The Caloosahatchee River and Estuary are integral to the way of life and economy of the Lower West Coast region, which consists of Lee and Hendry counties and parts of Charlotte County. The South Florida Water Management District is working with government partners, environmental groups, residents and businesses to improve water quality and better manage the timing and quantity of water flows to the Caloosahatchee.
The Lower West Coast Service Center offers local assistance with Environmental Resource and Consumptive Water Use permitting while providing regulatory oversight for Lee, Hendry and Collier counties and parts of Charlotte County. Outreach and Intergovernmental Representatives develop partnerships with local governments and drainage districts, utilities, community groups and other stakeholders in these counties and create a better understanding of local water resource issues through outreach and education activities.
ADDRESS
Lower West Coast Service Center 2301 McGregor Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33901 (239) 338-2929 (800) 248-1201 Fax: (239) 338-2936 Map [PDF]
GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS
Daniel DeLisi, an appointee representing Lee, Collier, Hendry and Charlotte counties
Joe Collins, Chairman and an at-large appointee representing areas including Lee, Collier, Hendry and Charlotte counties
Caloosahatchee River and Estuary
The Caloosahatchee River is a west coast treasure, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Recognizing that the health of the river and its estuary is essential to the overall way of life for area residents, the South Florida Water Management District considers protection and improvement of the Caloosahatchee watershed an agency priority.
Part of an Interconnected System
Beginning in the late 19th century, the Caloosahatchee River and its watershed underwent extensive modifications that drastically altered the hydrology of the region. The once shallow and crooked river was deepened and widened into a regulated waterway that was connected to Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes for navigation, water supply and flood control purposes.
Today, the Caloosahatchee River remains part of one of the world's largest interconnected public works systems. As local sponsor for this federal system, the District works cooperatively with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to manage Lake Okeechobee water levels – and freshwater flows to the Caloosahatchee – according to a federal regulation schedule.
Protecting and Improving the Caloosahatchee
Numerous efforts are under way with our partners to improve water quality in the Caloosahatchee and better manage the timing and quantity of water flows from Lake Okeechobee. The District continues to work with the Corps to optimize water management strategies that may provide incremental improvements for both the estuary and the lake. We are also implementing short- and long-term solutions for improving the health of the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary while balancing regional flood control, water supply and environmental needs for South Florida's 7.7 million residents.
Regulatory Partnering Sessions: The South Florida Water Management District Lower West Coast Service Center management team is conducting quarterly meetings to coordinate with consultants and members of the regulated community who conduct business with our agency. more »
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