Restoration of the Harris Chain of Lakes: Return to Neverland

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1 Restoration of the Harris Chain of Lakes: Return to Neverland How Shifting Baselines Impact Eutrophication Restoration Targets Dr. Daniel E. Canfield Jr. Professor of Limnology Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences University of Florida Gainesville, Florida May 2016

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3 Philosophy What Have You Been Taught? Why Do You Believe What You Believe? What Are Your Life Experiences?

4 An Expert? Limnologist specializing in management of aquatic systems

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7 EUTROPHICATION

8 TROPHIC STATE Einar Nauman, 1919 Regional variations in algal production correlate with geological structure of the watershed; lakes in agricultural, calcareous regions are greener than lakes in forested, granitic watersheds

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12 South Florida Water Management District 1986 Invitation to Evaluate Bloom Nutrient Loading from Farms

13 Lake eutrophication is the nutrient enrichment of waters which results in an array of systematic changes among which are the production of algae and other aquatic plants, the deterioration of fisheries, the deterioration of water quality and other changes which are objectionable and interfere with water use.

14 Eutrophication A movement of the lake s trophic state in the direction of more plant biomass Robert Carlson 1993

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21 GEOLOGY

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23 Hydrology Inputs TP linked to Rainfall Lake Level Fluctuations Resuspension of Sediments

24 P or N or Ag or Au

25 Surface Water Improvement and Management Act 1987 (Chapter 87-97, Laws of Florida and Rule , F.A.C.) Non-point Nutrient Control Phosphorus

26 Lake Okeechobee

27 Lake Thonotosassa

28 Lake Apopka

29 LAWSUIT 2008 Earthjustice filed lawsuit vs EPA 1. Unacceptable delay by federal gov t in setting limits for nutrient pollution 2. EPA previously determined that numeric nutrient criteria are necessary as described by Clean Water Act 3. EPA was obligated to promptly propose numeric criteria for Florida

30 NNC: LAKES

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34 Lake Okeechobee

35 TMDL LOTAC (1986) 400 t/yr USEPA (2000) 198 t/yr FDEP (2001) 146 t/yr

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37 ENACTING LEGISLATION LAWS OF FLORIDA CHAPTER FLORIDA STATUTES Senate Bill No An act relating to water management; creating the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council; providing for membership, powers, and duties; providing for a report to the Legislature; providing for an advisory group to the council; requiring the St. Johns River Water Management District to provide staff for the council; providing for award of contracts subject to an appropriation of funds; providing for a Harris Chain of Lakes restoration program; providing for a demonstration restoration project; providing an effective date. WHEREAS, the waterways of Lake County are of historic, hydrological, and ecological significance, and WHEREAS, most of these Lake County waterways are Outstanding Florida Waterways, and WHEREAS, the Lake County waterways are plagued by toxic algae sedimentation, and excessive growth of aquatic plants, which are degrading their water quality and recreational value, and WHEREAS, despite their current problems, the Lake County waterways continue to provide wildlife habitat for fish, birds, and game and offer recreational opportunities for the residents of Lake County and visitors to the area, and WHEREAS, the renewable economic potential of the Lake County waterways is significant, and WHEREAS, the St. Johns River Water Management District, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Lake County Water Authority along with other state, regional, and local entities, have developed proposals to restore portions of the Harris Chain of Lakes, NOW, THEREFORE, Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

38 Powers and Duties LAWS OF FLORIDA Ch F.S. including Chs and F.S. Review audits and all data specifically related to lake restoration techniques and sport fish population recovery strategies, including data and strategies for shoreline restoration, sediment control and removal, exotic species management, floating tussock management or removal, navigation, water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat improvement, particularly as they may apply to the Harris Chain of Lakes. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the St. Johns River Water Management District, in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Protection, pertinent local governments, and the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council, shall review existing restoration proposals to determine which ones are the most environmentally sound and economically feasible methods of improving the fish and wildlife habitat and natural systems of the Harris Chain of Lakes. To initiate the Harris Chain of Lakes restoration program recommended by the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, with assistance from the St. Johns River Water Management District and in consultation and by agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection and pertinent local governments, shall develop tasks to be undertaken by those entities for the enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat.

39 Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

40 Florida Department of Environmental Protection Lead agency in state government for environmental management and stewardship.

41 St. Johns River Water Management District To protect our natural resources and support Florida s growth by ensuring the sustainable use of Florida s water for the benefit of the people of the District and the state.

42 Lake County Water Authority To conserve and protect freshwater resources and to provide recreational facilities and education to foster tourism through a more efficient use of resources, to better the aquatic ecosystem and environment in Lake County and improve the community as a whole.

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44 Precipitation Trends Gainesville Orlando

45 Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO)