FWC to host public meeting for Jenkins Creek Dredging and Stabilization Project

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will conduct a public meeting to present information and receive public comments on the project design plans and restoration goals for the Jenkins Creek Dredging and Shoreline Stabilization Project in Hernando County on March 25.

The meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Hernando County Utilities Department Conference Room, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL, 34613. Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment and ask questions regarding the Jenkins Creek Dredging and Shoreline Stabilization Project.

Jenkins Creek is a brackish stream system that includes a spring boil located in Spring Hill, Hernando County, adjacent to Linda Pederson Park. This spring system is south of the Weeki Wachee springs complex and provides important warm-water habitat for the Florida manatee in the cold season. The FWC Manatee Warm-Water Habitat Action Plan lists Jenkins Creek Spring as a secondary refuge for manatees. FWC staff are conducting ongoing monitoring of manatee use to better evaluate seasonal trends and accessibility. This warm-water site has a narrow spring run that may limit manatee access, further exacerbated by woody debris and actively eroding stream banks. There are currently no state manatee protection zones at this location.

The goal of the project is to remove shoals, debris, and wood material that currently restrict manatees' access to warm-water springheads during winter months and, where necessary, stabilize the shoreline to eliminate bank erosion and sedimentation to promote site restoration and resiliency.

Questions and information about the meeting can be directed to Anna Laws at (352) 460-7332 or by email at Anna.Laws@MyFWC.com.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting should notify the agency at least five calendar days before the meeting by calling (850) 488-6411 or contacting the agency using the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or (800) 955-8770 (Voice), if you are hearing or speech impaired. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility, or if you need more information, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at:

FWC, Office of Human Resources

620 S Meridian Street,

Tallahassee, FL 32399, 850-488-6411

Or write to:

Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Civil Rights

Department of the Interior

1849 C Street, NW

Washington, D.C. 20240