KINGS BAY RESTORATION PLAN DEVELOPMENT BEGINS

Florida DEP Banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 7, 2014

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

KINGS BAY RESTORATION PLAN DEVELOPMENT BEGINS

~Department reviews potential projects to improve water quality of Kings Bay~

CRYSTAL RIVER – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection invites local governments, scientists, environmentalists, agricultural producers and other interested parties to a restoration plan development workshop for Kings Bay and Crystal River.

WHAT:     Kings Bay and Crystal River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP)

                Meeting

WHEN:    Thursday, July 10

                11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

WHERE:  Crystal River City Hall

                Conference Room

                123 North West Highway 19

                Crystal River, FL 34428

“DEP is developing restoration plans that respond to the specific needs of the waterbody and ensure the local public is engaged in these efforts,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “We have these meetings to solicit knowledge from stakeholders and residents to develop an appropriately targeted and effective restoration plan.”

Excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous have caused an imbalance in the water quality in Kings Bay and Crystal River. This is the case in many springs across Florida, resulting in the development of algal mats and other complications. At this meeting, DEP representatives will explain the importance of nutrient reduction projects and how nutrient reductions in these projects are calculated and documented as part of the restoration plan. Southwest Florida Water Management District representatives will discuss nutrient reduction projects implemented in the Kings Bay and Crystal River System and highlight the various types of nutrient reduction strategies that exist.

Kings Bay is the sixth largest spring system in Florida and is adjacent to the City of Crystal River. The spring system constitutes a vital cultural and economic resource for the state. Kings Bay is also the largest winter refuge for manatees on the Florida Gulf Coast and is considered a National Wildlife Refuge. It is a popular ecotourism destination for wildlife viewing, diving, snorkeling, fishing and boating. The system has also been designated an Outstanding Florida Water by the state of Florida.

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.