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The Program: Dispersed Water Management - "Water Farming" <br />Pilot <br />The goal of the Dispersed Water Management — "Water Farming" Pilot Project is to <br />establish relationships via contracts with private landowners to obtain and test the cost <br />effectiveness and benefits of water retention on fallow citrus lands to reduce flows to the <br />St. Lucie Watershed. <br />The Florida Legislature's intent for the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection <br />Program (F.S. 373.4595) is to encourage and support the development of creative <br />partnerships to facilitate the further restoration and protection of the St. Lucie Watershed. <br />The South Florida Water Management District (District) is responsible for administering <br />this program in coordination with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer <br />Services (FDACS), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and the <br />United State Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). <br />The most cost -beneficial service provider projects will be competitively selected for <br />implementation of the "Water Farming" Pilot Project study. <br />Interested landowners will respond to this invitation by preparing written submittals for <br />water management pilot projects that retain water above and beyond current permitted <br />requirements to benefit the St. Lucie Watershed. Submittals will be reviewed by a <br />Selection Committee and ranked using a pre -determined set of evaluation criteria. The <br />Selection Committee will make recommendations to the District's Governing Board for <br />funding of the top ranked project(s). Funding will be awarded to qualifying projects by <br />rank order until available funds are exhausted or until projects no longer meet a minimum <br />acceptable level. This document is intended to provide information and guidance to <br />Landowners who may be interested in participating in the Dispersed Water Management — <br />"Water Farming" Pilot Project. <br />It is our intent to encourage creative participation as partners in the implementation of <br />sound solutions toward restoring and protecting the northern estuaries. This is an <br />invitation for you to seize the opportunity to Join in an effort to restore Florida's <br />vital natural resources. <br />Solicitation No. 6000000576, Submittal Guidelines, Page 3 of 20 <br />22 <br />