STA2, Cell 4 public comments due 4/11/05

[Converted]

Here is a link to the Basis of design report
http://xlr8.sfwmd.gov/portal/page?_pageid=35,226364&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

Public comments are due by April 11. Public comments can also be made at the WRAC issues workshop on that same date.

[Converted]

Here is a pic of the area in question. Also take note of the proposed expansion from STA-5 down to STA-6 :icon_salu

[Converted]

In a review of the BODR I find that Section 7.3 is of special interest...

7.3 Recreational Benefits

As a part of its overall program for STA development, the District has undertaken a directive to improve public access and benefits through recreational use opportunities. Recently, certain STA areas have been opened to limited waterfowl hunting under controlled access conditions.

The construction of the Cell 4 expansion of STA 2 potentially improves public access since its western boundary will be the NNRC eastern levee, as discussed in section 7.2. Development of a recreational plan for Cell 4 should be performed as a part of an overall plan developed for the Compartment B land. Potential recreational activities include:

Hiking and biking along the levee system

Daytime picnicking

Bird watching and wildlife observations

Canoe or small boat access

Limited hunting

Fishing

Information/education centers

It is anticipated that the design of Cell 4 will include enlarged turnouts dispersed along the levee system and enlarged radius corners at levee intersections to accommodate vehicle traffic and pullover areas :icon_salu

A unique feature in the Cell 4 area is the abandoned rock quarry / fish farm area. This area is an approximately 22.5 acre former borrow pit that was later utilized for a period of time as a commercial fish farm operation. The quarry varies from approximately 15 feet to 25 feet in depth. The conceptual design of Cell 4 presented in this BODR includes the fish farm area inside the levee system and within the footprint of the cell. Although it will not provide effective treatment area, the fish farm has been found not to create a significant loss of water through seepage and will not have a significant impact on flow distribution through the cell.

Access to the fish farm area is from the NNRC levee road. A raised parking area currently exists which was last used as the contractor field office location during the construction of STA 2. Enhancement of this parking area and development of public information kiosks, picnic areas, and possibly limited fishing access could be considered in the detailed design of the Cell 4 project.

[Converted]

They anticipate that Cell 4 will be online by the end of 2006. In the past we have been told to expect to wait 24 months for the hydrilla to become established before hunting is allowed. That would put us in the '08/09 season. We may try and press for 12 months. That could be a good public comment subject.

[novaalex]

Regardless of when it opens, I think that the work that has been done by all the user groups is quite evident. They never used to write recreation in at the planning stage before. It was always just an afterthought! I think that hunting should be allowed as soon as any other recreational activity is allowed. I think this issue is of particular concern as evidenced by the CERP 43 project that is open to fishing but not hunting!