Suwannee River water district updates lands and rules

By Mark Scohier

Visitors to Suwannee River Water Management recreational sites will discover a host of new upgrades meant to make their visit more enjoyable.

Bob Heeke, senior land resource manager for SRWMD, said the changes are designed to “help you find where you’re looking for instead of getting lost and having a bad day.”

Heeke said SRWMD’s recreational sites are getting more parking lots, signs that mark trails and hours of operation, signs that show which activities are allowed in specific areas, and informational kiosks.

“We have a renewed emphasis on kiosks,” he said.

Heeke explained that because the agency controls about 160,000 acres in 14 counties, there are very few people to help guide the public. So, he said, the agency relies on signs, kiosks and even their website to get information out.

Heeke said the money for the project comes out of the Water Management Lands Trust Fund, which has a total budget of about $3 million.  That figure, about 10 percent of the statewide fund, is about half of what the district used to receive, Heeke added.

According to a recent press release, the district has also recently updated its land management rules, which includes a public use guide.

The guide, which is posted online and available at the new kiosks, will make it clear to the public what activities are allowed on the properties.

This will make it easier for law enforcement agencies like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to control vandalism and other illegal activities, thus reducing maintenance expenses and making the properties more family friendly, the press release said.

For more information, call SRWMD at 386-362-1001 or go online to www. srwmd.state.fl.us.