ACTION ALERT
Show up for the Santa Fe & Ichetucknee Rivers, July 31st
Advocates are gathering in person at the
Suwannee River Water Management District HQ, Live Oak
11:00am
to demand better protections of flow in the springs and rivers of the Santa Fe Basin
The river needs you.
The Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers' flows are in decline because permits are issued beyond what the aquifer can sustain.
In theory, the permitting system overseen by the water management districts ensures that water is distributed to those who want to use it, for public supply, agriculture, or industry, without harming the environment, but the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers continue to lose flow.
The river's flow is so low that it is in violation of law.
Florida Statutes require the State to establish Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) to determine “the limit at which further withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources or ecology of the area.” Both Santa Fe River and the nearby Ichetucknee River fell below their required minimum flows (MFLs) in 2015.
What do we do?
DEP was legally required to update the MFL and rules to protect the river by 2019. Not only did they miss that deadline but we've learned that they are delaying adoption for yet another year. They are holding a public workshop for an update to the MFL (minimum flow and level) rule for the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers, and we need you there to ask DEP, Why so slow? Protect the Flow. No need to speak at the workshop - your presence sends a clear message, and you can meet other area water advocates in person.
Sign up to get all the info you need on who to write, call, and where to show up to speak up for our rivers. Or simply show up at the WMD in Live Oak at 11am July 31st, and seek out a representative of the Florida Springs Council.
11am
Wednesday July 31st
SRWMD HQ
9225 Co Rd 49, Live Oak, FL 32060
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