June 27, 2002

Mr. Henry Dean, Executive Director

South Florida Water Management District

3301 Gun Club Road

West Palm Beach, Florida 33416-4680

Dear Mr. Dean,

The Southwest Florida Watershed Council (SWFWC) has been following Caloosahatchee River estuarine conditions since the Caloosahatchee MFL rule was adopted last September. Such conditions are of concern to many of our members. It is apparent that MFL exceedances have occurred since the rule was adopted, with significant implications for the Recovery and Prevention strategy and future storage options proposed in the Southwest Florida Feasibility Study.

We request that the Caloosahatchee MFL rule be opened for review in September 2002 and that the SWFWC be notified of any public hearings, document mailings or other activities relating to the MFL rule for the Caloosahatchee. We also request official participation in Minimum Aquifer Level rule development for the Water Table Aquifer in Southwest Florida. Please add the SWFWC to any lists being developed for notification in this regard.

Sincerely,

Noel Andress

Chairman

The mission of the Southwest Florida Watershed Council is to protect, conserve, manage and/or

restore the land and water resources of the Caloosahatchee and Big Cypress Watersheds through participation and cooperation of all stakeholders in consensus building, planning, and decision making to meet the

economic, natural and cultural needs for this and succeeding generations.