As citizens, we are all stewards of our natural resources. We are responsible for the consequences our actions have on the environment. As stewards, we should raise awareness of environmental issues and reflect that awareness in our own patterns of daily living.
This environmental stewardship philosophy forms the foundation of a "collective restoration vision" for the Kissimmee - Okeechobee - Everglades - Coastal ecosystem by the South Florida Water Management District, Vision 2050. The strategic goals of Vision 2050 include restoring the Kissimmee River, protecting and enhancing Lake Okeechobee and estuarine systems, restoring the Everglades and Florida Bay and developing "reasonably-beneficial" water supply solutions. Vision 2050 is also about educating adults as well as children. In order to pass on the "River of Grass" legacy to tomorrow's children, the restoration of the south Florida ecosystem must be the responsibility of citizens today.
Watershed Management outreach activities are routinely coordinated with the regional service centers to ensure staff is addressing priorities and issues that are important to the south Florida ecosystem. Outreach activities include presentations at public meetings and active participation with citizen groups, governmental task forces and various stakeholder groups. In addition, the SFWMD staff participates in conferences, events and professional meetings to present scientific papers and posters and provide booths, displays and current information to attendees. These activities provide valuable opportunities for the District to interact with the community, answer questions, and gather input from other professionals and the public.
The SFWMD Watershed Management team partners with many other agencies, universities and learning centers to work on various environmental restoration projects. These partnerships support the coming together of multidiscipline's and interests to form working relationships for common causes.
Please see the outreach pages specific to the watersheds in south Florida for more information on how to become involved in environmental stewardship - leaving a legacy for future generations to come:
About Watersheds
