Author: Jim Lamar

Gov. DeSantis reappoints Alter, Andrews to District’s Governing Board

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Gov. DeSantis reappoints Alter, Andrews to District’s Governing Board

TALLAHASSEE — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the reappointment of John Alter and Angus “Gus” Andrews to the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board.
John Alter
Alter, of Malone, is currently retired and manages a family-run tree farm. He is a veteran of the United States Navy, retiring with the rank of Captain. Alter earned his bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and his master’s degree in political science from Villanova University.
Angus “Gus” Andrews
Andrews, of DeFuniak Springs, is the Owner of Andrews & Ansdorff Realty and Southern Beach Management. He is a former member of the Trustmark Bank Board of Directors. Andrews earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

District temporarily closes Pitt/Sylvan springs recreation site

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District temporarily closes Pitt/Sylvan springs recreation site

The District has temporarily closed the recreation site at Pitt and Sylvan springs for maintenance and repairs. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the recreation facilities at nearby Wiliford Spring and Econfina Blue Spring, which remain open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.

District celebrates reopening of Rattlesnake Lake North recreation site

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District celebrates reopening of Rattlesnake Lake North recreation site

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District celebrated the re-opening Wednesday of a popular recreation site within the Econfina Creek Water Management Area.

Officials from the District were joined by State Rep. Shane Abbott, Washington County Commissioner David Corbin, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Ed Smith, who is the Director of Ecosystems Projects, for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at Rattlesnake Lake North.

The recreation site is located slightly north of State Road 20 in southern Washington County.

“The Econfina Creek Water Management Area plays a vital role in protecting Econfina Creek and the water that flows into Deer Point Lake,” said Kellie Ralston, a member of the District’s Governing Board. “While we are committed to protecting the water resources in northwest Florida, we take tremendous pride in maintaining recreational sites like Rattlesnake Lake North and providing access for the public to enjoy.”

Rattlesnake Lake North features overnight camping, hiking, boating, fishing, and more. It is one of 24 recreation sites the District maintains within the Econfina Creek WMA – and one of 13 to offer overnight camping. Overnight camping at this site is not allowed from Thanksgiving Day until the first Wednesday in February because of hunting season.

“Rattlesnake Lake North is an extremely popular camping and fishing spot and we know visitors have been eager to see it reopened,” said Nick Patronis, a member of the District’s Governing Board who represents Bay County. “We are grateful to Gov. DeSantis and the legislature for funding that allows us to keep this site open for the public to enjoy.”

All overnight camping sites on District-managed lands are free but require an online reservation.

To reserve a camping site, go to https://nwfwater.com/lands/recreation/ and follow the instructions for registration.

District begins habitat improvements at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park

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District begins habitat improvements at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park

Beginning August 7 and continuing over the next few months, the Northwest Florida Water Management District will conduct several important habitat-improvement projects at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park.
These projects include the mowing of upland portions of the park to address overgrown vegetation. Contractors will be mowing these areas to reduce the understory vegetation.  This will allow District staff to conduct prescribed fire activities in the winter months, reducing wildfire risks and improving these upland pine habitats.
The District will also be conducting exotic plant vegetation control within Lake Victoria, which has become heavily impacted by exotic vegetation such as Cuban Bull Rush grass and Water Hyacinth. An herbicide application will be applied to remove this vegetation and improve the water quality and aquatic habitat within Lake Victoria.
For more information, please feel free to contact the Northwest Florida Water Management District at 850-539-5999.

District opens new site at Wolf Pond South

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District adds new site at Wolf Pond South

YOUNGSTOWN – The Northwest Florida Water Management held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday to celebrate the opening of Wolf Pond South recreation site.

The District was joined by Bay County Commissioner Doug Moore and Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton for the event.

The recreation site, located within the Econfina Creek Water Management Area, features overnight camping and provides direct access to the Wolf Pond Equestrian Trail – a 13.5 mile trail popular with horse-riding enthusiasts.

“We take tremendous pride in not only protecting and preserving the lands we manage but also providing the public with access and recreational opportunities on these lands,” Governing Board member Ted Everett said.

The District also honored Sylvia Gates, who has volunteered countless hours through the years to help establish more than 45 miles of equestrian trails within the Econfina Creek WMA. A sign honoring Gates’ contributions was unveiled during Wednesday’s event.

Wolf Pond South is one of 24 recreation sites the District maintains within the Econfina Creek WMA. It is one of 13 that offers overnight camping sites.

 

All overnight camping sites on District-managed lands are free but require an online reservation. To reserve a camping site, go to https://nwfwater.com/lands/recreation/ and follow the instructions for registration.