Strategic plan update sets 5-year path for SJRWMD

PALATKA – The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) set a road map for meeting the District's water resource challenges over the next five years when the Governing Board today approved an update to the Strategic Plan.

With the Governing Board endorsement of the plan, which sets goals and strategic priorities, the District will continue its focus on 12 key initiatives and eight continuing core programs. The Strategic Plan allows the District to focus on the most important water issues.

The Strategic Plan includes the following 12 key initiatives:

• Develop and implement sound science-based solutions to ensure the availability of sufficient water for existing and future uses
• Protect water resources from significant harm due to water withdrawals by establishing necessary and sufficient minimum flows and levels
• Ensure sustainable water supplies and protect groundwater systems in the District's north Florida region
• Work in partnership with the Central Florida Water Initiative to identify and further develop the Regional Water Supply Plan
• Protect the water quality and ecological value of the middle and lower St. Johns River
• Enhance and protect the water quality and ecological habitat of the coastal basins of northeast Florida
• Restore the ecological, recreational and economic value of Lake Apopka and the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin
• Optimize flood control, protect and enhance natural ecosystems, and improve water quality in the upper St. Johns River
• Protect and restore the water quality and ecological habitat of the Indian River Lagoon
• Utilize District resources to develop and coordinate the protection and restoration of major springs
• Develop a framework for levee and water control structure maintenance and restoration
• Identify and implement restoration and vegetation management projects on District-owned lands

The continuing core programs will include ongoing science, data collection and management, and regulatory and administrative support services to all District programs.

In April 2013, the Governing Board adopted its first Strategic Plan, which is updated annually, and is for a minimum five-year planning horizon. It includes a "report card" of how well the District achieved its fiscal year 2012-2013 milestones and success indicators.

Source: St. Johns River Water Management District news release