FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2013
SILVER SPRINGS RESTORATION PLAN FOCUS OF WORKSHOP
~ Department to review potential programs and projects to improve water quality in Silver Springs ~
CITRA – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection invites local governments, scientists, environmentalists, agricultural producers and other interested parties to a restoration plan development workshop for the Silver Springs Group and Silver River.
WHAT: Silver Spring Basin Mangement Action Plan Technical Meeting
WHEN: Thursday, May 22
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: UF/IFAS Plant Science Unit Conference Center
2556 W. Hwy. 318
Citra, FL 32113-2132
“Silver Springs is an icon and a priority for DEP’s water restoration program,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “The department is dedicated to working alongside stakeholders to craft an efficient restoration plan with real results. We are committed to restoring water quality in this spring system, a valuable resource for our citizens and our state.”
At this meeting, representatives from DEP and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will discuss restoration plan objectives, water body boundaries and pollutant sources as well as plans moving forward. In the afternoon, the workshop will feature a farm tour allowing attendees to view agricultural best management practices in action. Agricultural best management practices are designed to both increase efficiency for the producer and decrease the potential for environmental damage.
Silver Springs is one of the largest and most well-known of Florida’s first magnitude springs. The system is historically an international tourist attraction for its naturally clear water, abundant fish and wildlife, and famous glass-bottom boats. In the past several decades however, changes have been observed and measured in the Silver Springs hydrological system. The dominant change in the water chemistry has been an increase in nutrient pollution, but there is also concern about a possible decrease in water clarity.
With the support of Governor Rick Scott, twice as much funding has been dedicated exclusively to springs protection than in any other three-year period in Florida’s history.
The meeting announcement, location, agenda and other information can be viewed here.
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