FWC working to establish Springs Protection Zones
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
As the result of recent public workshops and solicited online comments from interested stakeholders, the FWC approved rule language to create guidelines and criteria for the establishment of Springs Protection Zones at its December meeting held Dec. 15 and 15, 2021.
By Florida statute, the FWC has the authority to establish Springs Protection Zones that restrict the speed or operation of vessels, or that prohibit anchoring, mooring, beaching or grounding of vessels in order to protect or prevent specified harm to first, second and third magnitude springs and spring groups, and their associated spring runs. The rule will create clear guidelines and criteria for the establishment of Springs Protection Zones, but does not create zones at this time.
“The approval of this rule will allow staff the ability, through clear guidelines and criteria, to establish spring protection zones that will help prevent harm to Florida’s springs. Protecting our natural resources for generations to come is of the utmost importance,” said Col. Roger Young, director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement.
The rule language includes:
Guidelines and criteria that the Commission will use to create Springs Protection Zones.
The provision that any person may provide evidence to the Commission to determine if a Springs Protection Zone should be established.
That the Commission will consult with the Department of Environmental Protection, the relevant water management district, and other entities as appropriate, when establishing these zones.
