Adaptive Protocols for Lake Okeechobee Operations
On September 9, 2010 the SFWMD Governing Board discussed the Adaptive Protocols for Lake Okeechobee, a guidance document to assist the Governing Board in deciding how, when and where to release water from Lake Okeechobee. SCCF policy staff participated on the WRAC working group to update the protocols over the past year. Our objective in this process has been to promote a protocol that would put the natural systems, such as the Caloosahatchee estuary on a more equal footing with permitted water users.
The District staff made a recommendation for a protocol/process that would have continued the status quo where the Caloosahatchee is cut off when water levels are low and no other users are cut back or restricted in water use. After appealing to the Governing Board in private meetings, in person and through letters from west coast stakeholders the Governing board selected the alternative that benefitted the Caloosahatchee.
Click here for the final Adaptive Protocols document.
Posted 9/21/10
Documents
Learn more about Adaptive Protocols from our 9/2/10 and 8/2/10 Action Alerts
SCCF letter to SFWMD Governing Board dated 9/3/10
SCCF letter to SFWMD Governing Board dated 8/3/10
SCCF letter to SFWMD staff dated 7/27/10
Adaptive Protocols
Draft with mark-ups by SCCF
Adaptive Protocols
Draft document
Background
Over the past year SCCF policy staff has been working through a process with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and agricultural and natural system stakeholders to update a document that guides decisions on when, where and how to release water from Lake Okeechobee.