FOWR History: 2015 – Present
In the years since 2015, the Friends have continued our efforts at educating the public and decision-makers about the challenges facing the river and springs.
The following are highlights of FOWR’s efforts and accomplishments since 2015.
Continued serving on the Wild & Scenic River Advisory Committee, which prepared an update of the Comprehensive Plan for the river. The draft update is now available for public review pending its final adoption.
Continued serving on the Wekiva River Commission to represent FOWR’s interests inprotecting the Wekiva River Protection Area.
Served on the On-Site Treatment & Disposal System (OSTDS) Advisory Committee for the Wekiwa & Rock Springs Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) from 2016-2018, and provided extensive comments on the draft BMAP in 2018.
Joined with Florida Springs Council to successfully challenge the Wekiwa & Rock Springs BMAP along with 4 other springs BMAPs in 2019.
Reviewed and provided comments on the 2020 Regional Water Supply Plan for the Central Florida Water Initiative, which was developed jointly by 3 water management districts.
Filed objections to the proposed CFWI rules for Consumptive Use Permitting because the rules do not adequately protect against excessive withdrawals that could result in the Wekiva River, Wekiwa Springs, and Rock Springs not meeting their MFLs by 2027.
In 2016 and 2018, we hosted Wekiva Revealed campouts at Wekiwa Springs State Park with the goal of providing education for members of the public. Activities included field hikes, paddles, and talks about challenges to achieving water quality goals in the springs and river.
Assisted with a freshwater turtle research project.
Conducted a Wekiva Basin field ecology course that involved multiple field trips.
Conducted numerous paddles, field hikes, and seminars on the wildlife, geologic feature, and history of the Wekiva Basin.
Sponsored a nature photo contest in an elementary school in the Wekvia Basin.
Helped persuade the Seminole County Commission to reject staff-approved plans for a WAWA within the Wekiva Protection Area in 2020.
Expressed opposition to proposed amendments to the City of Eustis’ comprehensive plans that eliminated the agricultural and rural residential land use category and allowed increases in impervious areas for other land use categories.
Supported Lake County’s efforts to develop joint growth management plans with the cities in Lake County.
Advocated for controlling land use changes in Rural Protection Areas of Lake County.
Helped persuade Lake County to reject a proposed expansion of an assisted living facility in the Wekiva Protection Area.
Entered into discussions with Lake County about acquiring ownership of a portion of the Lake May Reserve.
Developed plans to build a pavilion at Katie’s Landing on the Wekiva River.
Continued our tradition of participating in the Christmas Bird Count at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
