There's a natural connection in Florida between water and land. Land catches and absorbs rainfall, holding it in lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands. While on land, water has time to slowly seep into groundwater aquifers, replenishing our drinking water supply.
Land for Conservation and Restoration
Over the last three decades, as the South Florida Water Management District's responsibilities broadened to include ecosystem restoration, lands were purchased for their hydrologic benefits. Programs such as the 1981 Florida Resource Rivers Act, commonly known as "Save Our Rivers," provided state funding for environmentally sensitive lands to be acquired, restored, protected and managed. Caring for the land requires an ongoing commitment to protect water resources, native plant communities, fish and wildlife populations and natural features of the land. We work with the private sector and other resource agencies as we dovetail our efforts for the public's benefit.
Public Use and Ongoing Activities
Providing public access to public lands is mandated by the state and boldly embraced by the District. We cooperate with other state agencies, the federal government, counties, municipalities and the private sector to develop recreational access sites and appropriate facilities that are compatible with protecting our natural resources.
As stewards for your public lands, we develop and implement land management plans; control exotic vegetation; conduct prescribed burns to mimic natural fire regimes; restore native communities; manage mitigation banks and interim agricultural uses through reservations, contracts or lease agreements; and provide nature-based recreation on your public lands.
Careers
