Implemented projects establish important foundation for continued restoration

SANFORD – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection invites local governments, scientists, environmentalists, agricultural producers and other interested parties to a meeting to discuss the status of the restoration plan covering Lakes Harney and Monroe, which are part of the St. John’s River system.

It has been two years since the restoration plan was originally adopted in 2012 and significant pollutant reductions have been made for both total nitrogen and total phosphorous. Stakeholders in this basin have identified and implemented a number of restoration projects and will continue to do so going forward.

This is a technical meeting to which the public is invited to discuss issues related to the Lakes Harney and Monroe and Middle St. Johns River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP). This meeting will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to provide their comments and recommendations to the Department of Environmental Protection regarding the Lakes Harney and Monroe and Middle St. Johns River BMAP and the associated 2014 Annual Progress Report (Year 2). The BMAP is the means for implementation of the adopted Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs).

WHAT:	Update Meeting for Lakes Harney and Monroe Restoration Plan
WHEN:	Thursday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.–noon
WHERE:	Seminole County UF-IFAS Extension Services Office Auditorium 250 W. County Home Road Sanford, FL 32773

“The considerable progress we have made in this basin is a testimony to the environmental leadership and commitment of our stakeholders,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “We will continue our efforts with stakeholders to fully restore these waters.”

At this meeting, representatives will provide an overview of the annual progress report for the restoration plan. Officials will also discuss water-quality trends in the basin and funding opportunities for projects going forward.

2013 Annual Progress Report »