Public workshop on "water reservations" in Kissimmee River Basin July 30th
Maintaining the availability of water is a key component of environmental restoration and management affecting the Upper Chain of Lakes and the Kissimmee River and floodplain. Together, these remarkable Central Florida water bodies shelter 52 species of fish, 98 species of wetland-dependent and wading birds, 24 species of reptiles and amphibians and mammals including the marsh rabbit, river otter and round-tailed muskrat. Ultimately, all of these species are dependent on water and the success of other wildlife in their shared habitat.
To assure water for the protection of fish and wildlife within the Upper Chain of Lakes and restored Kissimmee River and floodplain, the South Florida Water Management District is developing rules to reserve water for those purposes. The District, State of Florida and the United States government have provided substantial support for restoration of these ecosystems. To date, Florida has invested $400 million in headwaters projects encompassing lakes, the river and its floodplain. This accounts for 25,000 acres of wetland habitat critical to the protection of fish and wildlife, including endangered or threatened species. When implemented, the reservation will guarantee that the water needed to keep these ecosystems thriving will not be allocated for consumptive use.
When: July 30, 2014, 10 a.m. to noon
Osceola County Commission Chamber
Fourth Floor (Room 4100), Administration Building
1 Courthouse Square
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Reservation Rule Development Activities 2008-2009:
Source: South Florida Water Management District