FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 10, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP TO HOST MEETING TO PROVIDE UPDATES ON RESTORATION OF HARNEY AND MONROE LAKES

~Implemented projects establish important foundation for continued restoration~

SANFORD – 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 Lakes Harney and Monroe, which are part of the St. John’s River system.

It has been two years since the restoration plan was originally adopted in 2012 and significant pollutant reductions have been made for both total nitrogen and total phosphorous. Stakeholders in this basin have identified and implemented a number of restoration projects and will continue to do so going forward.

WHAT:       Update Meeting for Lakes Harney and Monroe Restoration Plan

WHEN:      Thursday, Oct. 16

                  10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

WHERE:    Seminole County UF-IFAS Extension Services Office Auditorium

                  250 W. County Home Road

                  Sanford, FL 32773

“The considerable progress we have made in this basin is a testimony to the environmental leadership and commitment of our stakeholders,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “We will continue our efforts with stakeholders to fully restore these waters.”

At this meeting, representatives will provide an overview of the annual progress report for the restoration plan. Officials will also discuss water-quality trends in the basin and funding opportunities for projects going forward.

For more information on the restoration plan for Lakes Harney and Monroe, click 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/d46d3f