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Northern Everglades Watershed Protection Plans (WPPs)

iconLake Okeechobee Watershed
iconSt. Lucie River Watershed
iconCaloosahatchee River Watershed

The 2016 Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program (NEEPP; Section 373.4595, F.S.) describes the legislative intent to protect and restore surface water resources and achieve and maintain compliance with water quality standards in the Northern Everglades through a phased, comprehensive and innovative protection program that includes long-term solutions based upon the state’s total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) established in accordance with Section 403.067, F.S. Together, the Coordinating Agencies―FDEP, FDACS and SFWMD―are jointly responsible for implementing NEEPP, each with specific areas of responsibility and coordinating together for the program’s success. The Northern Everglades watersheds include the Lake Okeechobee watershed and the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie River watersheds and estuaries (click here to see the map). 

NEEPP requires watershed protection programs to improve the quality, quantity, timing and distribution of water in the Northern Everglades ecosystem. The programs are watershed specific and comprised of research and monitoring, development and implementation of best management practices, refinement of existing regulations, and structural and nonstructural projects, including public works. The programs are driven by FDEP’s Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) and supported, in part, by the Watershed Protection Plans (WPPs) developed by the District and integrated with FDEP and FDACS  programs to control nutrient sources at the local, subregional and regional levels.

2025 NEEPP ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS – Now Available!

Note: Beginning on November 12, 2024, through March 15, 2025, interested parties may access the Draft 2025 South Florida Environmental Report (SFER) – Volume I Web Board and view draft chapters and appendices, communications among the peer review panelists, peer review panelist and public comments, agency responses to comments, electronically stored communications, and other public records associated with the draft 2025 SFER – Volume I. The public may comment directly on the web board at any time between November 12, 2024, through December 17, 2024, on any aspect of the draft 2025 SFER – Volume I, particularly on relevant scientific or technical data and findings. 

2024 NEEPP ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND WORKSHOPS

The District, in partnership with the Coordinating Agencies, encourages stakeholder and public engagement in the NEEPP process through open-forum public workshops. Annual workshops will be held to collaboratively summarize NEEPP key accomplishments and progress made over the past year in achieving program and project-specific goals. This process is intended to provide transparency and accountability regarding the implementation of NEEPP and offer the public an opportunity to comment and provide input on the planning process and future agency reporting.

Upcoming NEEPP Workshops

No upcoming meetings are scheduled at this time. Please check back frequently.

Previous NEEPP Workshops

KEY INFORMATION AND REFERENCES

Focus Area Assessments
More NEEPP Reporting
Legislative Resources

QUICK LINKS TO COORDINATING AGENCIES’ WEBSITES

WHO TO CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION

Lake Okeechobee Watershed: Anthony Betts, Principal Scientist, 561-682-6354, abetts@sfwmd.gov

St. Lucie River Watershed:  Sara Ouly, Lead Scientist, 561-682-2115, souly@sfwmd.gov 

Caloosahatchee River Watershed: Jenna Bobsein, Lead Engineer, 561-682-6771, jebobsei@sfwmd.gov

NEEPP General Inquiries: NEEPP@sfwmd.gov