On May 24, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) released the highly anticipated final LOSOM report, marking a critical milestone in our ongoing efforts for a more sustainable and ecologically sound approach to water resource management in Florida. You can read the full report here.
Throughout this five-year long process, members of Florida Oceanographic Society have worked with stakeholders across the state, participated in meetings and partnered with other environmental organizations with these goals in mind: 1) Prioritize the flow of water South to the Everglades instead of sending damaging releases to the Northern Estuaries, 2) Flexibility in Management Zone D to allow for operational control that takes into account variables such as ecological conditions and weather forecasts, 3) Continued funding for projects critical to the success of LOSOM. You can read about how the LOSOM Water Control Plan aligns with these goals at the link here.
LOSOM is a crucial improvement from the previous operating plan, LORS08. When implemented, LOSOM has the flexibility to allow for fewer discharges to our estuaries and move water south to the Everglades and Florida Bay. Although these are steps in the right direction, there is still work to be done, and we will continue to prioritize the conservation of Florida’s coastal ecosystems.
The final LOSOM report will now undergo a 30-day review period. Once the review period concludes, LOSOM is expected to take effect in August of this year, pending the signature of Army Corps of Engineers Commander Brig. Gen. Hibner.
We encourage everyone to stay informed and stay engaged in the process. Together, we have the power to shape the future of the health of our coastal ecosystems.
For more information you can read the U.S. Army Corps' official press release at the link here.
