Estero Bay Nutrient Management Partnership

Meeting of Primary Partners

3/25/03

In attendance: Steven Witthar, Wilson Miller; Mike Bauer, SWFWC; Kim Fikoski, WERC; Matt Bixler, The Conservancy of Southwest Florida; Noel Andress, SWFWC; Roland Ottolini, Lee County; Sharon Arnold, WERC; David Burr, SWFRPC; Ellen Lindblad, CREW; Andrew Barienbrock, FDEP; Wayn Daltry, Lee County; John Cassani, SWFWC.

Update and announcement: Mr. Cassani briefly reviewed the previous two meetings of the EBNMP. It was announced that the EPA grant to support the EBNMP would be administered through the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program similar to a Restoration Partners Grant. The funds however would not be available until May 28. The SWFWC has approached several candidates for the project managers position. The project manager would provide part time administrative support for the project and would work from the SWFWC office. The position would be set up with a personal service contract.

Mr. Cassani updated the group on current levels of committement from the primary partners:

Ø      USEPA - $40,000 grant in support

Ø      FDEP – letter of support with Staff commitment

Ø      CHNEP – Administrative partner (EPA grant contractor and potential discretionary funds in support)

Ø      Lee County – financial and potential staff support

Ø      WERC $1500 unrestricted grant

Ø      Southwest Florida Watershed Council – administrative support, grant contract, financial support

Ø      SFWMD research partner

Ø      SWFRPC and Estero Bay ABM – logistics support

Other partners demonstrating interest: City of Bonita Springs, CREW, USFWS, The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, FDEP Aquatic Preserves, FGCU, FWC, Audubon of Florida, Florida Yards and Neighborhoods

EBNMP structure discussion: The group spent considerable time discussing how the EBNMP should be organized. Ms. Greenings presentation at the March 10 Estero Bay ABM meeting regarding the Tampa Bay Nitrogen Management Consortium was also part of the discussion and most present had seen the presentation. There was consensus among the group that an additional advisory committee would be unnecessary and that technical advisement could be adequately addressed from members of the primary partners. It was suggested that the EBNMP be structured as follows: 1) EPA/ CHNEP / SWFWC would administer the program; 2) The members of the partnership would constitute the primary decision making body and 3) The program manager would coordinate between 1 and 2. It was also suggested that the group contact the Tampa Bay Group to learn more about how the Nitrogen Management Consortium was structured.

The group further discussed how partners would confirm their commitment and thus membership in the EBNMP. It was decided that the SWFWC would contact entities that would be important for implementing the program. A contact would be made with a letter and some type of template that would make it easier for the entity to formalize their involvement.

Nutrient Loading Model presentation: Mr. Owosina gave an update on the SFWMD regarding nutrient loading validation for the Estero Bay Watershed. This study has been ongoing. Mr. Owosina is still looking for several types of sites that represent land use types that will be needed for the validation. There has been some difficulty in getting access to these sites because of property owner reluctance to cooperate. There is a fear that the information acquired through the stormwater event sampling will result in added regulation.

Final comments: There was concern by at least one member that it will be important for EPA and Corps personnel to be at the table for these meetings. There presence would give assurance to various partners that there is recognition of the importance of the project and that these agency representatives are informed. There was agreement a representative of the EBNMP would contact them.

The next meeting of the EBNMP will be announced by e-mail.