The Southwest Florida Water Management District honored Brenda Rogers from the Manatee County Extension for organizing the Manatee County Water School. A total of 26 water resources education projects were recognized Wednesday during the “Partners in Watershed Education Conference” at the Crowne Plaza Tampa East Hotel.
The 2008 Manatee County Water School reached 50 community, county and municipal decision-makers. The two-day educational program included a workshop and tour that focused on the protection of water resources. The program’s goal is to encourage improved public policy decisions relative to water issues in the county.
Manatee County projects are funded by the District’s Manasota Basin Board, which also includes Sarasota County.
To select the awardees, District staff reviewed school projects funded through the Splash! mini-grant program and grants applied for by community members, local governments and non-profit groups through the community education grant program. District-sponsored programs that use volunteers to educate others about water conservation were also considered.
Many of the District’s grant projects focus on various aspects of all four of the District’s areas of responsibility — water supply, water quality, natural systems protection and flood protection.