Suwannee River Water Management District

The Governing Board meeting agenda included consideration of numerous items collectively by consent, primarily related to Agricultural Cost-Share Task Work Assignments across several counties (Hamilton, Madison, Suwannee, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Jefferson). Key informational items included the Hydrologic Conditions Report, Water Resources Division Updates, and Facilities Update. A Public Hearing was held for the approval of Order Number 26-002, which concerns the declaration of a Phase II Water Shortage. Other discussions involved rulemaking for Chapter 40B-3, Florida Administrative Code, the Florida Department of Transportation Mitigation Plan update, and various reports on permitting, environmental projects, and outreach activities. The Board also approved resolutions concerning the conveyance of District-Owned Lake City Tracts and the acquisition of a Conservation Easement.

The Strategic Plan for Suwannee River Water Management District outlines a five-year outlook from 2026 to 2030. It focuses on strategic priorities, goals, strategies, success indicators, funding, deliverables, and milestones for District functions. Key priorities include water quality, water supply, flood protection, natural systems management, and mission support. The plan aims to reduce nitrate levels, protect groundwater, sustainably manage water resources, mitigate flood risks, establish minimum flows and water levels, steward District lands, and enhance organizational effectiveness through improved information management, institutional knowledge retention, and strengthened stakeholder relationships.

This Strategic Plan provides a five-year outlook for the Suwannee River Water Management District, outlining strategic priorities, goals, and strategies across key functions. The plan focuses on five core areas: water quality, water supply, flood protection, natural systems, and mission support. Its overarching vision is to unite the region in stewardship and awareness through innovative, science-based solutions to protect and restore water resources, thereby supporting natural systems and public needs.

The Governing Board Meeting agenda included several items for collective consent, such as the minutes from previous board, lands, and audit committee meetings, financial reports, and renewals for insurance coverage and software licenses. Key agenda items involved detailed assessment and negotiations for a conservation easement over the 300 +/- Acre Econfina Timberlands parcel in Jefferson County, the sale of a surplus property at Santa Fe Oasis in Gilchrist County, and contract renewals for Florida Forest Service land management activities. The Board also addressed variance requests for General Works of the District Permit Applications, ultimately denying two requests. A motion was passed to table the renewal of the Water Use Permit Application for Seven Springs Water Company Project. The Lands Committee meeting addressed the Econfina Timberlands easement, the Lukens Addition property, and the sale of the Santa Fe Oasis parcel. The Audit Committee meeting forwarded discussions regarding Inspector General Audit Reports and the Inspector General Three-Year Audit Plan to the full Board. The Executive Office addressed the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan presentation.

The Governing Board Meeting and Public Hearing addressed several items on consent, including the approval of minutes from the January 9, 2018, meeting and the December 2017 Financial Report, as well as the approval of a water use permit modification for the Summers Place Project. Key discussions involved a presentation on hydrologic conditions, an update on legal activities and enforcement status (including ongoing cases involving Mr. Hill), and authorization for a contract with Soil and Water Engineering Technology, Inc. for groundwater nutrient treatment systems near Ravine and Convict Springs. The Board also reviewed updates on agricultural water use monitoring. Furthermore, the Board denied a variance request (Final Order 18-0002) to Robert Hawkins concerning construction within the 75-foot buffer of the Suwannee River, but granted a variance (Final Order 18-0001) to Randy Hogan for an RV Carport in a similar buffer area. The agenda included public hearings for the acceptance of the 2018 Florida Forever Work Plan Update and the 2018 Strategic Plan Work Plan Update. Separately, the Land Committee met to discuss revisions to the District Land Management Plan and considered forwarding the Right of First Refusal on the City First Parcel to the full Board for approval.