The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will hold a series of virtual meetings to discuss the District’s Land Management Plans. The purpose of these meetings is to inform the public about updates to these plans, to solicit input from stakeholders and to incorporate feedback from the public and stakeholders into the development of the new 10-year plans.

The District adopts land management plans to ensure its public conservation lands are being managed in ways that are consistent with Florida Statutes and the District’s mission. District lands are acquired to preserve and protect water resources and natural systems while also providing public access for recreation.

Members of the public may participate in the public meetings via Microsoft Teams on the following dates and times:

• Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve (Marion County) and Lake Panasoffkee Preserve (Sumter County)

           July 13 at 6 p.m. – TEAMS link https://bit.ly/3x3Fanj

• Upper Hillsborough Preserve and Cypress Creek Preserve (Pasco County)

           July 15 at 6 p.m. – TEAMS link https://bit.ly/3gf0W0B

• Starkey Wilderness Preserve (Pasco County)

           July 20 at 6 p.m. -TEAMS link https://bit.ly/3pABSW7

• Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve (Hillsborough County)

           July 22 at 6 p.m. – TEAMS link https://bit.ly/2SjNvo2

District policy requires management plans for District-owned conservation lands to be reviewed and updated every 10 years unless otherwise directed by the District’s Governing Board. District lands are open to the public and community input is vital in determining how these lands are managed and used. To review these plans before the meetings, please visit WaterMatters.org/LandPlan.