Florida Springs Initiative Update Rock Springs, Orange Co. By: Harley Means and Rick Copeland
Florida Springs Initiative History Initiative guided by the November 2000 report submitted to DEP by the Florida Springs Task Force (FSTF). Established in 2001 by Governor Jeb Bush. Funding at $2.5M per year allocated through DEP.
Purpose of Initiative Meet recommendations of the Springs Task Force report by: Enhancing the understanding of Florida springs through: Creation of educational material. Distribution of material within the local community. Stopping degradation of water quality and loss of spring flow. Beginning restoration of the springs to their former health. Jackson Blue Spring
Use of Funds Consideration of funding is based on three categories: Landowner Assistance. Public Education and Outreach. Research and Monitoring. Silver Glen Spring, Marion Co.
Landowner Assistance & Restoration Projects included: Restoration of Alexander, Fanning and Ichetucknee Springs. Septic system upgrades at several springs state parks. Formation of community working groups at Silver Spring, Ichetucknee Spring, Wakulla Spring and the Santa Fe River region. Funding for Economic Impact Study at Volusia Blue, Wakulla, Ichetucknee and Homosassa Springs. Funding and cooperative development of a Model Land Code for Springsheds with the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Cooperative development of golf course BMPs with the DCA. Funding for a sinkhole cleanup program in Wakulla county. Butler Sink, Wakulla Co.
Education Lets protect Wekiva Springs brochure Projects include: Funding for film Water s Journey. Creation of Springs Website www.floridasprings.org Revision of the Springs of Florida atlas. Coordination of a Springs Conference with over 300 people in attendance. Printing of springs protection pamphlets and lawn care booklets. Printing and Funding of Protecting Florida s s Springs booklets including land use planning strategies and best management practices in cooperation with DCA. Funding of springs ambassadors in local spring communities.
Research and Monitoring Projects Include: Quarterly water quality, discharge, and biological monitoring at select first and second magnitude springs. Study on impact of nitrates on springs ecosystems. Recharge basin delineation of first magnitude springs. Dye trace studies in Ichetucknee and Wakulla Springs recharge basins. Working with water management districts to develop minimum flows and levels for springs.
Future Goals and Funding Over the next few years, the Florida Springs Initiative (FSI) must strive to meet as many of the recommendations of the FSTF report as possible. Funding for future projects will be allocated to meet this objective. Beckton Spring Run, Washington Co.
Current Status Springs Task Force Report updated in May, 2006. Florida Springs Task Force recently disbanded. Condensed 2006 TF Report being submitted to Governor. Future funding and role of the Task Force to be determined by next administration and legislature. Funding for the Springs Initiative is approved yearly by legislature and is not guranteed.
FGS Portion of the Florida Springs Initiative funding FGS receives $$ from the FSI to sample water quality at selected first and second magnitude springs on a quarterly basis.
FGS receives $$ from the FSI to conduct an inventory of swallets in first and second magnitude springsheds.
$$ for trend analysis
Woodville Karst Plain/Wakulla Spring Studies Funded by the FSI through the FGS Dye tracing studies. Karst feature mapping. Springshed delineation.
The FGS occasionally is asked to conduct specific research as needed to support the goals of the Florida Springs Initiative. Levy Blue Spring restoration
Questions?? Silver Springs, Marion Co.