Although much is still to be done, the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau's (VCB) joint effort with local stakeholders over the last 3½ years has brought some successes. We pledge to continue our work on these and other initiatives until our water quality issues are resolved. Here are additional details of just a few of the efforts supported by the VCB to improve our area's water quality:

Northern Everglades and Estuary Protection Act (NEEPA).

The VCB, its consultants, Lee County staff, and elected officials were integrally involved in the successful passage of the NEEPA during the 2007 legislative session. The legislation created programs and requirements similar to those already existing in the Lake Okeechobee Protection Act (LOPA), but the focus was on the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Estuaries. The legislation will result in water quality research and monitoring programs, annual reporting requirements and the formulation of projects to alleviate harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee to the estuaries. Almost $200 million in funds were appropriated to directly benefit the Northern Everglades, Lake Okeechobee, and St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Estuaries. This signified a large commitment on the part of the State of Florida and Governor Crist's office to address Lake Okeechobee/Estuary issues head-on. Click here to read the NEEPA legislation.

Lee County Ordinance No 08-08 Regulating Landscape Management Practices

The VCB joined county leaders in creating a new ordinance regarding landscape management practices to regulate the unrestricted application of nutrient sources such as fertilizer. The ordinance, drafted in May 2008, took effect in May 2009 and encourages homeowners to follow the practices outlined and referenced in the ordinance and to seek education with the Lee County Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Landscape Program. It stipulates the application of fertilizers as well as the phosphorus and nitrogen content in them. Read the Ordinance

Funding for Community Budget Issue Requests (CBIRs).

The following projects were funded in the 2007 legislative session:

• Caloosahatchee Creeks -- $350,000 was requested, and the full amount was appropriated. Located on the north shoreline of the Caloosahatchee River, this 1,290-acre site is divided into seven parcels of land with plant communities that include saltwater march, hydric hammocks and mesic flatwoods. The County is providing a local match to South Florida Water Management District funds. The money will be used to make hydrological improvements, enhance plant communities, exotic species removal and provide public access/educational opportunities. The project will improve flows to the Caloosahatchee River.
• Popash Creek -- $800,000 was requested, and $200,000 was appropriated. The project discharges into the Caloosatchee River and is currently comprised of ditches and borrow ponds, with Popash Creek itself channelized. The project will restore these areas to more natural ecosystems with better wildlife habitat and increased hydrologic functionality. The County is providing a local match to South Florida Water Management District funds, which will be used to restore the area as well as provide hiking, birding and fishing opportunities.
• Estero Bay Watershed Initiative -- $1,902,500 was requested, and $1 million was appropriated. The entire project area extends from the Cocohatchee Canal to the Caloosahatchee watershed, covering parts of both Collier and Lee Counties. The initiative is a combination of projects with the general goal of restoration and water quality improvements. The South Florida Water Management District was provided $1 million to retrofit existing stormwater systems to provide for water quality enhancement; restore riverine flowways; restore flows to natural system that supply aquifer recharge; and create more stormwater retention, filter marshes and habitat restoration.

The Powell Creek (North-Central Lee County) and Mulloch Creek (Southwest Lee County) projects were not funded this year. Both these projects would have included habitat restoration, exotic plant removal and hydrological improvements that would have reduced pollutant-loading to receiving water bodies. The $1.1 million in requested funds for the two projects would have been matched by the South Florida Water Management District to provide a total of more than $2 million to be used for restoration of these two areas.

C-43 West Storage Reservoir Project.

This Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) project is proceeding through the authorization process and funding approval processes at the state and federal levels. The project, now known as the Caloosahatchee (C-43) West Basin Storage Reservoir (CRWBSR) project, consists of an above-ground 170,000 acre-foot reservoir that, when completed, will help protect the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary by capturing and storing harmful freshwater releases from Lake Okeechobee. Thus, it will reduce the number and volume of harmful discharges to our coastal estuaries.

The project, being implemented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), originally was simply a water overflow solution and did not include water treatment components other than natural settling. The VCB through Lee County submitted significant comments through the public hearing process on this project that concentrated on eliminating obstacles that could delay the project. The goal is for the project to hopefully be authorized and funded in the 2008 Congressional session.

Specifically the VCB and Lee County have raised concerns that a water quality treatment feature must be added to the project. In order to expedite the benefits of the Reservoir, the USACOE and the SFWMD are moving forward on the Reservoir while addressing water quality concerns in a Phase II for the project. As a result of Lee County's concerns, the USACOE has provided Lee County with a written pledge to address additional needs related to water supply and water quality in the Caloosahatchee Basin, including: additional reductions in damaging regulatory discharges, additional water supply for other related needs, additional water quality treatment consistent with identified nutrient reduction goals, and minimized overall economic impacts. This Phase II effort is scheduled to begin in Fall 2007. A test cell project has been initiated to provide engineers with critical water quality and seepage information needed to build the new C-43 Reservoir.

To read more about Lee County's stance on the Reservoir, click here.

Southwest Florida Feasibility Study (SWFFS).

The VCB has helped to expedite this study, which is designed to determine the feasibility of making changes in Southwest Florida to enhance the region's environmental and water resources. Originally due to be completed by now, the study results were pushed back to 2010. However, as a result of persuasive lobbying, the USACOE now anticipates delivery of the report in 2008, with some portions completed sooner.

Forward Pumping.

The VCB has helped to bring this potential solution to the forefront of consideration and successfully pushed to have it incorporated into the Lake Okeechobee & Estuary Recovery (LOER) program. Originally proposed by the staff of the South Florida Water Management District, forward pumping -- allowing water supply deliveries when the Lake is at lower levels -- was low on the radar until Lee County began pushing it as a viable option that deserved greater consideration. In the midst of this year's drought, the importance of this project was demonstrated; and temporary forward pumps were permitted and constructed. This allowed additional water deliveries beyond those that would have been available due to the Lake's lowered state. The focus must now center on permanent forward pumps.

Water Control Plan for Lake Okeechobee & Everglades Area, Water, Supply & Environment (WSE).

The VCB and other constituents lobbied the USACOE for a revised water schedule to manage Lake Okeechobee discharges. The USACOE began a formal process to review the WSE in 2006, and it is scheduled to complete the process by the end of 2007. One of the goals of the new schedule will be to reduce excessive water releases to the Caloosahatchee River and St. Lucie Canal so as not to compromise delicate estuaries.

Caloosahatchee River Subcommittee.

The VCB helped form a subcommittee of the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council to identify areas of concern, desired outcomes and desirable management strategy. Members represent Lee, Glades, Hendry and Collier Counties. Given the diverse interests involved, this group should help foster mutual understanding of one another's interests and reduce any friction between parties.

Click here to learn details of what still needs to be done.