Letter of Support to the Governor for Northwest Florida Estuaries Restoration Project
From:
Keith Wilkins, Department Director
Organization:
Community & Environment
CAO Approval:
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation Concerning a Letter to the Governor in Support of the Nature Conservancy’s Florida Gulf of Mexico Restoration Project Submittal Form to the Gulf of Mexico Restoration Council for the Northwest Florida Estuaries Restoration Project - Keith T. Wilkins, Community & Environment Department
That the Board consider sending a letter to the Governor in support of The Nature Conservancy’s Grant Application to the Gulf of Mexico Restoration Council for the Northwest Florida Estuaries Restoration Project that includes restoration activities in the eight primary watersheds of Northwest Florida: Perdido Bay, Pensacola Bay, Choctawhatchee Bay, St. Andrews Bay, St. Joseph Bay, Apalachicola Bay, Ochlockonee River and Bay, and St. Marks River.
BACKGROUND:
The Nature Conservancy submitted a Florida Gulf of Mexico Restoration Project Submittal Form to the Gulf of Mexico Restoration Council for the Northwest Florida Estuaries Restoration Project. This is the unique and perfect partnership of the Eight Florida Disproportionately Affected Counties to restore the estuaries of the northern Florida gulf coast while still meeting local impacts and priorities. As a result of the watershed strategic planning sessions facilitated by The Nature Conservancy, Northwest Florida coastal communities have mobilized to identify the critical issues that must be addressed in their watershed. The process also involves the State of Alabama with representatives participating in meetings for the Perdido Bay and Pensacola Bay watersheds.