IN FOCUS: TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT DEP - Aug. 18, 2016

Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 08/18/2016 04:00 PM EDT
florida department of environmental protection in focus
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The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) continues to partner with the United States military to safeguard Florida’s natural resources and ecosystems. Collaborating with Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force bases throughout Florida, these special partnerships streamline regulatory processes, improve compliance rates and protect human health and safety.

  • Since 2002, DEP’s Northeast District has participated in the Navy Compliance Partnering Team's quarterly meetings, which foster open discussion between the department and the Navy on ways to address environmental issues, develop solutions and maintain a proactive relationship.
  • DEP's Northwest District hosts biannual military partnering meetings with representatives from local military bases to provide regulatory and legislative updates, review the status of permitting and compliance projects, and discuss opportunities for collaboration and outreach.
  • DEP’s Central District maintains a partnership with the Air Force, NASA and private contractors, such as Boeing and Space X, to form the Space Coast Partnership, focusing on operations and permitting at Cape Canaveral and Patrick Air Force Base.
  • Since 2004, DEP's South District has participated in the Naval Air Station Key West Natural Resources and Environmental Compliance Partnership Team. Its primary mission is to protect and conserve the Florida Keys’ natural resources, maintain environmental compliance and enhance the Navy’s ability to meet its mission-critical objectives. DEP’s South District also partners with the U.S. Coast Guard to coordinate state responses to oil pollution incidents within the coastal zone, as well as support the department’s Clean Marina program.

Living Shoreline Project Improves St. Andrew Bay

Before Living ShorelineLiving Shoreline After

St. Andrew Bay before (above) the Living Shoreline project and after (below).

St. Andrew Bay is now enjoying flourishing salt marshes because of the collaboration between DEP and Naval Support Activity Panama City. To help stop erosion along the naval base on
St. Andrew Bay, in 2010, more than 3,000 feet of natural shoreline buffers, oyster reefs and seagrasses were placed to reestablish the shoreline. 

Living Shoreline projects ensure that, in addition to preventing erosion, wildlife habitats along the shoreline are also maintained. Beyond increasing aesthetic value and enhancing views, these natural features are an inexpensive way to stabilize the shoreline, increase wildlife access to habitats and reduce coastal erosion.

Naval Air Station Receives Clean Marina Designations

Clean Marina - NAS

DEP Northwest District Director Shawn Hamilton (l) presents Clean and Resilient Marina flags and designation certificates to NAS Pensacola staff and Commanding Officer Capt. Martin (r).

DEP's Clean Marina Program recognizes marine facilities that display environmental stewardship beyond regulatory requirements. Taking extra measures to protect Florida's coasts and waterways, several military bases hold Clean Marina designations.

Recently, Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola's Bayou Grande and Sherman Cove marinas received the Clean and Resilient Marina designation, honoring not only their dedication to environmental stewardship, but also their disaster preparedness. Built to withstand hurricane-force winds, these marinas serve as shelters from water impact and storm surges. 

NAS Pensacola also works in the community to coordinate emergency preparedness by providing information on potential disasters, evacuation routes and shelter areas, which include both marinas. Their committed and proactive approach to public safety and environmental protection encourages the marine industry to be mindful of Florida's environment while enjoying recreational activities.

Marinas at NAS Boca Chica, NAS Sigsbee, NAS Panama City, NAS Whiting Field and Eglin Air Force Base have also received Clean Marina designations.

Conservation Corridor Protects Natural Resources
and Buffers Military Base

In 2015, Governor Rick Scott and the Cabinet members approved the purchase of the 165-acre Clear Creek/Whiting Field parcel in Santa Rosa County to expand a conservation corridor for wildlife and recreational use as well as buffer Whiting Field Naval Air Station from development. The parcel will be managed by the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Recreation and Parks as part of the Blackwater Heritage State Trail. This acquisition increases the potential for trail development with opportunities for hiking, bicycling and nature study. 

Florida State Parks Salute Military Families

Learning to Fish

In recognition of their service and dedication, the Florida Park Service is proud to provide a 25-percent discount on Florida State Park Annual Entrance Passes for all active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families.

Florida State Parks offer an abundance of recreational and educational opportunities, encouraging outdoor exploration and the creation of lasting memories.

Passes are available for purchase at all Florida State Park ranger stations and museums.

Blue Star Museum Program Invites Military Families to Visit Florida's National Estuarine Research Reserves

NERR Trio

 

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Blue Star Museum program offers free admission for
active-duty military and their families to more than 2,000 museums across America. Florida hosts 76 Blue Star Museums, three of which are National Estuarine Research Reserves.

Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve in Ponte Verda offers aquariums, habitat exhibits and life-size displays of whales, birds and fish that live in the estuary. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, located in Naples, offers a marine-life touch tank that showcases the Everglades ecosystem. Additionally, Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, located in Eastpoint, offers a display of animal life in the Apalachicola River and Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico.

These reserves provide military families, as well as Florida residents and visitors, the opportunity to create lasting memories while learning about Florida’s diverse ecosystems and the environment that surrounds them. The Blue Star Museums are just one of many ways to say thank you to the U.S. military for protecting our environment and our homeland.