The Loxahatchee Wild and Scenic River Designation and Preservation Act (Chapter 83-358, Florida Statutes) designated a portion of the Loxahatchee River as Wild and Scenic. The Act requires the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop a management plan for the Wild and Scenic portion of the river and update the plan every ten years. It also established the Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council, which is responsible for providing advisory recommendations to both agencies on issues related to the river and updates to the management plan.
The 2024 Loxahatchee River National Wild and Scenic Management Plan Update is a revision of the previously approved 2010 plan. This update is the required revision to guide both agencies in the restoration, protection, and enhancement of the ecological health and outstanding values of the Loxahatchee River, including the Wild and Scenic Northwest Fork. The updated plan has been revised by SFWMD staff and has undergone extensive review by the Council.
At the Council's meeting on September 30th, 2024, the Council unanimously voted to approve the final draft of the 2024 Loxahatchee River National Wild and Scenic Management Plan. With this approval, the Council is recommending the adoption of the updated plan and its submission to the federal level for final posting.
Click here to download the updated Scenic River Management Plan.