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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.

NWFWMD Moves Forward with MFL Development

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-2663 or Public.Information@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Moves Forward with MFL Development

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District recently completed an unprecedented work plan for the establishment of minimum flows and levels (MFLs) in Northwest Florida, a vital step for the long-term protection of three regional spring systems including the St. Marks River Rise, Sally Ward Spring and Wakulla Springs.

The work plan includes the data, technical information and assessments the District is now using to successfully establish realistic, science-based MFLs. The plan also includes a public involvement and peer review process, as well as a schedule and cost estimate for development of the MFLs.

“One of the District’s top priorities is establishing a meaningful and realistic MFL program that will help us ensure the long-term protection and sustainability of our water resources,” said District Executive Director Jon Steverson. “This work plan is our road map to achieving a successful MFL program by clearly laying out the steps the District is taking as we move forward with developing these three MFLs for our region.”

Since 2012, the District has begun work to develop MFLs for five waterbodies in Northwest Florida: St. Marks River Rise, Wakulla Springs, Sally Ward Spring, the Florida Aquifer in Coastal Franklin County and Jackson Blue Spring. The District anticipates the technical assessment of its first MFL—St. Marks River Rise—to be completed in 2018.

“MFLs serve as an important tool in protecting Florida’s water resources, including many of the state’s treasured springs,” said Drew Bartlett, Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Deputy Secretary of Water Policy and Ecosystem Restoration. “The Department appreciates the District’s commitment to establishing MFLs throughout the region and commends District staff on the progress they’ve made over the past two years.”

MFLs set water flows, levels and limits necessary to prevent significant harm to the water resources or ecology of an area from water withdrawals. Florida law (section 373.042(1), Florida Statutes,) requires each water management district to develop and set MFLs to protect the waterbodies, including springs, rivers and aquifers, within their region.

MFLs are calculated using the best available information and science, and the process of developing those MFLs includes a series of steps including identification of priority waterbodies and establishment of the District’s ambitious but achievable schedule; technical analysis of data collection; and finally, the adoption of District rules establishing MFLs.

For more information and to view the work plan, visit http://nwfwp.sgssys.info/water-resources/minimum-flows-minimum-water-levels/.

NWFWMD Approves Water Quality Projects for St. Andrew Bay

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-2663 or Public.Information@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Approves Water Quality Projects for St. Andrew Bay

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board last week approved nearly $430,000 in grant funding to the City of Mexico Beach for a stormwater retrofit project that will reduce pollution and improve water quality in the St. Andrew Bay watershed.

“Protection of the St. Andrew Bay system continues to be a top priority for the District,” said George Roberts, Governing Board Chairman. “Along with this grant funding, the District has allocated nearly $3.8 million this fiscal year to the protection of this important watershed.”

The project includes modifications to the existing stormwater management facility to increase the conveyance and treatment capacity of roadside swales and ditches, which will improve water quality and reduce flooding impacts.

The project also includes the installation of a Nutrient Separating Baffle Box, which will remove pollutants from stormwater before it discharges to the Bay. The baffle box reduces flow velocity, allowing suspended solids to settle into sediment chambers, while a trash rack filters larger debris.  The City of Mexico Beach will monitor the debris level and clean the box as needed.

The District works to protect and improve the St. Andrew Bay system, which is renowned for its environmental and economic resources and is widely recognized as a waterbody of state and national significance. The District continues to partner with local governments to implement improvements to benefit this watershed, including stormwater retrofit and restoration projects and wastewater improvements.

NWFWMD Approves Funding to Improve Water Quality in Apalachicola Bay

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-2663 or Public.Information@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Approves Funding to Improve Water Quality in Apalachicola Bay

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board last week approved up to $462,000 in grant funding for the City of Carrabelle to implement a stormwater retrofit project that will improve water quality in the Apalachicola Bay watershed.

The Marine Street Stormwater Retrofit project will treat stormwater that discharges into the Carrabelle River and ultimately into St. George Sound, part of the Apalachicola Bay system.

“The District continues to partner with local governments to improve water quality throughout the Apalachicola Bay system,” said Executive Director Jon Steverson. “The District remains committed to working to protect the environment—and ultimately the economy—of the Apalachicola region.”

The stormwater retrofit project consists of two primary components designed to improve stormwater quality before it discharges into the Carrabelle River—stormwater conveyance improvements and a bioretention system. The project will reduce stormwater runoff pollutants using a “treatment train” approach, which consists of pre-treatment to remove solid and larger pollutants followed by bioretention treatment to further remove dissolved pollutants and nutrients.

The project will also help improve drainage along Marine Street, a waterfront boardwalk area that is important to local tourism and economic development, which is currently served by inadequate drainage facilities.

The District continues to work with local governments, state and federal agencies and other partners toward the restoration of the Apalachicola River and Bay. The District’s 2013-2014 budget includes a total of $4.7 million for Apalachicola River and Bay watershed protection and restoration, including $3 million proposed by Governor Rick Scott and approved by the Florida Legislature as part of the state’s Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget. The funding for the Marine Street Stormwater Retrofit Project is allocated by the District through its Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) program.

UPDATED: NWFWMD To Re-Open All Field Offices; Recreation Sites Remain Closed Due to Weather

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2014

CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-5999 or Public.Information@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

UPDATED:  NWFWMD To Re-Open All Field Offices; Recreation Sites Remain Closed Due to Weather

HAVANA –The Northwest Florida Water Management District has re-opened its Crestview and Milton field offices today.
Due to high water levels resulting from recent heavy rain conditions in the western Panhandle, the District asks the public to avoid accessing recreation sites along the Perdido, Escambia and Choctawhatchee rivers and Econfina and Holmes creeks. The District’s Pitt Springs Recreation Area and Econfina Creek Canoe Launch along Highway 20 in Bay County remain closed until further notice.

Please visit the District’s website at nwfwp.sgssys.info, or follow us on twitter.com/nwfwmd and facebook.com/nwfwater for updates.

NWFWMD To Close Crestview and Milton Field Offices and Recreation Sites Due to Weather

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-5999 or Public.Information@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

NWFWMD To Close Crestview and Milton Field Offices and Recreation Sites Due to Weather

HAVANA – Due to heavy rain conditions in the western Panhandle, the Northwest Florida Water Management District has closed its Crestview and Milton field offices today. The offices will remain closed as the District continues to evaluate conditions.
The District has also closed the Pitt Springs Recreation Area and Econfina Creek Canoe Launch along Highway 20 in Bay County. In addition, due to high water conditions along the Perdido and Escambia rivers, the District asks the public to avoid accessing recreation sites along these rivers.

District Headquarters and other field offices will remain open at this time.

Please contact District Headquarters for assistance with permitting or other District matters during the closures:

Northwest Florida Water Management District Headquarters
81 Water Management Drive
Havana, FL 32333-4712
Phone: (850) 539-5999
Email: Public.Information@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

Please visit the District’s website at nwfwp.sgssys.info, or follow us on twitter.com/nwfwmd and facebook.com/nwfwater for updates.

Successful Prescribed Burn Completed at Garcon Point WMA

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CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-5999
Tyler Macmillan, NWFWMD Bureau Chief, Land Management Operations (850) 539-2633

Successful Prescribed Burn Completed at Garcon Point WMA

MILTON – The Northwest Florida Water Management District conducted a successful prescribed burn on 2,045 acres at the southern portion of the Garcon Point peninsula on March 25. Assisting the District were staff from Eglin Air Force Base, the Florida Park Service, the Longleaf Alliance, the National Park Service and Westervelt Ecological Services. The Munson, Avalon and Bagdad volunteer fire departments also provided support and standby fire engines.

As with any prescribed burn, weather conditions were carefully evaluated by the District’s trained burn managers, as well as the Florida Forest Service, who issued the District an authorization to conduct the burn.

“Although Red-Flag weather conditions are not appropriate for backyard burning, the weather proved to be beneficial for this particular burn. The wind kept the smoke off the highway and out of the neighborhoods to the west and allowed the burn to be completed before mid-afternoon,” said Steve Brown, District Senior Lands Manager. “A lot of planning, preparation, and coordination with other agencies and permitting authorities go into a burn of this magnitude, and we thank our burning partners for their assistance”

Three groups of certified burn crews worked simultaneously to conduct the large magnitude burn. Crews started the burn at 10:00 a.m. along the eastern side of Avalon Boulevard at the Garcon Point Bridge., and the flames and smoke were pushed to the southeast and away from the roadway by a steady northwest wind.

“This was a textbook large-scale prescribed burn using a combination of ground and aerial ignition. Thanks to weather conditions and the cooperation of our large crew of highly trained professional burners, the burn was completed without a hitch,” said Brown.

A second crew ignited the northeastern portion of the burn area, where the Garcon Point property boundary meets Blackwater Bay. A third crew began operations in the middle of the burn area, about 1.5 miles north of the Garcon Point Bridge. A helicopter was used to help ignite the interior of the burn unit.

The burn was successfully completed around 2:00 p.m.

The Garcon Point Water Management Area consists of 3,245 acres on the Garcon Point peninsula between Escambia and Blackwater bays. The peninsula is home to extensive wiregrass and other highly flammable plant species, which can fuel frequent wildfires in the area. Prescribed burning reduces the grassy fuels, providing a measure of protection against wildfires.