The Southwest Florida Water Management District is hosting a public workshop Nov. 8 to provide information and get feedback on the Weeki Wachee Natural System Carrying Capacity Study.
The purpose of the study is to evaluate how recreational use affects the natural system along the Weeki Wachee River. During Thursday’s workshop, staff from the District, Hernando County and the consultant group will be available to explain the intent of the study and how the data will be collected.
The year-long study will identify areas of the river impacted by recreation. It’s being conducted by an independent third-party consultant.
Some methods of the study are:
- Counting recreational use on the river through time-lapse cameras.
- Documenting direct impacts to the natural systems, such as prop scars, uprooting of vegetation and unnatural movement of sand.
- Documenting impacts of human activity like docking, wading and trampling.
Once the study is completed, the results will be published for public view. The study will not set a specific limit to recreation or address public safety but provide the science to governing agencies with authority to make future management decisions.
The workshop will be an open-house style allowing the public to arrive at their convenience between 4 p.m. and approximately 6 p.m.
To learn more about the study, visit https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/projects/springs/weeki-wachee-natural-system-carrying-capacity-study