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Executive Summary <br />to accomplish water storage and water quality improvements on private agricultural lands, legislation <br />has been passed to document a baseline condition of the extent of wetlands and surface waters. The <br />baseline condition would be considered the extent of wetlands and other surface waters on the <br />property for the purpose of regulation for the duration of the agreement and upon the property's <br />reversion to agricultural production after its expiration. Local, state and federal coordination will play a <br />key role in assessing the viability of water farming on higher intensity, agricultural lands such as fallow <br />citrus groves. <br />The concept of water farming on fallow citrus was developed to investigate the viability of providing (1) <br />varying degrees of modification to existing grove infrastructure for retention of runoff, (2) enhanced <br />water management capabilities to provide storage for flood control and alternative sources of irrigation <br />water supply, or (3) nutrient Toad reductions within the Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie Estuary <br />watersheds. Because these options appear to be cost effective and can be implemented quickly, they <br />are supported by the local water management districts, agricultural agencies, and local governments. <br />Water Farming could offer a bridge between the current water resource restoration goals and the <br />implementation of large-scale regional projects within the State of Florida; helping prevent further <br />degradation of Florida's coastal waters. <br />Assessment of Water Farming on Agricultural Lands <br />A_Y�OIA�! <br />20 <br />