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NWFWMD Continues Data Collection Vital to Water Resource Protection

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 7, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Lauren.Engel@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Continues Data Collection Vital to Water Resource Protection

TALLAHASSEE – The Northwest Florida Water Management District, in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Geological Survey (FGS), recently began drilling a series of new groundwater monitoring wells, one of which is located along the Crump Road entrance to the Miccosukee Greenway. The wells will be used to collect data crucial to the development of minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for three priority waterbodies, including Wakulla Springs.

“Establishing an effective minimum flows and levels program is an important part of the District’s overall effort to ensure the long-term protection and sustainability of our area’s water resources,” said Executive Director Jon Steverson. “The District remains committed to a meaningful MFL program, based on the best science and data available.”

Florida’s water management districts are required by Florida law to set MFLs, which establish water flows, levels, and limits necessary to prevent significant harm to the water resources or ecology of an area from water withdrawals. The District is currently working on MFL development for six priority waterbodies, including St. Marks River Rise and Wakulla Springs (both first magnitude springs) and Sally Ward Spring (a second magnitude spring).

“The importance of setting and maintaining MFLs cannot be understated,” DEP Deputy Secretary of Water Policy and Ecosystem Restoration Drew Bartlett said. “The construction of these wells is imperative for monitoring water resources in northwest Florida. I applaud the District for making these necessary and unprecedented investments.”

Establishing effective MFLs requires sound science based on the best information available, including hydrologic, meteorologic and ecologic data.

The District is working to expand its monitoring network to collect additional ground and surface water data to help evaluate St. Marks River Rise, Wakulla and Sally Ward springs. This includes drilling 14 new groundwater monitoring wells and establishing 9 new surface water monitoring stations, as well as the continued evaluation and expansion of the District’s current monitoring network.

Seven of these wells are being drilled by the FGS, which will provide the District with more detailed geologic data at a reduced cost. The FGS will collect core samples at these sites, which will provide valuable geologic information to the District and help support the development of groundwater flow models.

The FGS is also able to use the geologic data collected during drilling to support its initiatives related to potentiometric surface mapping and refined hydrogeological characterization of the region.

Ultimately, the District’s well placement and data collection efforts will provide significant support to an ambitious, yet realistic schedule for MFL completion. The District’s Fiscal Year 2014-2015 budget, which began October 1, includes $2.4 million for the development of MFLs.

NWFWMD Budget Continues Focus on Water Resource Protection

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 25, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Lauren.Engel@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Budget Continues Focus on Water Resource Protection

PANAMA CITY – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board last night adopted a $52.5 million budget for the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year, which begins October 1.

The District’s adopted budget reduces the millage rate for taxpayers while maintaining a focus on springs protection; the development of minimum flows and levels for the region’s vital springs and aquifers; water supply grant assistance to local communities; and protection of the Apalachicola River and Bay and St. Andrew Bay watersheds.

The Governing Board adopted a roll-back millage rate of .039, which is less than the 0.04 assessed in FY 2013-2014 and 22 percent below the constitutional and statutory cap of 0.05.

The District’s budget is comprised of a combination of ad valorem revenue, state and federal funding, and other revenues, including timber sales. The District also continues to direct significant levels of state revenue appropriated during prior fiscal years to fund key water resource protection projects.

“This budget reflects our continued commitment to undertaking projects that will greatly benefit the natural resources and communities of Northwest Florida,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts.

The District’s budget is built on a foundation of projects that are directly in line with its statutory mission of water supply, water quality, natural system and flood protection, including:

  • $8.2 million for springs restoration and protection. This includes more than $6.8 million that will be invested in Northwest Florida to improve springs ecosystems. This funding is part of the $69 million dedicated for springs protection statewide that was approved by Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature in 2014.
  •  $2.4 million for the development of minimum flows and levels (MFLs). This funding will be used to help the District accomplish its ambitious schedule to develop MFLs—a major component of its overall effort to ensure the long-term protection and sustainability of Northwest Florida’s water resources. The District continues to move forward with the intensive hydrologic, ecologic and water quality data collection vital to a successful MFL program.
  • $15 million for water supply development assistance to local governments and non-profit utilities.  This includes $8 million for a new cycle of competitive grant funding designed to help communities in Northwest Florida meet local water supply challenges, building on nearly $15.5 million in water supply grants awarded across 14 counties during the 2013-2014 Fiscal Year.
  • $3.8 million for the protection and restoration of the Apalachicola River and Bay watershed. The District will continue to partner with state and local agencies to improve the health of this environmentally and economically crucial natural system. This includes funding a series of stormwater retrofit projects in cooperation with the cities of Apalachicola and Carrabelle to improve water quality in Apalachicola Bay and provide needed flood relief for residents.
  • $3.6 million for the restoration and protection of the St. Andrew Bay watershed. This includes grant funding assistance to local governments for water quality improvement activities, including four stormwater retrofit projects that will treat runoff generated from more than 500 acres of drainage area.

The Northwest Florida Water Management District strives to protect and manage the region’s water resources in a manner that benefits both the people and natural resources across the 16-county region of the Florida Panhandle. More information on the District, including a copy of the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Budget, can be found at nwfwp.sgssys.info.

Cabinet Approves More Acquisitions to Benefit Springs and Water Resources

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 23, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-2663 or Public.Information@yopmail.com

Cabinet Approves More Acquisitions to Benefit Springs and Water Resources

TALLAHASSEE – Today, Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet approved the acquisition of nearly 350 acres to protect springs, water and natural resources in Washington County. This important parcel contains a 3rd magnitude spring and has more than 2,200 linear feet of water frontage along Holmes Creek.  The newly acquired acreage will be managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

“The District is grateful to Governor Scott and the Cabinet for approving this purchase and their continued commitment to the protection and restoration of Florida’s springs resources,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “By securing land along Holmes Creek, the state and District are partnering to protect the Creek and the more than 50 crystal-clear springs that feed its flow.”

The acquisition is within the Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Florida Forever Project Boundary and consists of a purchase of 347.6 acres. Along with Brunson Landing Spring, a 3rd magnitude spring that produces an average of 2.6 million gallons of water per day, the property contains two smaller seeps which also feed Holmes Creek.

The parcel consists primarily of bottomland forest and hardwood swamp and lies adjacent to Choctawhatchee River Water Management Area, which is also owned by the District. The District will manage this new parcel as an addition to the water management area, ensuring greater environmental protection while providing public access for recreation.

The parcel contains a popular boat ramp, which will remain open and continue to be managed by Washington County.

“Holmes Creek and its many crystal clear springs are a wonderful source of family-friendly recreation and a major attraction to our area,” said Ted Everett, Executive Director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. “Projects like this are a win-win for our communities, as they protect our waterways and make it easier for families to get out and enjoy them.”

The District owns and manages more than 60,000 acres along Holmes Creek and the downstream Choctawhatchee River. Holmes Creek is the largest tributary to the Choctawhatchee, and a popular state-designated canoe trail.

NWFWMD Continues to Enhance Monitoring Network

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 15, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Lauren.Engel@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Continues to Enhance Monitoring Network

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board approved a joint funding agreement with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for stage and discharge monitoring at ten stations today.  This agreement includes the continuation of five existing stations, as well as the initiation of five new sites in support of the District’s development of minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for Wakulla Springs and St. Marks River Rise.

“Data collection plays an essential role in the District’s efforts to protect our water and natural resources,” said Director of Resource Management Guy Gowens. “By expanding and enhancing our monitoring network, we’re ensuring that we develop MFLs and implement other activities based on sound science and the best information available.”

Monitoring stations provide valuable water resource data that the District can use for a variety of purposes, including MFL development, consumptive use regulation, flood warning and other water resource management functions.

The joint funding agreement includes $170,900 in District funding for Fiscal Year 2014-2015.  The USGS is providing matching funds in the amount of $92,500 to cover the total operational cost of the network of $263,400.   The cost of gauge along Spring Creek is being split evenly between the District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the City of Tallahassee.

“The foundation of all protective environmental rules and policies is science,” said DEP Deputy Secretary of Water Policy and Ecosystem Restoration. “The development of sound science begins with a robust dataset.  I applaud the District’s commitment to gathering this data now so additional environmental protections can be set for these extremely valuable water resources.”

Under the agreement, five new stations will be installed at Fisher Creek, Black Creek, St. Marks River Sink and two sites along Lost Creek to collect data that is vital to the development of effective and protective MFLs.

The agreement also includes continued monitoring at Telogia Creek, Yellow River, Spring Creek and two sites along the Apalachicola River.

The USGS will operate all 10 stations for continuous discharge and stage monitoring. The data will be updated in real time and available on the USGS website.

The District continues to expand and enhance its data monitoring network to more effectively manage and protect the water resources of Northwest Florida. Data from the District’s network of rainfall, state and other stations is available on the District’s website at https://nwfwp.sgssys.info//data-publications/hydrologic-data/.

Proposed Springs Funding to Benefit Environment and Communities of Northwest Florida

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Lauren.Engel@yopmail.com

Proposed Springs Funding to Benefit Environment and Communities of Northwest Florida

HAVANA – On Wednesday, the Legislative Budget Commission approved the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) proposed $69 million in springs projects leveraged by the $30 million Governor Scott secured in the “It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget” to bring the total invested in springs projects to more than $100 million in the last two years.

The Northwest Florida Water Management District will receive more than $6.8 million to implement eight projects designed to improve conditions in Wakulla Springs and Jackson Blue Spring, as well as springs associated with the Holmes Creek and Econfina Creek systems.

“The District commends Governor Scott, the Florida Legislature and Secretary Vinyard for their continued commitment to the protection and restoration of Florida’s springs,” said Executive Director Jon Steverson. “This funding will play a crucial role in the District’s efforts to protect water supply and preserve the natural resources of our area’s important spring ecosystems.”
Wakulla Springs Protection Projects

DEP and the District will invest more than $5.5 million to implement four wastewater improvement projects that will significantly improve the quality of water entering Wakulla Springs by reducing nutrients. The District will partner with Leon County for two of the projects (Lake Munson Target Area and Lake Bradford Mobile Home Park wastewater improvement projects) to connect a combined 160 single family septic units to the City of Tallahassee’s sewer system, providing a 95 percent reduction in nitrogen loading.  The County will provide 50 percent matching funding on both projects—leveraging an additional $1 million in springs protection.

“Leon County is pleased to partner with the District and DEP to implement these projects,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “Through this partnership, we are making an investment that will allow us to improve the health of Wakulla Springs and protect the natural systems of this area for our future generations.”

The District will also partner with Wakulla County to implement two projects (Wakulla Gardens and Magnolia Gardens Wastewater Improvement projects), which together will connect 270 single family septic units to the County’s sewer system and provide a 93 percent reduction in nitrogen loading. The County will provide 63 percent matching funding on both projects, for a total of approximately $7.7 million.

“These projects represent a win both for the environment and the residents of Wakulla County,” said County Commissioner Ralph Thomas. “They will allow us to make major improvements to the quality of water reaching this iconic spring, while minimizing the financial burden to the County.”

Jackson Blue Spring Protection Projects

The proposed plan includes nearly $1 million to implement two projects to improve water quality and increase the water quantity available to Jackson Blue Spring. More than $487,000 will be used to build upon the success of the District’s Jackson Blue Spring Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) grant program. This grant program will provide 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—protecting both water supply and quality. Agricultural partners provide 25 percent in matching funding for this program.

The District will also initiate a project to investigate the Claiborne Aquifer as an alternative water source to the Floridan Aquifer for crop irrigation to offset water use demands, which would make additional water available to the springs.

“The proposed projects for Jackson Blue Spring will help the agricultural community develop improved practices and reduce water use,” said Representative Marti Coley (R-Marianna). “As we work to craft viable long-term solutions, I applaud Governor Scott, DEP, the District and the local agencies for their willingness to continue working in cooperation with local land owners to promote sustainable plans that will support both our economy and environment.”

Econfina Creek and Holmes Creek Springs Protection Projects

Devil’s Hole Spring is a second magnitude spring, located on Econfina Creek, with a discharge of approximately 21 million gallons per day. This spring is a popular public recreation area that is experiencing significant erosion and de-stabilization. The Devil’s Hole Spring Restoration project will stabilize, restore, and protect streambanks at the spring, which will improve water quality, restore historical shoreline impacted by erosion, and prevent destruction of habitat resulting from erosion and recreational use on Econfina Creek.  In addition to the shoreline restoration, boardwalks and access points will be installed to prevent future water quality and habitat impacts.

The Holmes Creek Springs Complex Restoration project will stabilize the streambank and provide stormwater treatment and appropriate riparian access at Cotton Landing, a recreation site along Holmes Creek.  The project will prevent erosion and sediment runoff into the creek and help protect this unique karst system.

“As a member of the District’s Governing Board and a Washington County resident, I want to thank Governor Scott and DEP for recognizing the importance of our springs to our residents and visitors,” said Governing Board Member Gary Clark. “We look forward to continuing to work with state and local partners to protect these irreplaceable natural treasures.”

Including the $6.8 million proposed by this plan, the District’s proposed Tentative Fiscal Year 2014-2015 budget includes more than $8.2 million for springs restoration and protection. This builds on the more than $3.3 million invested in springs protection by the District during the current Fiscal Year.

NWFWMD Celebrates Opening of Burnt Sock Landing

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 25, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or
Lauren.Engel@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Celebrates Opening of Burnt Sock Landing

VERNON — The Northwest Florida Water Management District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Burnt Sock Landing, a new public access and recreation site along Holmes Creek in Washington County.

The District recently completed public access and recreational improvements to the site, including road improvements and a parking area. Additional improvements included stabilizing the dirt boat ramp, which will improve water quality by reducing sediments flowing into the spring-fed creek and allow users to hand launch canoes, kayaks and small boats.

“The District owns and manages more than 60,000 acres along Holmes Creek and the downstream Choctawhatchee River to improve the health of these waterways and the natural resources that surround them,” said Executive Director Jon Steverson. “This includes enhancing areas like Burnt Sock Landing, which will improve water quality along the creek and the 57 crystal clear springs that feed its flow.”

Burnt Sock Landing is an exclusive canoe, kayak and small boat launch, which will enrich public access to the District’s northern-most ownership along Holmes Creek—a popular state-designated canoe trail. The landing will allow paddlers to enjoy the unique natural sights along this undisturbed stretch of the waterway.

“The District is proud to celebrate the completion of this project, which is helping us protect Holmes Creek and also expand public access to this beautiful waterbody,” said District Governing Board member Gary Clark. “Projects like these are win-win for our communities, as they protect our waterways and make it easier for our citizens to get out and enjoy them.”

The District will partner with Washington County to implement additional restoration and protection projects further downstream on Holmes Creek. The District will invest more than $250,000 for improvements designed to improve water quality and increase public access at Hightower, Spurling and Like Oak Landings.

The District’s Division of Land Management works to protect, restore and offer public access to many of the important springs, streams and rivers of the Panhandle through its ownership of more than 211,000 acres across Northwest Florida.

For more information, please visit: http://nwfwp.sgssys.info/lands/recreation/area/choctawhatchee-river-holmes-creek/burnt-sock-landing/

NWFWMD Launches New Website

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 25, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Lauren.Engel@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Launches New Website

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District recently launched a new website that features enhanced and updated content, improved navigation and a search function.

“The District’s new website reflects our commitment to providing excellent service to our customers,” said Executive Director Jon Steverson. “We designed—and continue to make improvements to—this website with our users in mind.  Our goal is to help the public easily find up-to-date and accurate information about the District, our priorities and the projects we’re undertaking to achieve them.”

Users can access the new website at nwfwp.sgssys.info — a shorter, easy to remember URL— in addition to the original address, www.nwfwmd.state.fl.us.

Along with a more modern look and feel, the site focuses on improved navigation, including drop-down menus that direct users to commonly viewed information and a search component where web visitors can search web pages and publications by keyword.  The re-designed homepage focuses on helping users find timely information, such as the latest District news and events, frequently visited pages and links to District priority projects.
This includes a section of the website devoted to providing more information on springs in the region and projects the District is undergoing to protect them. Users can access information and data on featured and first-magnitude springs, including Wakulla Springs and Jackson Blue Spring.  The site also includes an Interactive Springs Map, where users can see locational information of springs across Northwest Florida.  The District plans to expand this section in the coming months by adding additional springs and data.

The District has also enhanced content across the entire website, with a focus on helping users easily access frequently requested information. This includes expanded information on the District’s permitting programs and a Frequently Asked Questions section for each permit type.

The new site also features information designed to provide Floridians and visitors with information about the recreational opportunities on District lands. The recreation area includes an interactive lands map; a matrix that depicts the various types of recreational activities available at each recreational site and much-expanded information on the District’s water management areas and the individual recreational sites within them.

A Geographic Information Systems and Mapping section on the website includes a Map Library and GIS Data Directory. Professionals and members of the public can access frequently requested District maps ranging from District office locations to watersheds.

The District continues to make improvements and add new content to the website. For more information or questions regarding the website, please contact public.information@yopmail.com.

NWFWMD Announces New Cycle of Water Supply Development Grants

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 6, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or
Lauren.Engel@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Announces New Cycle of Water Supply Development Grants

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District has launched the second cycle of a competitive grant program to help local governments and utilities across the Florida Panhandle address important local water supply challenges and meet regional water supply protection and management needs.

The District’s proposed Tentative Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-2015 Budget includes $8 million to provide assistance for new water supply development projects.  This initiative builds on the success of the FY 2013-2014 grant program, which resulted in the award of nearly $10 million for 24 priority water supply projects across Northwest Florida.

“Ensuring a clean and sustainable supply of water is important to the environment and economy of Northwest Florida,” said District Executive Director Jon Steverson.  “The District continues to work with local governments and utilities to identify and implement water supply projects that will benefit our natural resources and communities.”

Parties interested in applying are encouraged to attend an informational workshop on August 26, 2014, 2:00 pm CDT, at the Gibson Lecture Hall, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 West U.S. Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.

“We encourage local governments and public and nonprofit utilities across our 16-county area to learn more about the program and submit water supply projects—both large and small—that will help meet the needs of their communities and of the region,” said Paul Thorpe, the District’s Resource Planning Manager.

Grant applications are due by October 1, 2014. Eligible projects include traditional water supply development projects, water reuse and other alternative water supply development projects, and water conservation projects that result in quantifiable water savings.  Projects that demonstrate new or innovative techniques are encouraged.

District staff will evaluate grant applications based on criteria that include, but are not limited to, support of the District’s core missions and statutory water supply priorities, environmental benefits, readiness for implementation, financial need, and the ability to operate and maintain funded facilities.  District staff will present recommendations to the District’s Governing Board for final project selections in late 2014.

Workshop details, along with application materials and guidelines, are available on the District’s website athttps://nwfwp.sgssys.info/.  Interested applicants can contact the District at (850) 539-5999 or Paul.Thorpe@yopmail.com for more information or assistance.

NWFWMD Budget Reduces Tax Rates While Focusing on Natural Resource Protection

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 1, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-2663 or Public.Information@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Budget Reduces Tax Rates While Focusing on Natural Resource Protection

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District today submitted its proposed Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 to Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature. The District’s proposed budget of $52.5 million reduces the millage rate for taxpayers and focuses on mission-critical projects, including springs protection; the development of minimum flows and levels; water supply development assistance to local communities; and protection of the Apalachicola River and Bay and St. Andrew Bay watersheds.

“Through this Tentative Budget, the District will continue to implement projects that will have a direct benefit to the communities and natural resources of Northwest Florida,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “This budget also reflects our commitment to protecting the environment without adding to the financial burden of our residents.”

The FY 2014-2015 Tentative Budget proposes levying the roll-back millage rate of .039, which is less than the 0.04 assessed in FY 2013-2014 and 22 percent below the constitutional and statutory cap of 0.05.

The District’s budget is comprised of a combination of ad valorem revenue, state and federal funding, and other revenues, including timber sales. The District will also continue to direct state revenue appropriated during prior fiscal years to fund key water resource protection projects.

The District continues its focus on core mission objectives of water supply, water quality, natural system protection and flood protection through numerous projects including:

• $8.2 million for springs restoration and protection projects. This includes more than $6.8 million in newly appropriated funding that was recommended by Governor Scott and appropriated by the Legislature during the 2014 Legislative Session to implement projects to improve the health of springs ecosystems throughout Northwest Florida.

• $2.4 million for the development of minimum flows and levels (MFLs). This funding will be used to help the District accomplish its ambitious schedule to develop MFLs—a major component of its overall effort to ensure the long-term protection and sustainability of Northwest Florida’s water resources. The District will move forward with intensive hydrologic, ecologic and water quality data collection that is vital to a successful MFL program.

• $15 million for water supply development assistance to local governments and non-profit utilities.  This includes $8 million for a new cycle of competitive grant funding designed to help communities in Northwest Florida meet local water supply challenges, building on the nearly $10 million in water supply grants awarded during the current Fiscal Year.

• $3.8 million for the protection and restoration of the Apalachicola River and Bay watershed. The District will continue to partner with state and local agencies to improve the health of this environmentally and economically important natural system, including the development of a hydrodynamic model that will help assess and evaluate potential actions to improve and maintain a healthy bay.

• $3.6 million for the restoration and protection of the St. Andrew Bay watershed. This includes grant funding assistance to local governments for water quality improvement activities, including four stormwater retrofits that will treat runoff generated from more than 500 acres of drainage area.

The District will hold two public hearings on the budget. The first will take place Thursday, September 11, 2014, at 5:05 p.m., ET, at the District’s Headquarters (81 Water Management Drive, Havana, FL). The second will be held Thursday, September 25, 2014, at 5:05 p.m., CT, in Panama City (Gulf Coast State College, Student Union Room 243, 5230 West U.S. Highway 98, Panama City, FL). The District’s Governing Board will vote to adopt the final budget at the September 25 meeting. Visit nwfwp.sgssys.info for more information.

NWFWMD Awarded for Econfina Springs Complex Project

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-2663 or Public.Information@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Awarded for Econfina Springs Complex Project

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD) recently accepted an award from the American Public Works Association’s (APWA) Florida Chapter. The APWA recognized the District’s efforts to restore and protect Pitt and Sylvan Springs within the Econfina Creek Springs Complex by awarding the NWFWMD with a Public Works Project of the Year Award.

“The District is honored to receive this award in recognition of the positive impact our project has on the nearby community,” said William O. “Bill” Cleckley,  the District’s Director of Land Management and Acquisition, who accepted the award.  “Through this project, we’ve improved water quality, restored native vegetation and improved natural habitat, while at the same time adding recreational access designed to minimize disturbance of the springs and protect this natural area for future generations.”

The Pitt and Sylvan Springs restoration and protection project was completed in May 2012, at a total project cost of $1.71 million. The project included numerous water quality improvements, including restoring and protecting the Pitt springbank and several sections of the Econfina Creek streambank suffering from erosion and unauthorized access; and the creation of stormwater facilities to prevent stormwater runoff and erosion.

The project also included recreational amenities designed to improve public access to the popular spring, while also protecting the natural setting from human impacts. Features include an ADA-compliant aluminum stair system design to control access to the spring pool; a floating dock system on Econfina Creek to accommodate canoes and kayaks; and a tube launch for kids while protecting the spring run, spring pool and Creek bank from impacts.

A new award, the APWA Public Works Project of the Year Award for agencies from cities or counties with a population of 75,000 or less, was established to promote excellence in demonstrating creativity, ingenuity, and efficiency in the delivery of Public Works projects that have a profound impact on the community.  The Econfina Springs Complex, Pitt and Sylvan Springs project was selected as the best project under the APWA’s Environmental category for projects costing less than $5 million dollars.

The District is committed to working with state and local agencies to ensure the long-term protection of springs and springs-related sites across Northwest Florida. The District recently broke ground on the Williford Springs Restoration Project, which is also part of the Econfina Creek Spring Complex, Phase II and will expand on the District’s protection and restoration efforts at Williford Spring.