting will be summarized and presented to the Governing Board when staff presents the recommended minimum levels at the District’s Dec. 16 Governing Board meeting. At that time, the Governing Board may choose to adopt the minimum levels 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 Doug Leeper, senior environmental scientist, no later than Dec. 15. The addresses are 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604-6899 or Doug.Leeper@watermatters.org.
A draft report containing information on the development of minimum levels for Lake Anoka is available under the Minimum Flows and Levels heading on the Documents and Publications page of the District’s web site, WaterMatters.org. For more information, please contact Doug Leeper at (352) 796-7211, ext. 4272, or 1-800-423-1476, ext 4272.