Press Release
By St. John’s River Water Management District
09-21-23
Water is at the heart of our work at the St. Johns River Water Management District, but did you know that over 400,000 acres of land we own and manage also plays an important role?
We purchased these lands to support our core missions, which include the protection of water quality, water supply, and natural systems while providing flood protection. A great example of this is at the headwaters of the St. Johns River, where more than 160,000 acres of wetlands filter pollutants and sediments from area stormwater runoff, treat agricultural runoff, and provide storage for flood waters. Another example we’re especially proud of is the ongoing restoration work to the wetlands at our Lake Apopka North Shore property to benefit water quality in Lake Apopka.
Beyond supporting our core missions, many of these lands are open for the public to enjoy. They are available for recreational opportunities that are compatible with conservation, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, primitive camping, canoeing and more.
With National Public Lands Day observed this Saturday, Sept. 23, we invite you to visit one of these special public lands. It’s likely we have a conservation area not far from your neighborhood. Before you go, please check out our website, where you’ll find information such as property descriptions, driving directions, downloadable trail maps, and a camping reservation system.
- Suggestions for your safety
- List of lands
- Map of property locations
- Announcements
- Links to other water management districts’ lands
So, get out there and explore your public lands to experience our work for yourself. These wild and scenic lands hold wonders for all ages.
Read other articles about our work in StreamLines
Permitting peer review meetings in October
The District will hold Fall Open Houses (peer review meetings) in October, with the goal to expand the existing dialogue between the regulated community and the District’s regulatory management team, discuss upcoming rule changes, new business practices and performance metrics, as well as to provide an opportunity to exchange ideas on the District administrative and technical permitting processes.
Stakeholders may attend meetings in person or virtually as follows:
- Jacksonville, Oct. 19, beginning at 10 a.m. at the District’s Jacksonville Service Center – 7775 Baymeadows Way, Suite 102, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Jacksonville Open House Teams link
- Apopka, Oct. 20, beginning at 10 a.m. at the District’s Apopka Service Center – 2501 South Binion, Apopka, FL 32073. Apopka Open House Teams link
- Palm Bay, Oct. 24, beginning at 10 a.m. at the District’s Palm Bay Service Center – 525 Community College Parkway, Palm Bay, FL 32909. Palm Bay Open House Teams link
To register, please send an email to [email protected] and indicate whether you will attend in person or by Teams meeting.
Happy National Estuaries Week! We’re grateful for the numerous estuaries in our 18-county service area. These vital zones are economic hubs for coastal communities and incredible ecosystems where saltwater and freshwater intertwine, creating thriving and intricate water bodies.
Check out our latest videos on our YouTube channel.
Explore more information about the District by reading stories and press releases on our Newsroom page and in StreamLines.
Do you know your designated watering days? They are based on your address and the time of year. You’ll only need to water if your lawn and landscape show signs of needing water and it hasn’t rained. Learn about districtwide watering restrictions and how they help us all save water. Florida’s water – It’s worth saving. #WaterLess
Visit our website: SJRWMD
