SWFWMD to hold workshop on minimum levels for 41 Tampa Bay wetlands

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) invites the public to a workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 5:30 p.m. at the District’s Tampa Service Office, located at 7601 U.S. Highway 301. The purpose of the workshop is to allow for public comment on the proposed reevaluation of minimum levels for 41 wetlands in the Northern Tampa Bay Water Use Caution Area.

During the workshop, District staff will present the technical basis for the proposed minimum wetland levels. Minimum levels are established to protect lakes and wetlands, and the minimum level is the limit at which further water withdrawals will cause significant harm to the water resources and/or environment. Adopted levels are periodically reevaluated to support ongoing District assessment of minimum flows and levels in the Northern Tampa Bay Water Use Caution Area.

The workshop is an opportunity for local government, citizens, and others to provide input regarding the proposed minimum wetland levels. Information will be summarized and made available to the District’s Governing Board. At the Board’s November meeting, Board members will choose whether to recommend adoption of the revised minimum levels into District rules. Governing Board meetings are open to the public, and brief oral comments are permitted on meeting agenda items.