South Florida Governing Board Approves Use of Federal Cost-Share Funds on Public Lands

Governing Board members voted to allow Federal cost-share funds to be utilized on District owned lands during the October board meeting.  The funds, known as EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) assist producers in implementing best management practices (BMPs) thus reducing land management costs.

$100 Million Allotted for Everglades May Help Agriculture to Remain on Land

Last Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it will use $100 million to acquire permanent easements from farmers and ranchers in Hendry, Glades, Highlands and Okeechobee Counties to restore wetlands on nearly 24,000 acres.  These easements are not a panacea for ranchers but on specific parcels, they provide an alternative source of income by raising water levels on lands that were drained in the past.

South Florida Growers Brace for Water Restriction

Florida Water Management District Governing Board will meet in Clewiston next week and the amount of available water in South Florida through May will be a hot topic on the agenda.  Models at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center are pointing toward very dry conditions for March – May.  The summer rains typically start by the second week of June.

SFWMD Governing Board Prioritizes Land Purchase Above Quality/Storage Projects

In the midst of sharp criticism, the South Florida Water Management District governing board decided to accept an amended agreement to purchase 26,800 acres for $197 million ($7,350/acre) with closing by October 11, 2011.  The contract includes various options on the remaining 153,200 acres of U. S. Sugar Corporation property as follows:

Cold Weather Affecting Crops

The much colder average temperatures and frosty nights have affected the production and maturity of many crops in south Florida. Frost settled on crops in Homestead and burnt tender foliage that is vital for crop production. In the Everglades Agricultural Area, areas of widespread frost damaged many vegetable crops and sugar cane. The vegetable crops are being replanted and the cane harvested although yield and quality is reduced due to the frost damage.

WRAC, Project & Lands Committee Both Endorse Dispersed Storage

South Florida Water Management District has a full governing board

Florida Farm Bureau Federation is encouraged that Governor Crist filled the three vacant seats on the water management district governing board. The one position that has historically represented agriculture has been vacant for over a year. We are equally impressed with the selection of candidates whom we feel will represent all water users well.

Revised U. S. Sugar Land Purchase Plan Approved

Water Shortage Orders
On March 31, 2009, the Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted to tighten water restrictions for certain utilities in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. This Modified Phase IV Critical Water Shortage continues to allow lawn watering one day per week but restricts the hours allotted for lawn watering.

Water Shortage Orders
Due to continuing drought conditions throughout the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), approximately half of the counties within the 16-county region are currently under a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage.

Lake Okeechobee Service Area Water Use Permits Must Be Renewed

The South Florida Water Management District has begun the Water Use Permit (WUP) renewal process for the Lake Okeechobee Service Area (LOSA).  LOSA includes portions of Palm Beach, Martin, Glades, Okeechobee, Lee and Hendry counties as shown in yellow on the following graphic.

Modification of the Turfgrass Restrictions for Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas

‘River of Grass’ Acquisition Update

Negotiation details are finally starting to emerge after several months of behind doors meetings, environmental assessments, and extensive appraisals.  Contrary to numerous press reports, a final deal has not been struck between the two parties and the governing board is just beginning to review the appraisals and assessments.

FARMS Program Rule Update

Rule Amendments to Improve Flow Meter Accuracy

Florida Farmers Welcome EPA’s Clarification of Water Transfer Rule

In a press release on June 9, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a rule to clarify that permits are not required for transfers of water from one body of water to another. Such transfers include routing water through channels (canals), or natural stream courses for public water supplies, irrigation, power generation, flood control, and environmental restoration.

South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Appointments

Unusual Spring Rainfall Allows District to Loosen Restrictions

Unusual wide-spread spring rainfall has given the South Florida Water Management District governing board a margin of confidence to back off of stringent Modified Phase III water restrictions in most basins within the District. Phase III water restrictions required up to a 45% cutback in permitted allotments of water to farmers.

Water Shortage Workshops Provide Information Exchange

Rainfall Outlook Remains Slim for South Florida

As south Florida approaches the mid-point of the dry season, computer models from the NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center indicate a deepening of the drought throughout the region.

Phase III Water-use Restrictions Take Effect Across South Florida

As reported in last month’s newsletter, Phase III water use restrictions are now in place for all sixteen counties within the jurisdiction of the South Florida Water Management District. This is in response to dwindling water supplies across south Florida.

Under the modified Phase III restrictions, Agriculture must comply with the following:

Modification to Water Shortage Order No. SWF 07-02

Rainfall during the 4-month wet season (June through September) was statistically normal within the northern and central regions of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). However, the southern region experienced below normal rainfall and the rainfall received was insufficient to improve hydrologic conditions.