LIVE OAK, FLA., MARCH 8, 2023 – The Suwannee River Water Management District (District) will host a kickoff meeting next week for its upcoming peer review process for proposed minimum flows and levels (MFLs) on the Upper and Middle Suwannee River.
This meeting is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 15, at the District Office. Those unable to attend can join online at https://bit.ly/3Yho42C.
The process will involve expert review of the technical work presented in the MFL reports for the Upper and Middle Suwannee River segments – the 79-mile Upper Suwannee River segment that extends from the Florida-Georgia line to near the confluence with the Withlacoochee River near Ellaville, and the 92-mile Middle Suwannee River segment from Ellaville to Wilcox, near Fanning Springs.
MFLs are a means to ensure water is available for the present and future, as well as prevent significant harm to the area’s natural resources.
In addition to the Upper and Middle Suwannee River segments, the District continues to work on its MFLs for priority springs based on the District’s MFL priority list.
The District performs the technical work for developing MFLs to evaluate changes in spring and river flows or lake levels; and impacts those changes have on floodplain wetlands, fish and invertebrate habitat, aquatic vegetation communities, recreation, and more.
If MFLs, such as those proposed for the Upper and Middle Suwannee River, are not met, then the origin of impacts to flows or levels are assessed, creating opportunities to engage with stakeholders to identify strategies for restoration and long-term protection.
The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. The District holds true to the belief of water for nature, water for people. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties.
For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
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