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NFWMD announces new cycle of agricultural cost-share funding to protect Jackson Blue Springs

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MARIANNA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District is launching the third cycle of a cost-share program designed to help agricultural producers improve water quality and reduce water use demands in and around Jackson Blue Spring.

The District’s 2015-2016 budget includes $1 million in funding for eligible agricultural best management practices (BMPs) as part of the Jackson Blue Spring Agricultural Best Management Practice Cost-Share Program. The District previously funded more than $1.6 million total during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 cycles of the program.

The cost-share program is funded as part of the state of Florida’s more than $100 million investment in springs restoration and protection the past two years.

“The District applauds the vision and leadership shown by Governor Scott, the Florida Legislature and the Department of Environmental Protection for allowing us to continue this successful program,” said Brett Cyphers, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “The program is helping us make great strides toward improving the health of Jackson Blue Spring.”

This grant program provides cost-share funding to agricultural producers for irrigation system improvements and equipment and tools to reduce fertilizer and pesticide use and improve water use efficiency. Under the program, the District will fund 75 percent of qualifying BMPs (up to a maximum of $56,250 for each producer), with the producers funding the remaining 25 percent.

Projects that have been funded through the program include subsurface drip irrigation, variable rate fertilizer applicators, fertigation equipment, irrigation system retrofits, and remote control and zone management tools for irrigation systems.

The District is currently accepting applications from agricultural producers within the Jackson Blue Spring and Merritt’s Mill Pond contribution area. Applications for the first award cycle are due March 25, 2016.

Applications will continue to be accepted after that date for the next award cycle. Producers who have not previously received funding from the District will be given priority.

To be eligible, producers must be:

  • Operating within the Jackson Blue Spring and Merritt’s Mill Pond Groundwater Contribution Area;
  • Enrolled in the appropriate Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Best Management Practice program; and
  • In regulatory compliance with the District.

A full list of funded measures and an application form can be found on the District website at nwfwp.sgssys.info. Producers can contact Angela Chelette (850-539-2650) with any questions about the funding program.

Producers who are interested in obtaining funding can expedite their application by enrolling or updating their enrollment in the FDACS BMP program as soon as possible by contacting Tom Batey, FDACS Field Representative at (850-693-5430) or visiting the FDACS website at www.freshfromflorida.com.

The District recommends that producers who want to upgrade irrigation equipment contact Mark Miles of the Northwest Florida Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) at (850-482-0388) to schedule an irrigation system evaluation. Having these two items complete will allow an application to move forward quicker.

Producers may also be eligible for BMP funding from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (contact Tom Batey, 850-693-5430) or the Natural Resource Conservation Service (contact Mary Jane Nelson, 850-526-2610 ext. 127).

NWFWMD plants nearly 1 million longleaf pines

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HAVANA – Nearly one million longleaf pines will now take root in the Florida Panhandle thanks to a recent planting effort by the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

The District planted 830,600 longleaf pine tubelings – or young, seedling trees – during the month of January. Workers spread the tubelings across 1,198 acres of District lands in the Econfina Creek and Chipola River Water Management Areas in Bay, Jackson, and Washington counties.

This marks the 23rd consecutive year the District has planted native species on its Water Management Area lands. In total, the District has planted more than 14 million longleaf pines, nearly 825,000 other pine species, almost 700,000 cypress trees and 6.35 million native grass (wiregrass and toothache grass) tubelings since 1993.

A year ago, more than one million longleaf pine and wiregrass tubelings and native hardwoods were planted in Bay, Escambia, Holmes, Jackson, Walton and Washington counties.

“The magnitude of these plantings clearly demonstrates this District’s commitment to restoring native species to public lands throughout the Panhandle,” NWFWMD executive director Brett Cyphers said. “Our Governing Board and staff understand the significant role the longleaf pine habitat plays in northwest Florida and we take great pride in our annual planting efforts.”

The longleaf pine is a critical piece of northern Florida ecosystems. The tree’s presence helps improve plant species diversity and provides wildlife habitat for animal and insect species. It also provides erosion control and natural fuel for effective prescribed burns.

Funding for the planting project came largely from revenue collected through the District’s timber sales and was complemented by an additional $12,750 from the Longleaf Stewardship Fund, a partnership between The Nature Conservancy in Florida, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Gulf Power and Southern Company, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Defense, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

NWFWMD hosts Operation Outdoor Freedom for wounded veterans

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HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District recently played host to Operation Outdoor Freedom, a weekend deer-hunting experience for wounded veterans of the United States military.

The hunt included six veterans representing the U.S. Army and U.S. Marines and took place during the weekend of Feb. 5-7 in the Econfina Creek Water Management Area in Bay and Washington counties. It was hosted with support from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service, Friends of Florida State Forests and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“Operation Outdoor Freedom Hunt is one of the most rewarding experiences we participate in each year,” said Brett Cyphers, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “We are honored to host these veterans and provide them a chance to get outdoors and enjoy the natural resources here in northwest Florida.”

Hunters arrived at the Econfina Creek Water Management Area on Friday afternoon to set up their tents, sight their rifles, and attend a safety meeting. District staff provided meals and snacks throughout the weekend, highlighted by a steak cookout Saturday evening.

This year’s Hunt was also made possible through donations from Prime Meridian Bank, Tractor Supply Co., Bass Pro Shops, Academy Sports and the Florida Cattleman’s Association.

Operation Outdoor Freedom is an endeavor of the Florida Forest Service that offers recreational opportunities, including hunting and fishing, to wounded veterans on state forests and other public and agricultural lands. Through the program, designated areas are equipped to accommodate the special needs of wounded veterans, providing an opportunity for recreation and rehabilitation that is not available through any other state program.

Prescribed burn scheduled for Perdido River Water Management Area

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Media advisory: Feb. 25, 2016
Contact: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or public.information@yopmail.com    

HAVANA –  The Northwest Florida Water Management District will conduct a prescribed burn in southwest Escambia County on Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, weather permitting. Crews will burn approximately 512 acres within the Perdido River Water Management Area between Saufley Field and Perdido Bay.

The District’s burn-certified land managers will conduct the burns, with help from the Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership and other local, state, and federal agencies. Although every effort will be made to ensure that smoke will not affect roadways, drivers should exercise caution in case smoke does lead to reduced visibility on the area’s roads.

Prescribed fire is an effective and efficient land management tool used to restore and protect water and natural resources. Prescribed fires, which mimic naturally occurring fires, reduce wildfire risk, enhance native vegetation, and improve wildlife habitat.

The Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership (GCPEP) is a public/private voluntary landowner partnership that collectively manages more than 1 million acres in northwest Florida and south Alabama. The 13 partners include the Department of Defense (Naval Air Station and Eglin Air Force Base), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Forestry Service, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Longleaf Alliance, the National Park Service, the Northwest Florida Water Management District, Gulf Power, National Forests in Alabama, the Nature Conservancy, Nokuse Plantation, Westervelt Ecological Services, and Escambia County.

The District owns and manages more than 200,000 acres to conserve and protect water and natural resources throughout northwest Florida. The Perdido River Water Management Area consists of more than 6,000 acres along the Perdido River and Bay, which helps protect wetlands and forested uplands within the Perdido watershed.

District web sites to undergo maintenance

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Feb. 19, 2016
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com  or Allyson.McKee@yopmail.com

Northwest Florida Water Management District web sites undergo maintenance

HAVANA – The web sites serving the Northwest Florida Water Management District will undergo maintenance beginning Monday, Feb. 22.

Visitors to the sites may experience navigation issues as the District launches improvements to nwfwp.sgssys.info and nwfwmdwetlands.com, including a new, more user-friendly camping reservation system.

Once the free registration is complete for the new camping reservation system, visitors will have 24-hour access to make reservations from home or their mobile device. Campers will also be able to view the availability of each of the District’s 88 campsites within 28 recreation areas. A more mobile-friendly experience is also part of the new registration system.

The District expects each of its web sites to be fully functional by Wednesday, Feb. 24.

For questions or to request more information, please email public.information@yopmail.com or call 850-539-5999.

Senate confirms 5 Governing Board members

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 18, 2016
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com  or Allyson.McKee@yopmail.com

Florida Senate confirms appointments of five NWFWMD Governing Board members; confirms Cyphers as Executive Director

TALLAHASSEE – Today, the Florida Senate confirmed the appointments of five members to the Governing Board for the Northwest Florida Water Management District as well as the appointment of Brett J. Cyphers as the District’s Executive Director.

Cyphers has served as the Executive Director since December, 2014.

The five members of the Governing Board who were confirmed Thursday:

John Alter, 78, of Malone, owns and manages Alter-Bevis Farms LLC. He currently serves as a member of the Florida Forestry Association Board of Directors and previously served as a member of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Alter received his bachelor’s degree from Ohio University. He is reappointed for a term beginning June 12, 2015, and ending March 1, 2019.

Angus “Gus” Andrews, 59, of DeFuniak Springs, is the owner of Andrews Companies, Andrews & Arnsdoff Realty and Southern Beach Management. Andrews received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. He is reappointed for a term beginning March 13, 2015, and ending March 1, 2019.

Marc Dunbar, 44, of Tallahassee, is a partner with Jones Walker LLP and an adjunct professor at the Florida State University College of Law. Dunbar received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, and his law degree from the Florida State University College of Law. He is appointed for a term beginning June 12, 2015, and ending March 1, 2018.

Ted Everett, 55, of Chipley, is the executive director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and the owner and operator of Hard Labor Creek Hunting Plantation and Hard Labor Creek Off Road Park. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Augusta College and an associate’s degree in forestry with a minor in wildlife management from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Everett is appointed for a term beginning July 31, 2015, and ending March 1, 2017.

Nicholas “Nick” Patronis, 48, of Panama City Beach, is the owner of Captain Anderson’s restaurant. He currently serves as a member of the Life Management Center of Northwest Florida Inc. Board of Directors, the Florida Restaurant Association, and the National Restaurant Association. Patronis attended Gulf Coast Community College. He is reappointed for a term beginning March 13, 2015, and ending March 1, 2019.

Flooding at some District camp sites through Feb. 5

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Updated Jan. 27, 2016
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com or Allyson.McKee@yopmail.com

WARNING: Flooding at District camp sites through Feb. 5, 2016

If you have a camp site reservation or would like to make a reservation through Feb. 5, 2016, at any of the District camp sites bordering the Apalachicola, Choctawhatchee, Chipola, or Escambia rivers, please be aware that the roads and/or camp site may be flooded. It has been confirmed that sites at Dead River, Lost Lake, Cotton Lake, Bluff Springs and Williams Lake are either flooded or some roads are impassable.

District awards more than $2.4 million for water supply projects

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 10, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com  or Allyson.McKee@yopmail.com

Northwest Florida Water Management District awards more than $2.4 million for water supply projects

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board today approved more than $2.4 million in grant funding for water supply development projects across northwest Florida.

This funding was awarded as part of a competitive grant program to help local governments and non-profit utilities address local water supply challenges and meet regional water supply protection and management needs.

Since 2013, the District has awarded approximately $18 million in grant funding to boost the infrastructure, economic, and public health needs of northwest Florida communities by addressing regional water resource and supply development priorities.

“We are grateful to be able to put taxpayer dollars back to work in this region,” Governing Board Chairman George Roberts said. “And this program allows us to play an active part in contributing to the health and well-being of our communities.”

Projects eligible for grant funding include traditional water supply development projects, alternative water supply projects, such as reuse projects, and conservation projects that result in quantifiable groundwater savings.

It is expected that District funds will help communities leverage state and local funding resources, as well as federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and the Community Development Block Grant program.

The District will continue to work with grant recipients to finalize project details and execute funding agreements in the coming weeks and months.

“An important part of the District’s mission is to ensure a safe and reliable supply of water for the people of this region, especially in those communities that face significant challenges in finding funding for these types of projects,” said Brett Cyphers, the District’s Executive Director. “I applaud the Board’s commitment to that mission and the people of northwest Florida.”

The full list of projects that were awarded $2,436,406 in funding include (by county):

City of Callaway (Bay County)
The District will provide $168,374 to the City of Callaway to relocate an existing water line along Highway 2297 for bridge construction while improving water service south to Laird Bayou.

Calhoun County (Calhoun County)
The District will provide $208,593 for the replacement and expansion of water lines as well as complete upgrades and repairs to an existing elevated storage tank.

Molina Utilities (Escambia County)
The District will provide $165,000 to replace aging and undersized water lines with upgraded mains and appurtenant structures.

City of Gretna (Gadsden County)
The District will provide $150,000 for the design and complete permitting for two new water supply wells that will address supply deficiencies and improve fire protection.

City of Port St. Joe (Gulf County)
The District will provide $52,808 to complete the upgrade of water mains along U.S. Highway 98 and State Road 71.

Town of Malone (Jackson County)
The District will provide $271,481 to replace aging and undersized water lines with upgraded water mains and appurtenant structures.

City of Monticello (Jefferson County)
The District will provide $145,000 to replace aging and undersized water lines with upgraded mains and appurtenant structures.

City of Bristol (Liberty County)
The District will provide $283,248 in additional funding to complete a project to construct a ground storage tank and associated pumps, controls, and chlorination system.

City of Mary Esther (Okaloosa County)
The District will provide $100,000 to perform a planning and feasibility study evaluating a reclaimed water reuse program and partnership with the City of Fort Walton Beach.

Moore Creek Mount Carmel Utilities (Santa Rosa County)
The District will provide $151,020 to install a filtration system to remove dieldrin and other contaminants from two sand-and-gravel water supply wells.

Town of Jay (Santa Rosa County)
The District will provide $204,733 for the construction of a looped water system with an existing water main to improve pressures and system reliability.

City of Sopchoppy (Wakulla County)
The District will provide $291,000 to replace aging and undersized water lines with upgraded mains and appurtenant structures.

Florida Community Services Corp. (Walton County)
The District will provide $245,149 to construct two high capacity water wells with associated buildings, power facilities, pumps, motors, valves, fittings, and appurtenances.

Strategic Water Management Plan

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District Strategic Water Management Plan (SWMP) presents the agency’s strategic priorities and identifies goals, strategies, success indicators, funding sources, deliverables, and milestones for the next five year planning horizon. A separate Annual Work Plan Report on the strategic plan’s implementation will be submitted each year with the District’s March 1 Consolidated Annual Report. The SWMP will be reviewed and updated annually as needed based on progress of implementation as well as direction from the Governing Board and input from the public.

The Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Strategic Water Management Plan was approved by the District’s Governing Board on November 12, 2015.

If there are any questions on this plan, or to provide input for consideration, please contact Christina Coger at Christina.Coger@yopmail.com or (850) 539-5999.

Strategic Water Management Plan
2015-2016 Strategic Water Management Plan
2014-2015 Strategic Water Management Plan
2010 Strategic Water Management Plan

District Water Management Plan

Prior to 2006, the District Water Management Plan encompassed planning processes of the NWFWMD that address water supply, natural systems, water quality, and flood protection. These planning processes are now captured in the Strategic Water Management Annual Work Plan Report, which is incorporated each year into the Consolidated Annual Report.

District Water Management Plan
2005 District Water Management Plan Executive Summary
2005 District Water Management Plan

District re-opens popular Devil’s Hole recreation site

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 2, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com  or Allyson.McKee@yopmail.com

District re-opens popular Devil’s Hole recreation site

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District has re-opened Devil’s Hole, a popular recreation site located in Washington County and part of the Econfina Creek Water Management Area.

District staff conducted shoreline restoration and protection activities at three eroded shoreline areas. Native tree and scrub species have been planted along these newly restored areas. In addition, the District enhanced public use by constructing a boardwalk and steps down to the water so the public can more easily access the 40-foot swallet to swim. New picnic tables have been placed at the site as well.

“The District is proud to celebrate the completion of this project, which allowed us to protect Econfina Creek and also expand public access to this beautiful natural resource,” said District Governing Board member Ted Everett. “Projects like these are win-win for our communities, as they protect our water resources and make it easier for our citizens to enjoy them.”

The Northwest Florida Water Management District has acquired a majority of the Econfina Creek corridor and Sand Hill Lakes Mitigation Bank for water resource protection, restoration, and preservation. The District owns more than 43,770 acres in fee simple and less-than-fee holdings along Econfina Creek, including 2,155 acres along the Sand Hill Lakes Mitigation Bank.

Free, overnight camping is available at Devil’s Hole by making a reservation through the District’s online reservation site. For more information about Devil’s Hole, including how to make a reservation, visit the District’s recreation site.