While November brought above-average rainfall to counties across the northern and southern coast of the St. Johns River Water Management District’s 18-county service area, central Florida saw less rain than usual. A full report outlining hydrological conditions was presented at the district’s December Governing Board meeting.

The district Governing Board on Tuesday approved the ranking of projects to share in up to $3.5 million in cost-share funds to benefit water resources in Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) communities and for projects that use innovative technology to provide data supporting future permitting and full-scale implementation of alternative water supplies.

The district is introducing a new cost-share funding opportunity for local governments and utilities within the springsheds of Volusia Blue, Wekiwa and Silver Springs to replace septic tanks with more efficient systems.

The district has started work on a sump dredge project designed to help improve water quality at Lake Apopka. The project is not expected to impede navigation on the canal or lake.

The district is conducting a 400-acre prescribed fire Wednesday at Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area in Indian River County. The purpose of the controlled burn is for marsh management and fuel reduction.

The district is reopening portions of the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive for regular operating hours Dec. 22.

Scientists and engineers with the St. Johns River Water Management District and University of Florida have completed a collaborative multi-year science investigation into the health of priority spring systems. The partnership was launched in 2014 to develop an enhanced scientific foundation to help identify the most effective projects and strategies to protect or restore the district’s Outstanding Florida Springs.

The St. Johns River Water Management District is accepting applications through Feb. 15 to share in cost-share funding for water supply, water quality, natural systems and flood protection construction projects. An informational workshop is being held Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. at district headquarters, 4049 Reid St., Palatka, or via webinar.

While 12-month rainfall totals are still above average throughout the district’s 18-county service area, December rainfall was below average, especially through the southeastern corridor from southern Lake County through Orlando to Daytona. A full report outlining hydrological conditions was presented at the district’s January Governing Board meeting Tuesday.

The district’s Governing Board on Tuesday entered a Final Order adopting an administrative law judge’s recommended order to issue a consumptive use permit modification to Sleepy Creek Lands LLC.

The district is conducting a 3,000-acre prescribed fire today on the Lake Apopka North Shore. The purpose of the controlled burn is for marsh management, burning hardwoods and cattails and to promote the expansion of native marsh grasses. The fire was set by aerial ignition.

The district is currently accepting applications through Feb. 16, 2018, from farmers and ranchers interested in participating in the districtwide Agricultural Cost-share Program funding for agricultural projects that promote water conservation and reduction of nutrient runoff.

The district is reopening seven and a half miles of additional trails, including the western end of the Loop Trail on Feb. 2.

Ever wonder how clean that water in a nearby lake, stream or spring is? The district is now making it easier than ever before to get those answers. Data from more than 400 monitoring stations has been compiled into an interactive web page to help the public understand what’s going on with water quality in their area

January brought above-average rainfall to north and east-central Florida counties, and Silver Springs in Marion County and Volusia Blue Spring continue to experience flow increases corresponding with greater rainfall received over the past several months. A full report outlining hydrological conditions was presented Tuesday at the district’s February Governing Board meeting.