ASCE/AWWA Lunch and Learn: Minimum Flows and Levels in the Suwannee River Basin
Over the past two decades, the District has established MFLs for a majority of its rivers and is currently focused on developing MFLs for the Upper and Middle Suwannee River segments and several priority springs. These river and spring MFLs are based on a suite of environmental flow analyses that relate changes in flows or levels to relevant recreational and ecological metrics, which often involves use of hydrologic and ecological simulation modeling. Examples include assessing how changes in flows affect instream fish and invertebrate habitat area, the frequency of floodplain wetland inundation, and the amount of time that boats can safely navigate shoals. In cases where MFLs are not being met, the District is required to develop recovery strategies that implement conservation measures, regulations, and projects to increase flows or levels to meet the MFLs. The Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and associated priority springs are the focus of an ongoing regional recovery strategy.
Speaker: Sean King, PhD, P.E.
Location: Blue Gill Quality Foods - 1310 SW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32608