The Southwest Florida Water Management District is seeking public input about proposed minimum flows for the upper segment of the Hillsborough River. The Upper Hillsborough River is the portion of the river from Crystal Springs to Morris Bridge Road.
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.
A public meeting on proposed minimum flows for the Upper Hillsborough River will be held Tuesday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m., in the boardroom at the District’s Tampa Service Office, 7601 U.S. Hwy. 301, Tampa. The meeting will provide an important opportunity for local governments, citizens and others to be part of the development of the minimum flows.
Public comment gathered at the meeting will be summarized and presented to the Governing Board when staff presents the recommended minimum flows at the District’s October Governing Board meeting. 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 Adam Munson, senior environmental scientist. The addresses are 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604-6899 or Adam.Munson@WaterMatters.org.
Draft reports containing information on the development of MFL are available on the District’s web site, WaterMatters.org/documents/. For more information, please contact Adam Munson at 352-796-7211, ext. 4218 or 800-423-1476, ext 4218.