Officials applaud partnership to restore St. Johns River

Officials applaud partnership to restore St. Johns River

OCTOBER 28. 2008 - Florida Governor Charlie Crist joined Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Mike Sole, Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton, St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) Executive Director Kirby Green, and a host of community leaders on Monday at the St. Johns River. The group was on hand to promote and applaud a plan to improve the river.

The Lower St. Johns River Total Maximum Daily Load Executive Committee is developing a plan to restore and protect the St. Johns River.

"Together, this group of stakeholders has dedicated itself to a clear set of specific actions to substantially improve water quality in the St. Johns River," said Governor Crist. "I applaud their hard work, vision and commitment to the protection of the river as well as its role in the local economy."

The restoration plan, formally named the Lower St. Johns Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), was developed under the coordination of DEP in partnership with local industries, cities, counties, the SJRWMD, environmental groups and many other stakeholders. It is a comprehensive roadmap for restoring and protecting water quality in the St. Johns River. Implementation of the Action Plan will benefit the segment of the St. Johns River that flows between the mouth of the Ocklawaha River, its largest tributary, and the Atlantic Ocean, encompassing a 2,750-square-mile drainage area. The portion of the St. Johns River that is covered in the plan is 101 miles long and has a water surface area of approximately 115 square miles.

"Protecting the health of the St. Johns River is one of my top priorities and water quality issues, conservation and access measures continue to be focus of this government," said Mayor John Peyton. "Because of collective work like that demonstrated by the Lower St. Johns River TMDL Executive Committee, the decades of concern are turning into the promise of real progress. I applaud the collaboration our Governor, our partners and this diverse group of stakeholders for their dedication and am encouraged by this important step toward realizing a healthier future for this great natural treasure."

The St. Johns River has long been the center of the ecology for the region, as well as the center of the economy. It is home to one of the largest ports in the state; supplies a significant portion the region’s source of shrimp, blue crab and catfish; provides recreational opportunities to residents and visitors alike; and is home to hundreds of businesses that dot the shoreline. The river is used for commerce, food, protection, power and transportation.

To view the St. Johns restoration plan visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/northeast/stjohns/TMDL/Final-Draft-BMAP.pdf.