FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 18, 2014

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

 DEP CONTINUES RESTORATION EFFORTS FOR WAKULLA SPRINGS

~ Wakulla River and Spring System Restoration Plan topic of this week's meeting ~

TALLAHASSEE – 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 Wakulla River and Wakulla Springs.

WHAT:     Meeting to Discuss Restoration Plan for Wakulla River and Wakulla

                 Springs

WHEN:     Thursday, Aug. 21

                 10a.m. - noon

WHERE:   Florida Department of Environmental Protection

                 Bob Martinez Center

                 Room 609

                 2600 Blair Stone Road

                 Tallahassee, Florida 32399

“We have been working closely with local governments and other stakeholders to identify an effective and appropriate restoration plan for Wakulla Springs,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “We will continue to work alongside our partners to develop and implement meaningful projects and improve water quality.”

The Wakulla River and Spring System Restoration Plan is designed to combat nutrient pollution, or excessive nitrates, in the water. Common sources of nutrient pollution are wastewater, including septic tanks; fertilizers; pet and animal waste; and stormwater runoff. Nutrient pollution can lead to rapid algal growth, potentially causing algal mats, harmful algal blooms and other complications. Besides habitat smothering, excessive algae can produce toxins that can cause human or aquatic health issues, reduce oxygen levels in the water and inhibit navigation. At this meeting, DEP staff will provide updates and solicit comments on the draft restoration plan.  

Wakulla Springs, one of the deepest freshwater springs in the world, is the primary source for the Wakulla River. Wakulla Springs is home to a massive network of caves that measure almost 30 miles long, which constitute the fourth longest explored aquatic cave system in the world. The nine-mile Wakulla River is home to abundant wildlife, including birds, turtles, alligators and manatees. Wakulla Springs State Park boasts daily guided riverboat tours, glass-bottom boat tours, swimming, nature trails and the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge, which features beautiful views of the spring waters.

More information on the meeting agenda and DEP’s restoration plans can be found here.

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. The Department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally-sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves. To view the Department’s website log on to www.dep.state.fl.us.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/c9f03c