CHNEP TECHNICAL COMMENT LETTERS & RESOLUTIONS
The Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP, formerly the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program) convenes a Technical Advisory Committee comprised of many of the most prominent scientists and experts in Florida. This advisory committee, together with the CHNEP's staff, drafts technical comment letters to advise outside entities on regional priorities and the best available science for further protection and restoration of water, wildlife habitat and other natural resources in the CHNEP program area.
Additionally, CHNEP's Policy Committee which is comprised of elected leaders from the 10 counties and 25+ cities CHNEP serves, creates resolutions on issues of shared interest to show solidarity and support for mutually beneficial actions and activities that protect Central & Southwest Florida's water and wildlife resources.
Below are examples of recent CHNEP technical comment letters:
Proposed Southwest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Area
Proposed USGS Major Update to Region 03 – FL Hydrologic Units
Proposed TMDL Development in CHNEP Area
RESOLUTIONS
Additionally, the Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership forms consensus positions that are transmitted as resolutions. In 2020, there have been three including (click on blue title to open document):
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CHNEP Manatee County Land Conservation Referendum in support of the opportunity of the citizens of Manatee County to have the opportunity to vite on additional funding for land and water conservation.
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CHNEP Climate Change Compact Resolution in support of the development of climate compact(s) for Central and Southwest Florida to work collaboratively on issues arising from sea level rise, increased intensity rainfall and storm events, and other issues arising from climate change.
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CHNEP Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM) Resolution in support of a science-based process for development of the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual, one that addresses all the defined project purposes and provides the desired flows to the Caloosahatchee to meet the defined salinity targets for the river and estuary, while balancing the needs of agriculture and municipal water supply.