SILVER SPRINGS RESTORATION PLAN FOCUS OF THIS WEEK'S WORKSHOP

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

 SILVER SPRINGS RESTORATION PLAN FOCUS OF THIS WEEK'S WORKSHOP

~Department to review potential programs and projects to improve water quality in Silver Springs ~

OCALA –  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 Springs Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) Meeting

WHEN:      Thursday, June 26

                  9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

WHERE:   Marion County Growth Services

                 2710 East Silver Springs Boulevard

                 Ocala, FL 34470

“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 will provide updates to the nutrient source inventory that has been under development, as well as updates on the basin management action plan document development. DEP officials will also discuss projects to address stormwater runoff identified for inclusion in the restoration plan, priority focus areas in the water body and guiding principles for projects moving forward. The workshop will also address the potential for future large-scale changes in the watershed landscape that could generate additional nutrient pollution.

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.