The Southwest Florida Water Management District is seeking public input about the order in which minimum flows and levels (MFL) for lakes, rivers, streams and aquifers in the District will be determined.
A minimum flow or level 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 the delicate balance between meeting human water needs and those of Florida’s natural systems. The District continues to make significant progress in the establishment of MFLs for key water bodies.
Four public meetings will be held on the following dates:
*Monday, Oct. 1, at the District’s Bartow Service Office, 170 Century Boulevard
*Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the District’s Brooksville Headquarters, 2379 Broad Street
*Monday, Oct. 8, at the District’s Tampa Service Office, 7601 U.S. Hwy. 301
*Wednesday, Oct. 10, at the District’s Sarasota Service Office, 6750 Fruitville Road
All meetings will begin at 6 p.m. in the boardroom at each office.
The purpose of the meetings is to receive public input on a draft revised priority schedule for establishing MFLs. Legislation requires the District to review and, if necessary, revise the schedule each year.
The meetings will provide an important opportunity for local governments, citizens and others to be part of the scheduling of MFLs for rivers, streams and other flowing waters, lakes and aquifers. The revised schedule will be considered for adoption at the Governing Board’s regularly scheduled meeting in October at the Sarasota Service Office.
The adopted MFLs Priority List and Schedule for 2007 is available on the District’s Web site at www.WaterMatters.org. on the Projects and Programs page. The draft 2008 list will also be made available online as soon as possible following the Governing Board’s Sept. 25 meeting.
Written comments are also welcome and can be submitted via mail or email to Marty Kelly, the District’s ecological evaluation manager, no later than October 19. The addresses are 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604-6899 or Marty.Kelly@WaterMatters.org.
For more information, please contact Barbara Matrone at 352-796-7211, ext. 4233, or 800-423-1476, ext 4233 or Marty Kelly at ext. 4235.