FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Apr. 1, 2019
DEP Celebrates April as Springs Protection
Awareness Month
~Science, partnership and funding are vital to Florida's restoration efforts~
 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Recognizing springs as a natural resource unique to Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has proclaimed April as Springs Protection Awareness Month. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is proud to celebrate this month in recognition of the environmental, recreational and economic importance of Florida's 900 iconic freshwater springs.
Per the Governor's proclamation, the Bold Vision for a Brighter Future budget recommends $50 million in funding to restore Florida’s world-renowned springs and safeguard these natural resources through nationally recognized water quality assessment and restoration programs.
"Florida's water and natural resources are the foundation of our state's communities, economy and way of life," said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. "Partnership is the key to their protection and restoration. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, the water management districts, and partners in the environmental, agricultural and local communities to protect Florida together for future generations."
“We are pleased to partner with Secretary Valenstein, Governor DeSantis and the Legislature to protect and restore Florida’s springs,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “Since 2014, the District has partnered on 114 springs protection cost-share projects that are reducing total nitrogen loading to our spring systems by more than 1 million pounds per year and resulting in more than 79 million gallons per day of groundwater withdrawal offsets and alternative water supply. We are making great progress.”
"Thanks to Governor DeSantis and Secretary Valenstein, northwest Florida is making real transformative progress with springs restoration and water quality improvement,” said Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District Brett Cyphers.
“Florida is entering a remarkable era for environmental protection under the leadership of Governor DeSantis and Secretary Valenstein,” said Executive Director of the Suwannee River Water Management District Hugh Thomas. “The challenges our springs and water resources face need solutions and we stand ready to work alongside the Governor and DEP to bring much-needed relief to the water resources of the Suwannee Valley.”
“Springs are vital to the environment, economy, citizens and visitors of the state,” said Executive Director of the Southwest Florida Water Management District Brian Armstrong. “The District, in partnership with DEP, the Governor and the Legislature, is committed to implementing projects to conserve and restore the ecological balance of our spring systems, supporting the regional economies and quality of life.”
In celebration of Springs Protection Awareness Month, DEP is partnering with Florida's water management districts to continue the statewide public education initiative “My Home. My Springs.” The initiative highlights the uniqueness and importance of Florida’s springs, as well as the state’s restoration efforts and the expertise behind them. By visiting www.MyHomeMySprings.org, residents can access informative resources, such as fact sheets, videos, educator resources, a springs locator tool and more.
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