LIVE OAK, FLA., MARCH 28, 2025 – Two projects within the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) will receive approximately $5.4 million to aid in the recovery and protection of Florida’s springs.

The funding is part of an overall $60 million announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis for statewide projects identified by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Florida’s water management districts. The 17 projects can be found here.

“We are thankful to Gov. DeSantis, our legislature, and the Department of Environmental Protection for their continued commitment to protecting our environmental assets and addressing the needs of our communities,” said Hugh Thomas, executive director of the District. “With more than 450 springs in our District, funding projects related to their protection is vital, and these projects are beneficial to enacting that mission.”

The two local projects to receive funding within the District are: 

• Ladson Tract Conservation Easement – Jefferson and Taylor counties – This $1.6 million project includes the purchase of a conservation easement on the Ladson Tract and will protect surface water critical to Nuttall Rise, a first-magnitude spring, as well as the Wacissa and Aucilla rivers. This match funding request was submitted by Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy.  
   
  “We are very thankful for the District and their assistance in the application process and want to thank the Governor’s Office and Legislature for funding,” said Shane Wellendorf, Tall Timbers Land Conservancy Director. “This is an opportunity to protect one of Florida’s first magnitude springs and this property is one of those rare and special places in Florida that is worthy of conservation.”
   
• Recharge Wetland Expansion Project – City of Lake City – This $3.8 million project converts Lake City’s Steedley Sprayfield to approximately 50 acres of treatment wetlands. The wetlands provide recharge features which will improve water quality and enhance groundwater flows in the Ichetucknee Priority Focus Area. 
  
  “The City of Lake City thanks Governor DeSantis, the FDEP, and the SRWMD for the award of $3.9 million under the Springs Restoration Grant Program,” said Steve Brown, City of Lake City Executive Director of Utilities. “The expansion of our groundwater recharge wetland project is a vital component of the City’s strategy to cost-effectively meet the nitrogen load reductions required by the Santa Fe River BMAP. We are excited to be able to implement this project that also replenishes aquifer levels, supports flows at Ichetucknee Springs, and creates valuable wetland wildlife habitat.”

The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties. 

For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. 

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