Category: Uncategorized

District adds 58 campsites to its online reservation system

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com  or Allyson.McKee@yopmail.com

District adds 58 campsites to its online reservation system

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District has added 58 campsites to its online camping reservation system. These campsites are located along the Apalachicola, Escambia and Choctawhatchee rivers. With these new additions, there are now 88 campsites within 28 areas available to reserve online for free.

“One of the District’s priorities is making the use of public lands easier and more convenient for our visitors, whether they’re from across town or across the country,” District Executive Director Brett Cyphers said. “By providing potential visitors the ability to reserve more campsites online, we can better ensure a more predictable and positive experience. And that’s what we want in the end, more people getting outside and enjoying the natural places they pay to support and protect.”

To make a campsite reservation, visitors must first register for a free online account. Once this is done, visitors can then reserve a site up to 11 months in advance for up to seven days. Two non-consecutive reservations are allowed at one time for each account.

New signs designating “Camping By Reservation Only” have been placed at the newly added campsites. Day-use is still available at those recreation areas where signs are posted and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To view the full list of District campsites available to reserve, visit nwfwp.sgssys.info and then click on “Recreation.”

District plans prescribed burn at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 17, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com  or Allyson.McKee@yopmail.com

District plans prescribed burn at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District will conduct prescribed burns at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park in Tallahassee within the next few weeks, weather permitting.

Phipps Park is located between North Meridian Road and Lake Jackson, south of Miller Landing Road. Signs will be posted at the park to notify visitors and neighbors of burning in progress. The District’s burn-certified land managers will conduct the burns.

Although every effort will be made to ensure 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 District owns and manages more than 200,000 acres to conserve and protect water and natural resources throughout northwest Florida. Phipps Park is jointly owned and managed by the District and the City of Tallahassee. The District purchased its 516 acres in 1992 to protect the Lake Jackson watershed.

District hosts Governor Scott at Williford Spring

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

District hosts Governor Scott at Williford Spring

YOUNGSTOWN – The Northwest Florida Water Management District welcomed Florida Governor Rick Scott to the site of one of its springs restoration projects today.

Governor Scott joined Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jon Steverson, FWC Executive Director Nick Wiley, District Executive Director Brett Cyphers and members of the District’s Governing Board on a tour of the Williford Spring Restoration Project.

The group toured Williford Spring and its surrounding recreational area, the site of the District’s $1.66 million restoration project to improve water quality and clarity, improve shoreline protection and enhance protective public access to the spring.

“The Williford Spring project is more proof that we are committed to restoring Florida’s springs and providing families and our visitors with beautiful places to visit,” Governor Scott said. “I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing this important project together and for helping Florida build on our success in protecting our natural resources and continuing to make Florida the best place in the country to live.”

Funding for the project includes more than $377,000 from the nearly $37 million in springs funding approved by Governor Scott during the 2013-2014 Fiscal Year. The project also includes nearly $70,000 in funding from FWC.

“This project is a perfect example of one of the 37 important restoration and water quality improvement projects we’ve been able to fund over the past two years, thanks to the support of Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature,” said DEP Secretary Jon Steverson. “The health of our springs is vital to our state’s future, and I look forward to working with the Governor, Legislature and our restoration partners to continue to protect them.”

Over the last two years, Governor Scott championed record funding for Florida’s springs, partnering with local communities to leverage $35 million in grants into $106 million in springs projects.

The Governor’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 includes $50 million in Fiscal Year 2015-2016, and more than $1.6 billion over 20 years for springs restoration.

“The Williford Spring project, like similar projects at Pitt and Sylvan springs, would not have happened without support from Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature,” said George Roberts, Chair of the District’s Governing Board. “We take great pride in this restoration effort and we will continue to find more ways to preserve and protect the water resources in northwest Florida.”

“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is proud to partner with DEP and the NWFWMD to restore these special places for the benefit of all Floridians,” said FWC Executive Director Nick Wiley. “We applaud the Governor and the Legislature for supporting a true win-win project that helps people enjoy beautiful springs while protecting important habitat for fish and wildlife.”

Through the Williford Spring restoration project, the District will improve the water quality and clarity of the spring by removing sediment from the spring pool, restoring native vegetation along the springbank that will help catch run-off and sediment, and constructing areas to capture and treat stormwater to improve water quality before it enters the spring.

The restoration project will expand on the District’s continued protection of various springs along Econfina Creek, including the recently completed project to restore and enhance Pitt and Sylvan springs.

NWFWMD Approves Water Quality Projects for St. Andrew Bay

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2014

CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications (850) 539-2663 or Lauren.Engel@nwfwmd.state.fl.us 

NWFWMD Approves Water Quality Projects for St. Andrew Bay

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved nearly $1.8 million in combined funding for two stormwater retrofit projects that will improve water quality in the St. Andrew Bay watershed.

Under the first project, the District will provide more than $1 million to the City of Parker to install a stormwater treatment system within Parker Bayou, which is part of the St. Andrew Bay system.

“The District is committed to protecting and improving water quality for the communities and natural resources of Northwest Florida,” said District Governing Board Member Nick Patronis. “We look forward to continuing to partner with local governments, state agencies and other stakeholders to improve water quality within the St. Andrews Bay and other waterbodies of the panhandle.”

The proposed treatment system includes construction of stormwater drainage improvements and a stormwater retention facility to capture and treat stormwater, as well as the installation of a baffle box, which will remove pollutants and nutrients from stormwater before it discharges to the Bayou. The project encompasses an 810-acre urban watershed that currently has no stormwater treatment facilities.

“The Department and Water Management Districts are committed to spending taxpayer dollars on tangible projects that improve water quality,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “These projects will upgrade stormwater treatment, which will be a big win for the environment.”

The Governing Board also approved more than $705,000 in District funding to the City of Callaway for the development of a new stormwater management system facility.

The proposed facility includes three interconnected stormwater treatment ponds and associated drainage systems, along with a drainage outlet which will replace the existing outlet along Lake Drive.  The system will both improve water runoff quality and provide flood attenuation for the area.

Protection of the St. Andrew Bay system remains a high priority for the District under its Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) program. The District’s Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget includes $3.9 million for the St. Andrew Bay watershed protection, including the restoration of spring bank and riparian habitat associated with Williford Springs and Econfina Creek. It also includes grant funding assistance to local governments for stormwater and other projects to improve water quality and aquatic habitat within the Bay.

NWFWMD Closes Williford Spring for Restoration Project

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 29, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-5999, Public.Information@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

NWFWMD Closes Williford Spring for Restoration Project

YOUNGSTOWN – The Northwest Florida Water Management District has closed Williford Spring in southern Washington County to begin preparing for construction on a $1.5 million protection and restoration project at the spring. The project will improve shoreline restoration and protection, as well as provide recreational enhancements that will improve public access in a way that protects the health of the spring and surrounding habitats.

The area will be closed to the public effective immediately, and will remain closed while the restoration activities are conducted. The District anticipates re-opening the area in the summer of 2016. The District’s recreation sites at nearby Pitt and Sylvan springs will remain open, and the District encourages the public’s continued use of these facilities.

Recreational improvements will include spring entry steps, patio terrace, spring view deck, canoe dock, boardwalks, composting toilets, picnic pavilions, parking area, a connector trail to Pitt and Sylvan springs, as well as interpretative trails and native landscaping throughout the site.

The restoration project will expand on the District’s continued protection of various springs along Econfina Creek, including the recently completed project to restore and enhance Pitt and Sylvan springs.

The restoration of Williford Springs is part of the District’s commitment to working with state and local agencies to ensure the long-term protection of springs and springs-related sites across Northwest Florida. The District’s 2013-2014 Fiscal Year budget includes $3.3 million for springs restoration and protection.

NWFWMD Closes Pitt, Sylvan, and Williford Springs Recreation Areas Due to Flooding

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-5999 or Public.Information@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Closes Pitt, Sylvan, and Williford Springs Recreation Areas Due to Flooding

HAVANA – Due to significant flooding on Econfina Creek, the Northwest Florida Water Management District has closed the Pitt, Sylvan, and Williford springs recreation areas to ensure public safety.  The closures will take effect immediately and the areas will remain closed until flood waters subside.

For updates, please visit www.facebook.com/NWFWater and www.twitter.com/NWFWMD.

Proclamation Designates April as Water Conservation Month

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com

Proclamation Designates April as Water Conservation Month

HAVANA – The Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District today approved a proclamation designating April as Water Conservation Month at its monthly board meeting.

“Water conservation remains a high priority for the District,” District Governing Board Chairman George Roberts said. “We encourage all residents, visitors and businesses to take an active role in conserving water, not just during the month of April, but throughout the year.”

For tips on ways to conserve water, visit the District’s conservation website.

NWFWMD Approves Nearly $5.5 million for Water Supply Project in Bay County

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 13, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-5999 or melissa.angel@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

NWFWMD Approves Nearly $5.5 million for Water Supply Project in Bay County

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted today to provide nearly $5.5 million in grant funding to Bay County for the development of an alternative pump station for Deer Point Lake Reservoir, which serves as the county’s primary water supply source.

“As Deer Point Lake Reservoir is vulnerable to impacts from major coastal storm surge events, this project is vital to ensuring a clean, safe and reliable supply of water for the region,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “The District is pleased to partner with Bay County to implement this project and achieve one of our long-standing water supply planning priorities.”

The funding will be used to develop an upstream intake near the mouth of Econfina Creek. The project includes the construction of a surface water intake, pump station and pipeline—which will have the capacity to deliver approximately 30 million gallons per day (mgd) of raw water to the Bay County Water Treatment Plant.

“The new pumping station will be located in the northernmost portion of Deer Point Lake Reservoir,” said Paul Lackemacher, Utility Services Director at Bay County Utilities Services. “This new pumping station, surface water intake, and pipeline will ensure our residents that the County will have an available back-up water supply in the event of extreme conditions.”

Bay County provides water for local governments and utilities across the county. The development of this alternative water supply source will improve Bay County’s water supply and provide water for the public while also sustaining water resources and associated natural systems.

“This project is vital to ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for the residents, visitors, and businesses of Bay County,” said Chairman Guy Tunnell of the Bay County Board of County Commissioners. “We thank the Northwest Florida Water Management District for their support and look forward to continuing to work with them to manage and protect Bay County’s water and natural resources.”

Deer Point Lake Reservoir is included as a priority in the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Region III Regional Water Supply Plan. The District continues to work with local governments and utilities across the Florida panhandle to provide communities and natural resources with a sustainable supply of water. In addition to this funding, the District recently announced nearly $10 million in grant funding for 24 water supply projects across Northwest Florida.

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Three to Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com

TALLAHASSEE – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced three reappointments to the Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

John Alter, 78, of Malone, is a manager with 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 March 13, 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.

Nicholas “Nick” Patronis, 48, of Panama City Beach, is the owner of Captain Anderson’s. 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.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

NWFWMD hosts Operation Outdoor Freedom for Wounded Veterans

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

NWFWMD Hosts Operation Outdoor Freedom for Wounded Veterans

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 Air Force, Army, Coast Guard and Marines and took place during the weekend of Feb. 6-8 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 Northwest Florida Water Management District executive director Brett Cyphers. “It is an honor to host these veterans and provide them a chance to get outdoors and enjoy the natural resources here in northwest Florida.”

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.

“We have now had hunters coming back for a second or even third time to take part in this event,” said Tyler Macmillan, District Bureau Chief of Land Management Operations. “That shows this event is as popular with the veterans as it is with our own staff.”

The only lowlight to the weekend’s activities was the theft of two ground blinds from District lands that were set up exclusively for the event. The blinds were stolen prior to the hunt despite a warning sign on one explaining it was to be used for wounded veterans participating in the event.