News Release

Big Cypress National Preserve Seeks Public Input on Draft Water Management Plan to Increase Water Flow, Reduce Wildfires and Improve Habitat

Date: November 8, 2021
Contact: Joshua Boles, [phone]

Big Cypress National Preserve Seeks Public Input on Draft Water Management Plan - to increase water flow, reduce wildfires and improve habitat.

Public invited to attend virtual meeting, submit written comments

OCHOPEE, Fla. – The National Park Service (NPS) today opened a 30-day public comment period on a draft Hydrologic Restoration Management Plan and associated environmental assessment. for Big Cypress National Preserve (Preserve).

The initial public comment period runs from Nov. 8 to Dec. 7 and includes opportunities to submit written comments and participate in NPS-hosted virtual public meetings.

The plan proposes the use of passive water management actions to restore natural “sheet flow,” or water movement, in the preserve. Natural sheet flow is vital to the long-term ecological health of the Big Cypress Swamp and is key to sustaining the regions natural cycle between its summer flood and winter drought regime. To accomplish this, the plan calls for the NPS to remove or bypass artificial barriers and plug man-made canals within the preserve. Additionally, this plan will provide NPS managers with an overall framework for making decisions pertaining to water related infrastructure in the Preserve.

In the virtual public meetings, the NPS will share details about the plan, preferred alternative and answer participants’ questions. Interested community members are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas, as this plan offers an opportunity to enhance visitor experience. Both meetings will cover the same content with options to participate on:

• Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. (eastern)

To register for this public meeting session, visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/187047137722177294

• Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. (eastern)

To register for this public meeting session, visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8936275675819696910

After registering, participants will receive a confirmation e-mail with additional information on how to join the public meeting on the preferred date and time.

The NPS will also accept written comments online or by postal mail for consideration. Comments may be submitted:

Online (preferred method)

• Visit: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/BICY_hydro

Select “Open for Comment” on the left menu bar
Click on the green “Comment Now” button to access the online commenting form.
Or by Postal Mail send comments to:

Superintendent

Attn: Hydrologic Restoration Management Plan

National Park Service

33100 Tamiami Trail East

Ochopee, Florida 34141-1000

Written comments must be submitted online or be postmarked by Dec. 7, 2021, to be considered. Additional opportunities for commenting and public engagement will be offered during the course of the plan development. Public comments—including personal identifying information such as addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses—may be made publicly available at any time. The NPS cannot guarantee that personal identifying information will be withheld from public review if requested. Comments submitted by individuals or organizations on behalf of other individuals or organizations will not be accepted.
 

To view the plan and Environmental Assessment, visit: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/BICY_hydro