Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve Participation in Blue Springs Moratorium Working Group

Volusia County, FL -WRAP participated in this year’s working group addressing the Blue Spring Moratorium and manatee protection along the St. Johns River. WRAP’s involvement provided an opportunity to contribute to discussions regarding manatee protection, aquatic resource management, and coordination among the agencies and organizations responsible for protecting the St. Johns River and associated waterways.

In addition to the working group activities, WRAP’s Manager assisted Stetson University with a proposal presentation for an enclosure study evaluating Pistia (water lettuce) genetics along the lower Wekiva River. The presentation provided information on the study’s objectives and approach, as well as the potential significance of the findings to aquatic plant management and resource protection within the Wekiva River system.

The presentation allows WRAP to gain feedback from representatives of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Volusia County, and Save the Manatee Club. The next step is enclosure permitting via the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).