Two second magnitude springs and over a mile of frontage on the Suwannee River were given a new level of protection on Tuesday when the Suwannee River Water Management District closed on the purchase of the 636-acre Otter Springs property in Gilchrist County.

The $6.8 million purchase will not only protect water quality and natural communities associated with the river and springs, it will eliminate a 400,000 gallon per day water use permit. Although no plans were on the table, the permit would have allowed the water to be pumped from underground conduits feeding the spring and sent to a bottling plant.

The transaction was also the springboard for a new cooperative venture between the District and the Gilchrist County Commission. On Monday, commissioners voted unanimously to authorize county staff to develop an agreement with the District to assume the immediate management of the property. The parties are to work out a long-term lease of the property which must be approved by both the County Commission and the District Governing Board.

Under the proposed agreements, the county will assume day-to-day responsibilities for the 100-site RV campground on the property and the associated recreational facilities. The District will continue to assist with the management of the natural areas on the property. The plan will ensure that an outstanding recreational resource will be available to the citizens of the region as well as providing economic development through nature-based tourism.

The Suwannee River Water Management District governing board adopted its FY 2008-09 Budget and Work Plan at its meeting Tuesday in Live Oak.

The approved budget calls for a millage rate of 0.4399 mills, or about 44 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. This rate remains unchanged from FY 2007-08. There are no new staff positions; therefore the District’s staffing level will remain at 68 for the 18th consecutive year.

The total approved FY 2008-09 budget is $69.8 million, reflecting a decrease of more than $12 million or a 15 percent decrease from FY 2007-08 budget of $81.9 million.

This year’s budget highlights several programs of interest to the District including:

· Implementation of The Ichetucknee Partnership (TIP) involving local, voluntary and incentive based initiatives to support wise springshed management within the Ichetucknee Springshed.

· Update and automation of digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps through funding provided by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).

· Continuation of the land acquisition and management program which includes funds for the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, R.O. Ranch equestrian center and restoration projects.

· Continued development of potable water, stormwater and wastewater systems through the Quality Communities program for 34 communities in the District.

· Continued support for the Suwannee River Partnership cost-share program to aid farmers in protecting springs and other water resources through reducing nutrient loads and improving water conservation.

Work will continue to establish minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for rivers and springs, as will data collection for the District’s rainfall, groundwater and surface water monitoring networks.

The Suwannee River Water Management District will be holding three water use rule development meetings at District headquarters in Live Oak on October 14 and 15.

The meetings are being held for members of the public to discuss proposed changes and rule development for 40B-2, Florida Administrative Code, Water Use Permitting rules.

The meetings have been broken down into three categories of water users: agricultural, commercial and industrial, and public utilities.

The meeting for agricultural water users will he held on October 14 from 6-9 p.m.

The meeting for commercial and industrial water users will be held October 15 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

The final meeting is for public utilities water users and will be held October 15 from 1-4 p.m.

District staff encourages participation at these meetings to discuss the proposed rule development and how these changes affect water users. For more information please check the calendar portion of our website, or contact Linda Welch at 386.362.1001, 800.226.1066 or e-mail Linda at lgw@srwmd.org.