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A Message from the Northern Everglades �- Collaborative Partners The Challenge: Seize Environmental Opportunities in the Northern Everglades Over the past century, public agencies and private land owners have transformed south Florida in order to facilitate urban and agricultural development. While contributing to economic progress in the region, extensive drainage and water control systems have degraded water quality and wildlife habitats. Reversing these environmental changes in the Northern Everglades region --stretching from Orlando to Lake Okeechobee—East to St. Lucie Watershed—West to Caloosahatchee Estuary requires not only public works projects, but also a wide array of activities on private lands. Fallow citrus lands could potentially be used for water retention in an affordable and timely manner by paying citrus landowners for environmental services. The Opportunity: Dispersed Water Management - "Water Farming" Pilot Project An innovative approach to delivering environmental services has emerged from the Dispersed Water Management Program. Using market -like concepts, the "Water Farming" concept seeks to field-test the potential for retaining water on fallow citrus lands to contribute to the delivery of environmental services. Under the Dispersed Water lftmManagement Program the "Water Farming" Pilot will offer eligible Landowners the opportunity to compete for contracts to help determine the cost effectiveness and benefits associated with retaining water on fallow citrus lands. The Benefits: Potential for Water Retention and Storage - Cost effective for the public. The "Water Farming" Pilot encourages innovation in developing needed ecosystem services which may include the use.of fallow citrus lands for storage and retention as a complement to the construction of major public works projects. - Economic sustainability for fallow citrus Landowners. By creating a new commodity that fallow citrus Landowners can produce together with other activities, it helps strengthen the overall economic stability of the citrus industry — keeping private lands in private hands. - Good for the environment. In addition to helping meet Northern Everglades water retention goals, enhanced profitability reduces the pressure to convert citrus groves to development or other agricultural uses. On-site implementation also provides for earlier environmental results, ahead of large scale public works construction schedules. • Practical to implement and administer. An open and competitive process, fixed -term contract and clear documentation procedures ensure that, if selected, participating Landowners have the opportunity to demonstrate positive environmental services and stewardship while receiving payment for such valued activities. Solicitation No. 6000000576, Submittal Guidelines, Page 2 of 20 21