notebook - Southwest Florida Water Management District

• Time-lapse photography was shown. Mr. Smith then answered questions about the quantity of
water that will be treated, cell maintenance to de-nitrify the system, and the size of the
remaining parcels of land to be acquired.
• The PRMRWSA expressed their appreciation of staff as they worked cooperatively to resolve
some water quality issues.
Hunting on District Lands
• Joseph Quinn, Land Management Manager, provided an overview of hunting opportunities on
District lands, which have been available to the public since the 1970s. Approximately
132,000 acres are open for hunting as designated Wildlife Management Areas managed by
the FWC.
• In addition, the District manages special hunts for youth and the mobility-impaired. Special
opportunity hunts allow the District to conduct feral hog control in an efficient and costeffective
manner.
• Mr. Quinn described the District’s recent hunting evaluation, which was initiated by a request
from the United Water Fowlers. The evaluation resulted in Governing Board approval of
expanded opportunities on four District properties.
• He discussed ongoing activities, including coordination with FWC, opportunities to expand
feral hog control, and the potential formation of a Land Management Advisory Committee. (A
member of the public representing the Native Plant Society spoke in favor of the creation of an
advisory committee.)
• Mr. Quinn answered questions from Committee members concerning the number of hogs
eliminated last year, compatibility of mixed use on District lands, fees, and the occurrence of
hunting activities along marked trails.
Cooperative Funding Program Update
• Terri Behling, Governmental Affairs Manager, reviewed the process and said the due date for
proposals was October 5, two months earlier than in prior years. The schedule was moved up
in order for staff to evaluate and ensure the completeness of the proposals prior to
presentation to the Governing Board.
• She said 143 applications were received, requesting more than $86.7 million in FY2014. The
majority of the projects are in the water quality and water supply categories, and more than
half of the projects were submitted in the Tampa Bay region covering Pasco, Pinellas and
Hillsborough Counties.
• Ms. Behling answered questions about the availability and source of funding, and provided
information on the typical applicant.
Development of Agenda Topics
• Committee members suggested a number of potential topics for future meetings and asked
Board liaison Michael Babb if there is any specific input the Governing Board would like from
the Committee. Mr. Babb said he will present a list to the Committee in January.
• The next meeting of the Environmental Advisory Committee is scheduled for January 14, 2013
at 1:30 p.m. in the Tampa Service Office.
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