SJRWMD "Surplus Lands" Public Meetings Scheduled

PALATKA – The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting an evaluation of the approximately 600,000 acres of District-owned property to ensure they continue to achieve water resource protection goals.

The evaluation will determine if any properties, or portions of properties, should be identified as surplus lands, or should be considered for alternative uses. The District has purchased properties during the past 35 years to protect water resources. The properties also provide areas for public recreation and environmental education, as well as protect natural and cultural resources.

Four public meetings will be held across the District's 18-county area to provide information about the assessment process and schedule, and to receive public input. The meetings will be held at:

• 6 p.m., June 25, Gainesville City Commission Chambers, 200 E. University Ave., Gainesville

• 6 p.m., June 27, St. Johns County Auditorium, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine

• 6:30 p.m., July 2, City of Palm Bay Council Chambers, 120 Malabar Road S.E., Palm Bay

• 6 p.m., July 5, City of Winter Garden Commission Chambers, 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden

The evaluation process will be completed and a list of any proposed surplus properties will be developed in fall 2012 for District Governing Board consideration at a public meeting Dec. 11, 2012.

More information about the assessment process and access to an online comment form for individuals who wish to provide input about a specific property or the process is available at the link below.