Development of a Functional, Best Management Practice Program in the Tri-County Agricultural Area of Northeast Florida

摘要

Recognizing that the waters of the state of Florida are among its basic resources, the Florida Legislature enacted the Florida Water Resources Act of 1972, which created the states five water management districts including the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). The districts were established along watershed boundaries to protect and manage Florida's precious water resources. SJRWMD is responsible for managing groundwater and surface water supplies in all or part of 18 counties in northeast and east-central Florida. The St. Johns River is the largest river system located entirely within the state of Florida. The lower St. Johns River begins at the confluence of the Ocklawaha River (river kilometer 163) and flows north to the inlet at the Atlantic Ocean in Mayport, Florida. Twelve major tributary watersheds drain into the lower St. Johns River and cover approximately 7,192 square kilometers. These watersheds consist of primarily rural, agricultural, and undeveloped lands to the south and urbanized lands to the north including the greater Jacksonville metropolitan area.