Park Passes, Hunting, Fishing Licenses Discounted
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the Great Outdoors Initiative, offering 50 percent off Florida State Park passes and hunting and fishing licenses. The discounts are available from Oct. 14 through Jan. 13, 2024, aiming to encourage outdoor activities and promote the state’s natural beauty.
U.S. Army Corps Responds to Everglades Flooding
Miccosukee Tribal leaders in South Florida have joined forces with federal and state environmental leaders to address flooding in Water Conservation Area 3A of the Everglades, which is causing harm to wildlife and critical habitat. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has responded to the issue by issuing a Draft Environmental Assessment and Proposed Finding of No Significant Impact to lower water levels in the affected area.
Community Dotted by Connections to Florida’s Water System
The Mill Creek Sink Water Quality Improvement Project in Alachua County, Florida, is helping to protect local drinking water by filtering runoff from parking lots and highways. The project involves a manmade wetland that collects stormwater and uses natural processes to remove pollutants before it reaches the aquifer.
NOAA Denies Petition for Rice’s Whale Protection
NOAA has denied a petition to establish mandatory speed limits in the Gulf of Mexico, which could have impacted shipping lanes to Florida’s sea ports. The organization stated that it will focus on finalizing critical habitat, conducting vessel risk assessments, and developing a recovery plan for the endangered Rice’s whales.
New Series on Florida’s Environmental Challenges Streaming
A new six-part documentary series called “Protect Our Paradise: Presented by Conservation Florida” is now available for streaming. The series explores Florida’s environmental challenges and the efforts being made to protect its lands, serving as a call-to-action for conservation and inspiring viewers to join the cause.
EPA Issues Clean Water Act Permits Requiring Climate Change Adaptation
he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued new permits requiring Massachusetts municipalities to develop climate change adaptation plans for their wastewater treatment plants and sewers. These adaptation plans must address the risks posed by larger storm events and more severe flooding.
The Key to Scaling up Florida’s Ecosystem Restoration: Public-Private Partnerships
Florida is facing a funding gap of $136 billion for water resource protection and infrastructure. Public-Private Partnerships (P3) and nature-based solutions can help address this gap and restore ecosystems in a large-scale and efficient manner.
Your Guide to Recreation in SWIFTMUD’s 16 Florida Counties
The Southwest Florida Water Management District offers a variety of recreational opportunities across thousands of acres of land, including biking, birding, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting. They also provide numerous campgrounds for family camping and offer reservation services through their website, WaterMatters.org/Recreation.
FSU Scientists to Analyze Impacts of Maui Wildfires
Scientists from Florida State University’s National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab) are analyzing soil and water samples from areas affected by the Maui wildfires to study the impact of the fire on the environment. The analysis will provide insights into how the chemistry of the soil and water has been affected and the potential consequences on the ecosystem.
The Coolest Work on the Planet –
The South Florida Water Management District has been working on the largest ecosystem restoration effort in the world, which aims to restore and protect the Everglades. The district has made significant progress in constructing water storage reservoirs, stormwater treatment areas, and restoring rivers, with the goal of creating a more resilient and sustainable South Florida.
Clay County Groundwater Recharge Project Underway
A major water resource development project in North Florida, called the Black Creek Water Resource Development Project, is making progress towards its completion in late 2024. The project aims to recharge the Upper Floridan aquifer and improve water levels in lakes Brooklyn and Geneva.
Around The Gulf
TEXAS Turkish Solar Panel Manufacturer to Establish Waller County Facility Elin Energy, Europe’s largest solar panel manufacturer, is set to establish a new advanced manufacturing facility in Waller County, west of Houston. The incentive deal was approved by the Waller County Commissioners’ Court on September 27th, and the facility is expected to have an annual […]
