Representatives from the Citrus County Aquatic Services were honored today with a Water Stewardship Award from the Southwest Florida Water Management’s Withlacoochee River Basin Board.
The board chose the Citrus County Aquatic Services’ ‘Moccasin Slough Water Conveyance Canal’ project to receive the Water Stewardship Award because the project entails the restoration of a “once natural” water conveyance area that, after several decades, had filled in with dense vegetation.A 31,640’ trail was created to enhance the movement of water through the existing “Moccasin Slough” structure and allow for recreational opportunities.
The Water Stewardship Awards program recognizes excellence in the following categories: wetland systems restoration and preservation, water supply and conservation, water resources education, uplands restoration and management, water quality.
One project was chosen from each Basin within the District that exemplifies protection and/or conservation of west-central Florida’s water resources, demonstration of cost-effectiveness and demonstration of a benefit beyond that which is required by law, regulation or permitting requirements was chosen in each basin.
Applicants were from private businesses (commercial and agriculture), government agencies, individuals/communities (volunteers, business service clubs, individuals and non-government organizations), and educational institutions.
Basin Board winners will be considered for the Districtwide Water Steward of the Year Award. The winner of this award will be announced at the Governing Board meeting on September 28, 2004.
The Withlacoochee River Basin includes portions of Pasco, Sumter, Hernando, Citrus, Marion, and Levy counties.