Florida’s Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve was created last year to conserve more than 700 square miles of coastal habitat and support a way of life for Citrus, Hernando and Pasco communities. Now you have the opportunity to help guide future efforts to protect this special slice of paradise.

On Sept. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. EST, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will host a virtual meeting to hear the public’s priorities for the preserve. 

DEP officials are forming a new advisory committee that will include members of the community, local government representatives, and natural resource managers. This important committee will consider the public’s input as they develop the preserve’s management plan, which is a roadmap for how to steward the area. 

Details for the virtual meeting can be found here and registration can be completed here.   

Attend the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve Public Meeting Sept. 28  

Since the creation of the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve, many residents and business owners have reached out to see how to help steward this wonderful resource. Preparing for and attending this virtual public meetings is the next best step.

As stakeholders who know deeply your local waters and who depend on good water quality, healthy coastal habitat, and abundant fish and wildlife, your input is essential to set the best course forward for the management of the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve.

To learn more about your important role, potential focus areas for management of the Nature Coast AP, and the power of partnership between local communities and preserve staff please visit this new Pew brief https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2021/08/community-voices-are-key-to-management-of-floridas-nature-coast-aquatic-preserve

Please attend this important public meeting on Sept. 28. Pew Charitable Trusts is available to present virtually via videoconference or good old-fashioned speakerphone at a club, association, and other meeting. Interested parties can reach out via email to Cam Jaggard by clicking here.

Additionally, we would greatly appreciate your help circulating the brief and meeting info linked to above via email, social media, and in-person with printed copies. Please let me know as soon as possible if you are interested in distributing printed copies of these materials so that I can get them in the mail to you ASAP.