APOPKA, Fla. - During its Tuesday meeting, the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board voted to adopt the Middle St. Johns River Basin Plan formalizing a long-term framework to guide restoration, water quality initiatives and flood protection efforts across the region.

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“This plan provides a clear path forward for protecting the Middle St. Johns River Basin’s valuable water resources and natural systems,” said Cammie Dewey, strategic planning basin coordinator for the District. “Through strong partnerships and science-based decision-making, we can continue improving water quality, protecting our Outstanding Florida Springs and strengthening flood protection while preserving the natural resources that make this basin so unique.”

The moves come at a time as multiple areas across Central Florida have experienced devastating flooding from increased water levels due to heavy rainfall.

READ: St. Johns River levels are set to rise further amid heavy rainfall

The new plan was developed in coordination with local governments, environmental stakeholders and state agencies, the plan establishes the District’s priorities for improving water quality within the lakes and waterways, protecting Florida springs and enhancing flood protection along lakes and rivers.

The Middle St. Johns River Basin spans more than 2,000 square miles and includes a diverse network of springs, lakes, creeks, rivers and wetlands that support wildlife habitat, recreation and water resources throughout central Florida.

The basin encompasses a significant reach of the St. Johns River, extending from the Econlockhatchee River to north of Lake George, along with four major lakes: Harney, Jesup, Monroe and George.

READ: Lake Monroe water levels rise amid increasing flood risks in Sanford

The plan is the third of four strategic basin plans expected to come before the Governing Board as part of broader regional restoration efforts, following the approval of the Indian River Lagoon/Upper St. Johns River Plan and Ocklawaha River Basin Plan earlier this year.

The Lower St. Johns River Strategic Basin Plan will be presented to the Governing Board at a future meeting.

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