MEDIA ADVISORY: Dec. 10, 2012

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

DEP, PARTNERS TO ANNOUNCE CALOOSAHATCHEE RIVER RESTORATION PLAN

~Event in Fort Myers to celebrate local, state efforts to improve water quality~

TALLAHASSEE –The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will join local leaders Wednesday in Fort Myers to discuss plans to improve water quality for the Caloosahatchee River through cooperation from state, regional and local partners.

DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. will discuss the $15 million local governments have already committed to invest in stormwater management and water control projects in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and throughout Lee County. The Department will also discuss its basin management action plan, which, in its first-five year phase for the Caloosahatchee River, is expected to reduce nitrogen by 148,000 pounds per year.

The event will take place at:

Wednesday, Dec. 12

9:30 a.m.

Downtown Fort Myers Riverfront Basin

Corner of Edwards Drive and Hendry Street

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/615fc9