FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2014
HILLSBOROUGH RIVER RESTORATION PLAN UPDATE FOCUS OF UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETING
~Projects implemented have laid important foundation for continued restoration~
TEMPLE TERRACE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection invites local governments, scientists, environmentalists, agricultural producers and other interested parties to a meeting to discuss the status of the restoration plan covering the Hillsborough River basin.
WHAT: Five-Year Update Meeting for Hillsborough River Basin Management
Action Plan (BMAP)
WHEN: Friday, July 11
9:30 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.
WHERE: Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Main Conference Room
13051 North Telecom Parkway
Temple Terrace, FL 33637
"The Hillsborough River restoration plan exemplifies the great accomplishments DEP can achieve with the interest and cooperation of local stakeholders and the public,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “We can all be proud of our efforts as these waterbodies continue to improve and return to health.”
The Hillsborough River restoration plan, known as a basin management action plan or BMAP, addresses six waterbodies that are impaired from an overabundance of fecal coliform bacteria. These waterbodies are Blackwater Creek, New River, Spartman Branch, Baker Creek, Flint Creek and Lower Hillsborough River. It has been five years since the restoration plan began and, as a result of the implemented efforts, fecal coliform levels have generally improved in all six waterbodies. The upcoming meeting will provide a progress report update, review the existing BMAP and discuss the necessary actions moving forward.
The Hillsborough River flows 54 miles from its headwaters in the Green Swamp to Hillsborough Bay, Florida’s largest open-water estuary. The river flows through Hillsborough River State Park, one of Florida’s first state parks, which opened in 1938. Hillsborough River was designated an Outstanding Florida Water by the state of Florida, meaning the river is worthy of special protection because of its natural attributes.
More information about the upcoming meeting can be found here.
More information on the Hillsborough River restoration plan can be found here.
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