Mike Britt, P.E.
    Natural Resources Division Director
  
 
Rachelle Coleman Selser
    Natural Resources Coordinator
  

 

The Natural Resources Division is responsible for insuring Winter Haven’s natural environment is clean and healthy. This division has two employees and is funded through a stormwater quality utility that is unique in the country. One of the primary division functions is the protection of water quality through stormwater treatment projects.

Stormwater Treatment Projects:  Stormwater is the greatest threat to the water quality of area lakes.  The City constructed five large stormwater treatment projects to date, including two “stormwater parks” that also provide recreational opportunities.  Staff constructed three smaller projects and secured grant funding for two additional large projects.  Numerous grants are applied for regularly to fund projects.

National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permitting (NPDES): The City permitted the discharge of stormwater through the Federal Environmental Protection Agency.  The development of inspection, educational and monitoring programs for this permit falls under this division.

Water Quality Improvement:  Other projects and programs for water quality improvement include the management of 2.5 miles of public shorelines; the investigation of other sources of pollution besides stormwater, including organic sediments; and the monitoring of 50 lakes.  This division is also responsible for meeting the requirements of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Program for Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) for area lakes.  Two large studies are underway to determine whether pollution sources are affecting our lakes.

Waterfront Development and Environmental Planning:  This division provides internal technical assistance for managing waterfront development, natural systems based recreational opportunities, floodplain management, hazardous waste management and water supply planning.

Environmental Lands and Lakefronts Initiative (ELLI):  This program is one of only two such programs in the State established by municipal governments to acquire environmentally sensitive lands.  The program will allow for the purchase/acquisition of various parcels throughout the City for protection of natural habitats, development of passive recreational lands and the management of stormwater. 

City of Winter Haven Area Lakes & Amenities 11 x 17" Map (PDF:2.34MB)

Lakes Education / Action Drive (LE/AD)

http://www.le-ad.org/

Florida Department of Environmental Protection - Lakefront Permits

(Aquatic Plant Control Permit and Field Office Information)
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/lands/invaspec/2ndlevpgs/fieldops.htm

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

(NPDES Stormwater Program for Construction Activity)
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/stormwater/npdes/construction1.htm

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

(FWC - Fishing Licenses and other information)
http://www.floridaconservation.org/