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Gov. DeSantis reappoints George Roberts to District Governing Board

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TALLAHASSEE — Governor Ron DeSantis announced the reappointment of George Roberts to the Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board.

Roberts, of Panama City, is the vice president of Roberts & Roberts, Inc., a home construction company, and the owner of Hombre Golf Club. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Transportation Builders Association. He has served on the Northwest Florida Water Management District board since 2006. Roberts is reappointed to a four-year term.

This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

District grant helps City of Marianna, Chipola College protect Chipola River

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HAVANA – A grant from the Northwest Florida Water Management District helped the City of Marianna construct a stormwater treatment system that will provide re-used water for irrigation needs on the Chipola College campus while also protecting the Chipola River.

The District’s grant of $671,340 helped pay to construct a 6.75-acre stormwater pond at the north end of the campus. The pond will retrofit a currently untreated watershed and make treated stormwater available to irrigate 7.22 acres on the campus. This will result in the reduction in the use of groundwater for irrigation needs while improving water quality discharging to the nearby Chipola River.

“The Chipola River plays such an important role in the economy and quality of life for residents in Jackson County,” said John Alter, Secretary of the District’s Governing Board who represents Jackson County. “Our Water Supply Development Grant program has provided millions of dollars in recent years to help smaller communities throughout northwest Florida and we take tremendous pride in funding these types of projects that make such a positive impact.”

The stormwater pond will treat approximately 50 percent (or 192 acres) of the campus’ drainage basin. The system will create approximately 2.73 million gallons annually of re-used water to be used for irrigation on the campus.

“Northwest Florida has always been my home and I know just how special the Chipola River is to our area,” said State Sen. George Gainer, who represents Jackson County. “I appreciate the District and the City of Marianna working together to protect the Chipola River.”

“This is a project that just makes sense in so many ways – from treating stormwater before it reaches the Chipola River to taking advantage of re-used water to irrigate the campus,” said State Rep. Brad Drake, who represents Jackson County. “I know the people who use the Chipola River for recreational purposes will certainly appreciate the water management district working with the city and the college to complete this project.”

The stormwater project also received $792,582 in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and $20,000 from Chipola College.

“The City of Marianna and Chipola College both have been very excited about participating in this project, which will enhance the quality of water in the Chipola River, a Pristine Water Way designated by the State of Florida,” said Dr. Sarah Clemmons, President of Chipola College.

The funding is part of the District’s Water Supply Development Grant program, which launched in 2013 and has awarded funding for 70 projects totaling more than $21.6 million. These projects have helped local governments and utilities make potable water distribution system improvements, replace aging infrastructure, evaluate and develop alternative water supply projects, and address local drinking water quality issues. Two-thirds of the projects are in rural or financially disadvantaged communities.

For more information on projects funded under this program, please visit http://www.nwfwp.sgssys.info/Water-Resources/Funding-Programs/Water-Supply-Grants

District names The Nature Conservancy in Florida as 2019 Partner of the Year

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The Governing Board for the Northwest Florida Water Management District named The Nature Conservancy in Florida as its 2019 “Partner of the Year.”

“The Nature Conservancy in Florida shares the District’s and Governor DeSantis’ passion for being good stewards of this area’s precious natural resources,” District Governing Board Chairman George Roberts said. “Our work together has made a positive impact on the District’s efforts to restore native tree and plant species across northwest Florida.”

The Nature Conservancy has provided more than $127,000 in grant funding the past six years to help pay for the planting of nearly 850,000 longleaf pine saplings covering 1,170 acres of District lands.

The group has also provided trained staff to assist on at least 18 prescribed burns within the Econfina Creek and Chipola River water management areas.

Working closely with the District, The Nature Conservancy led the development of a partnership that brought together state governments in Alabama and Florida as well as other local and federal government partners to develop the Perdido River paddle trail and watershed protection project. The group also helped in the development of watershed plans that resulted in three new estuary programs in the Panhandle.

“The Northwest Florida Water Management District has been an outstanding partner in our collective effort to enhance, conserve, and manage important natural systems, lands, and waters from Pensacola to Tallahassee,” said Temperince Morgan, executive director, The Nature Conservancy in Florida. “We appreciate being named Partner of the Year, and look forward to continued collaboration with NWFWMD to benefit people and nature in the region.”

The Nature Conservancy in Florida was presented with the “Partner of the Year” plaque and a permanent nameplate memorializing its selection as the 2019 winner on a trophy housed at the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s headquarters.

Partner of the Year winners:

2019: The Nature Conservancy in Florida
2018: Craig Bishop, Bishop Farms

Williford Spring re-opens for weekend use, beginning July 4

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District will re-open the Williford Spring recreation site beginning at 8 a.m. on July 4 for weekend-use only until repairs are completed.

The recreation site has been closed since Hurricane Michael made landfall last October. The site sustained extensive damages from the storm.

Only the parking lot, picnic pavilions, general recreation area at the spring, and restrooms will be open.

The boardwalk leading to the canoe/kayak launch and the walking trails to Sylvan Spring and Pitt Spring remain closed.

After the July 4 weekend, Williford Spring will be closed Mondays through Thursdays but will open for weekend use. This will allow District staff to continue repairing the site during the work week.

District acquires easement to help protect the Chipola River

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The Governing Board for the Northwest Florida Water Management District recently voted to move forward on a conservation easement on Dry Creek Plantation that will help provide long-term protection for the Chipola River.

The 433.66-acre parcel is located in Jackson County south of Interstate 10 and within the contribution area for the Chipola River. The property is bisected by Highway 73 with frontage along Dry Creek and is located north of Rook Spring Group. The parcel features at least four karst points.

“As we have seen following the devastation of Hurricane Michael, the Chipola River plays such a vital role in the economy and quality of life for residents in Jackson County,” said John Alter, secretary of the District’s Governing Board who represents Jackson County. “This conservation easement will provide even more protection for the precious natural resources in our community.”

Following appraisals and a review appraisal, the District’s Governing Board agreed to purchase the conservation easement for $194,378.40.

“This marks a chance to protect wildlife, the environment, and the Chipola River,” said State Sen. George Gainer, who represents Jackson County. “I know how important the Chipola River is not just to northwest Florida but to all of Florida, and I appreciate the work done by the water management district to secure this conservation easement.”

“It’s important not only to preserve and protect shorelines, but also the surrounding contribution areas where water recharges into the river,” said State Rep. Brad Drake, who represents Jackson County. “This acquisition does just that and will help ensure the Chipola River remains one of Florida’s most beautiful rivers.”

District re-opens Pitt Spring for weekend use

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District has re-opened the Pitt Spring recreation site for weekend use only until repairs are completed.

The recreation site has been closed since Hurricane Michael made landfall last October. The site sustained extensive damages from the storm.

Only the parking lot, general recreation area at the spring, temporary restrooms, and dock will be open.

The boardwalks and walking trails to Sylvan Spring and Williford Spring remain closed.

After the Memorial Day weekend, Pitt Spring will be closed Mondays through Thursdays but will open for weekend use. This will allow District staff to continue repairing the site during the work week.

District, Bay County celebrate ribbon cutting at Porter Landing site

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YOUNGSTOWN – The Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District joined with Bay County commissioners Friday to celebrate a property exchange that will provide further protection for Econfina Creek while also expanding public access and recreational opportunities for visitors to the creek.

The District’s Governing Board had previously approved the exchange, which calls for the District to acquire 22.396 acres from a private landowner that fronts Econfina Creek and is bisected by Highway 388 in Bay County. In return, the District will exchange a parcel of land equal in value that already borders the landowner’s property.

The Governing Board also previously approved the District’s request to lease to Bay County the newly acquired land north of Highway 388 and west of Econfina Creek for the creation of a county park.

Bay County Commissioners Keith Baker and William Dozier joined Jeff Porter, representing the Porter family, and District Governing Board members George Roberts and Nick Patronis for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday at the site.

“The District has a proven track record of stabilizing shorelines, protecting water resources, and enhancing public access,” said George Roberts, Chairman of the District’s Governing Board.

The parcel of land the District acquired is adjacent to the county’s right-of-way for Highway 388 that has become a popular takeout point for canoeists and kayakers. But the property has never been properly developed for that type of activity and years of use have resulted in erosion and sediment impacts to Econfina Creek.

“The Gainer family has deep roots in Econfina Creek,” said State Sen. George Gainer, who represents Bay County. “So it’s great to see the County, District, and Porter family work together to preserve this landing and provide safe public access.”

The area has also seen vehicles parked along the highway in, at times, an unsafe manner. The creation of a county park will help stabilize the shoreline and provide adequate parking for users.

“Econfina Creek is the lifeblood of Bay County,” said State Rep. Jay Trumbull, who represents Bay County. “As a lover of our natural treasures here in northwest Florida, I am excited to be a part of its preservation through the creation of Porter Landing.”

District names Dr. Graham Lewis 2019 ‘River and Bay Champion’

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EASPOINT – Dr. Graham Lewis was named the 2019 winner of the “River and Bay Champion” award on Thursday by the Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

The award is presented annually to recognize individuals who make significant contributions toward the restoration and protection of the river and bays in northwest Florida.

“Graham Lewis has been and continues to be a champion for the protection of the Apalachicola River and Bay as well as other rivers and bays across northwest Florida,” said George Roberts, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “Graham’s knowledge of the Apalachicola River and Bay system was invaluable in helping the state of Florida in its case against Georgia before the Supreme Court.”

Dr. Lewis recently retired as a Senior Environmental Scientist following a 25-year career with the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

“Graham dedicated a quarter century of his career toward the understanding and restoration of these priceless natural systems, so I can’t think of a more deserving recipient,” said Brett Cyphers, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

Among the highlights of Dr. Lewis’ career at the District:

  • Helped establish the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Comprehensive Study
  • Coordinated restoration efforts in Tates Hell State Forest
  • Created a hydrodynamic model for Apalachicola Bay
  • Helped launch the Minimum Flows and Minimum Levels program

“I appreciate this recognition, but I also realize so many others who I worked with at the District played a valuable role in our work to help restore and protect the rivers and bays in northwest Florida,” Lewis said. “It is satisfying to see how others have taken the torch and continue working to protect the natural resources in our District.”

Dr. Lewis was presented with a “River and Bay Champion” bowl with a permanent nameplate memorializing his selection as the 2019 winner. The bowl will remain on display at the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s headquarters. He also received a plaque in recognition of the award.

The District previously honored Senator Bill Montford with the 2018 River and Bay Champion award.

Arbor Day Foundation names District a finalist for national award

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HAVANA – The Arbor Day Foundation named the Northwest Florida Water Management District a finalist for its Headwaters award, given annually to celebrate innovative programs that support the improvement of water quality and quantity through forestry activities.

The Arbor Day Foundation also named Friends of the Rappahannock (Fredericksburg, Va.) and Team Williamette (Portland, Ore.) as finalists for the Headwaters award.

The winner will be announced prior to National Arbor Day on April 26.

“It is certainly nice to see our reforestation efforts recognized at the national level because we take a lot of pride in knowing how planting trees protects the water resources for residents in our District,” said John Alter, Secretary of the District’s Governing Board. “The Arbor Day Foundation’s partnership has allowed us to expand our planting program in recent years and we appreciate that relationship.”

The District was nominated for the award following the planting of its 15 millionth longleaf pine tree on public lands last winter. The District began planting longleaf pines and other native species in 1993 and will put another 1.4 million trees in the ground in 2019.

The longleaf, loblolly, and slash pines as well as natural hardwoods are critical pieces of northern Florida ecosystems. The trees’ presence helps improve plant species diversity and provides wildlife habitat for animal and insect species. They also provide erosion control and natural fuel for effective prescribed burns.

“A healthy forest means healthy water,” said Ted Everett, a member of the District’s Governing Board who represents Washington County. “We live in an area that saw thousands and thousands and thousands of trees destroyed by Hurricane Michael, so it’s even more important to replant trees this year to try to offset some of that devastation.”

Once this year’s plantings are completed, the District’s reforestation efforts break down like this:

  • 16.5 million longleaf pine trees
  • 1.6 million other trees (including 695,489 cypress and other hardwoods)
  • 6.6 million wiregrass tublings
  • 30,784 total acres with plantings

Funding for the forest restoration program comes largely from state support and through the District’s timber sales as well as other grants, including from the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

In the last five years, the Arbor Day Foundation has contributed $312,020 which has bought more than 2.2 million longleaf tublings.

District launches online tools to assist with Hurricane Michael assessment, recovery

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HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District launched a web application to help the public view the agency’s damage assessment from Hurricane Michael.

The interactive application features an adjustable Google Earth view map showing the impacted areas from Hurricane Michael, including aerial photographs of impacted rivers, streams, and roadways. It also shows updated graphs of selected rivers that illustrate changes in water levels associated with debris from the storm.

“We live firsthand with the damages inflicted by Hurricane Michael each and every day and with challenges that lie ahead for northwest Florida,” District Governing Board chairman George Roberts said. “That is why I am so pleased to see the launch of this important tool to help us grapple with the scope of the ongoing impacts, as well as track our path to recovery and normalcy.”

Users can adjust the map to view before and after photos of impacted lands with layers available to focus on agricultural lands, the District’s recreation sites, or trails and roads. The District will update the map to show progress on recovery efforts.

A photo submission tool is also available to report flooding issues related to Hurricane Michael and rain events following the storm. The public is encouraged to upload photographs to help show the storm-related flooding issues in northwest Florida.

The link for the Mapping Tool is located here: https://nwfwmd.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7666fbd775264133a16deebeeafab87b.

The link for the Photo Submission Tool is located here: https://arcg.is/1rzbTW