PALATKA, Fla., Jan. 6, 2017 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is holding a meeting to share updated information with the public about a proposed land exchange involving the Bull Creek Wildlife Management Area. The public will have an opportunity to listen to a detailed presentation about the proposal followed by public comment. Information related to the proposed exchange will be available on the district’s website beginning Sunday, January 15, 2017. What: Public Meeting When: Tuesday, January 31, 2017 6-8 p.m. Where: Brevard County Commission Chambers 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940

PALATKA, Fla., Jan. 9, 2017 — Due to a legal challenge, the St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board will not consider Consumptive Use Permit 91926-4 for applicant Sleepy Creek Land, LLC at the January 10 Governing Board meeting. Petitions for a formal administrative hearing have been filed by multiple parties objecting to the staff recommendation for approval of the application. The permit application is a modification of an existing permit and allocates additional 1.22 million gallons per day (mgd) for a total of 2.68 mgd from 2017 through 2023, requiring a nearly 50 percent reduction for years 2024 […]

PALATKA, Fla., Jan. 10, 2017 -- The governing boards of the St. Johns River and Suwannee River water management districts are meeting Jan. 17 to jointly consider the North Florida Regional Water Supply Plan. The plan looks at the sustainability of water supplies 20 years into the future and identifies potential future water supply sources. The boards' consideration of the plan is the culmination of a four-year public process that included 36 Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) meetings, more than 50 other stakeholder meetings and two public workshops.

PALATKA, Fla., Jan. 10, 2017 — Data compiled by the St. Johns River Water Management District shows rainfall over most of the district remained below average during the past 12 months. A full report outlining rainfall totals was presented at the district’s January Governing Board meeting. “Recent dry conditions reinforce the importance of providing sufficient water for people and the environment,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “In pursuit of this balance, we’ll continue to promote water conservation as it plays a significant role in determining future water supply needs.” Looking at annual rainfall […]

PALM BAY, Fla., Jan. 10, 2017 — High-paying jobs are coming to Orlando-Melbourne International Airport, thanks in part to the St. Johns River Water Management District’s issuance of an Environmental Resource Permit. “Our regulatory staff and general counsel worked closely with the applicants to provide effective solutions that benefit our water resources,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “We ensured Northrup Grumman would be able to expand its Center of Excellence at the Orlando-Melbourne International Airport as quickly as possible while ensuring appropriate environmental protection.” District staff have approved a permit application that will […]

MAITLAND, Fla., Jan. 11, 2017 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 141-acre prescribed burn today at the Sunnyhill Restoration Area in Marion County. The purpose of the burn is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and the maintenance of fire-dependent ecosystems. Prescribed fire is the use of carefully planned fire purposefully set under stringent conditions to control the fire’s effects. Its benefits include restoring and maintaining natural communities, reducing chances of destructive wildfires, perpetuating fire-adapted plants and animals, cycling nutrients, controlling tree diseases and opening scenic vistas. Prescribed fires help prevent wildfires by burning off fuels […]

MAITLAND, Fla., Jan. 12, 2017 — Visitors to the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Lake Apopka North Shore should expect additional traffic this coming weekend. The property has grown in popularity for nature-based recreation. WHAT: Masters of All Terrain Off Road Ultramarathon WHEN: Jan. 14 from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Lake Apopka North Shore (multiple trails) WHAT: Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day WHEN: Jan. 16 from sunrise to sunset WHERE: Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, 2803 Lust Road, Apopka, FL 32703 On Jan. 14, the district-owned property is part of the mapped […]

MAITLAND, Fla., Jan. 12, 2017 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting an 85-acre prescribed burn today at the Sunnyhill Restoration Area in Marion County, near the intersection of Highway 42 and S.E. 182nd Avenue Road. The purpose of the burn is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and the maintenance of fire-dependent ecosystems. Prescribed fire is the use of carefully planned fire purposefully set under stringent conditions to control the fire’s effects. Its benefits include restoring and maintaining natural communities, reducing chances of destructive wildfires, perpetuating fire-adapted plants and animals, cycling nutrients, controlling tree diseases and opening […]

PALM BAY, Fla., Jan. 12, 2016 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 2,800-acre prescribed fire today at Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area in Indian River County. The purpose of the controlled burn is for marsh management and fuel reduction. Prescribed fire is the use of carefully planned fire purposefully set under stringent conditions to control the fire’s effects. Its benefits include restoring and maintaining natural communities, reducing chances of destructive wildfires, perpetuating fire-adapted plants and animals, cycling nutrients, controlling tree diseases, and opening scenic vistas. Prescribed fires help prevent wildfires by burning off fuels that […]

PALATKA, Fla., Jan. 12, 2017 — Negotiations on a proposed land exchange on the Bull Creek Wildlife Management Area have been called off. The St. Johns River Water Management District and the landowner were unable to reach a suitable agreement. The item will not go before the Governing Board in February. The informational public meeting scheduled for Jan. 31 on the potential exchange is also being canceled. Information on the property can be found here.

MAITLAND, Fla., Jan. 17, 2017 — Visitors to the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Lake Apopka North Shore should expect additional traffic on select dates, as the area will host several walking and biking tours related to the fifth annual Lake Apopka Wildlife Festival and Birdapalooza. WHAT: Lake Apopka Wildlife Festival (registration required) WHEN: Jan. 20 and 22 WHERE: Lake Apopka North Shore WHAT: Lake Apopka Wildlife Festival and Birdapalooza WHEN: Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. WHERE: Lake Apopka Loop Trail and Magnolia Park The three-day event is a celebration of the rich diversity of birds […]

The governing boards of the St. Johns River and Suwannee River water management districts on Jan. 17 jointly approved a 20-year plan to protect the sustainability of water supplies and identify potential future water supply sources. Approval of the North Florida Regional Water Supply Plan completes a four-year public process and the first-ever joint planning effort between the two agencies and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

PALATKA, Fla., Jan. 18, 2017 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting an 83-acre controlled burn Wednesday at the Orange Creek Restoration Area in Alachua County, east of the parking area on Southeast 219th Ave. The purpose of the burn is to reduce hazardous fuel loads and maintain fire-dependent natural communities. Prescribed fire is the use of carefully planned fire purposefully set under stringent conditions to control the fire’s effects. Its benefits include restoring and maintaining natural communities, reducing chances of destructive wildfires, perpetuating fire-adapted plants and animals, cycling nutrients, controlling tree diseases and opening scenic vistas. […]

PALM BAY, Fla., Jan. 20, 2016 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 304-acre prescribed fire today at the Seminole Ranch Conservation Area in Brevard County. The purpose of the controlled burn is to maintain a healthy ecosystem and to reduce fuels that can cause wildfires. Prescribed fire is the use of carefully planned fire purposefully set under stringent conditions to control the fire’s effects. Its benefits include restoring and maintaining natural communities, reducing chances of destructive wildfires, perpetuating fire-adapted plants and animals, cycling nutrients, controlling tree diseases, and opening scenic vistas. Prescribed fires help prevent […]

PALATKA, Fla., Jan. 20, 2017 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 44-acre prescribed burn Friday at the Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area near the intersection of County Road 325 and County Road 346 in Alachua County. The purpose of the burn is to reduce fuel loading and maintain a fire-dependent ecosystem. Prescribed fire is the use of carefully planned fire purposefully set under stringent conditions to control the fire’s effects. Its benefits include restoring and maintaining natural communities, reducing chances of destructive wildfires, perpetuating fire-adapted plants and animals, cycling nutrients, controlling tree diseases and opening scenic […]