Watershed Management Policy Board
The Watershed Management Policy Board (WMPB) was established by the City of
Tallahassee and Leon County in order to coordinate watershed management plans
without regard to the legal boundaries of the City and County. The WMPB is
comprised of local officials and citizens of our community. The City and County
each have a representative on the WMPB. The WMPB also include representatives
from the private sector, the Leon County Science Advisory Committee, the higher
education institutions and a private citizen.
Technical Support Staff
The WMPB receives technical support from a professional group of staff members
who have the knowledge and experience to advise and provide recommendation that
will fulfill the goals the WMPB. The technical support staff is comprised of the
directors of stormwater for the City of Tallahassee and Leon County, a staff
member of the Northwest Florida Water Management District, and a member of the
Florida Lakes Management Society.
Why is watershed protection important?
Watersheds are land areas that deliver surface runoff and groundwater to rivers,
lakes and streams. Rainfall that does not filter into the ground or evaporate is
referred to as stormwater runoff. Stormwater affects everyone in our community.
The pollutants in stormwater runoff present a substantial threat to the health
of our streams and lakes. As this water flows, it collects all kinds of things
from sediment and leaves to pesticides and automobile fluids into catch basins
and through storm drain pipes and ditches, and eventually discharges into our
streams and rivers untreated. These contaminants can have a dramatic effect on
our wildlife, fish, plants and surface water quality.
Leon County and the City of Tallahassee are working together to bring a unified
watershed standard to our community. By managing watersheds, the WMPB has the
ability to address water pollution and supply issues so that more comprehensive
strategies can be implemented.
Basins
There are approximately 25 basins located throughout the City of Tallahassee and
Leon County. Many of the basins extend into adjacent counties as well as
Georgia. The basin limits allow technical staff to focus on the land affecting a
particular lake or stream when developing a management plan.
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