Water Resources Accountability and Collaboration (WRAC)
DATE AND TIME:
Thursday, August 27, 2020,10:00 AM
LOCATION:
This workshop will be conducted via Zoom, a media technology free for the public to use. The public and stakeholders will have an opportunity to view and comment on the meeting by utilizing the following link:
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For more information, you may contact: Yvette Bonilla at ybonilla@sfwmd.gov
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE DISCUSSED:
A Public Forum of the Water Resources Accountability and Collaboration (WRAC) regarding high water levels in the Central Everglades (Water Conservation Areas). The Central Everglades are an integral part of restoring the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Flood protection and water management have altered the historic flow of water, resulting in billions of gallons of water being lost to tide. Various infrastructure projects and operational changes in the Central Everglades by the South Florida Water Management District are helping to send more beneficial flows into Everglades National Park. However, current high-water levels in the Central Everglades have reduced habitat and led the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to close the areas for the protection of wildlife. Also, current high-water levels in the Central Everglades restrict water deliveries from Lake Okeechobee.
Presenters will provide an overview of considerations for sending water south from the Central Everglades and into Everglades National Park.
The presenters for the Aug. 27, 2020 WRAC Public Forum include:
- Dr. Fred Sklar, Director of Everglades Systems Assessment, SFWMD
- Robert Johnson, Hydrologist and Director of South Florida Natural Resources Center, Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks
- Zulamet Vega-Liriano, Watershed Planning Technical Lead, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- John P. Mitnik, Chief District Engineer and Assistant Executive Director, SFWMD
One or more members of the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District may attend and participate in this public forum. No Governing Board action will be taken.
A copy of the agenda and additional information may be obtained by contacting: Yvette Bonilla at ybonilla@sfwmd.gov, or at www.sfwmd.gov/news-events/meetings, seven (7) days prior to the meeting.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 7 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Rosie Byrd, District Clerk, at rbyrd@sfwmd.gov. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800) 955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800) 955-8770 (Voice).