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Blackwater Watershed Stewardship Program

The Blackwater River Foundation created the Blackwater Watershed Stewardship Program in September 2008 to address areas of concern pertaining to habitat and water quality advocacy, watershed education, waterway policy development, and implementation of watershed stewardship opportunities.  The Foundation hopes this initiative will provide leadership and coordination of watershed-related activities with stakeholders to educate the general public of the importance of protecting the river and its resources.

In 2009, the Foundation convened the Blackwater River Watershed Stewardship Committee, a collaborative group of stakeholders and stewards who work to promote stewardship and education throughout the Blackwater River watershed, by: 1) Identifying issues; 2) Developing sustainable solutions; and 3) Protecting and restoring the natural systems of the watershed so ecological, cultural, and economic integrity will be preserved for future generations.

Final goals, objectives and strategies for the Program are being developed and incorporated into the Blackwater Watershed Master Plan, which will be completed in the Spring of 2010.

Click here for Committee Meeting Agendas, Minutes and Materials

The Blackwater Watershed Stewardship Program is funded in part by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Coastal Management Program (FCMP) through an award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Blackwater Watershed Urban Forestry Program

According to the U.S. Forest Service, urban forests are dynamic ecosystems that provide environmental services such as clean air and water. Trees cool cities and save energy; improve air quality; strengthen quality of place and local economies; reduce storm water runoff; improve social connections; complement smart growth; and create walkable communities. Urban Forestry programs enhance the livability of communities by improving the stewardship of urban natural resources.  Trees are a critical element of a livable urban environment.  Many people believe that having tree-lined streets is a basic right, like having clean water to drink and clean air to breathe.  We agree.

In 2006, the Blackwater River Foundation created its Urban Forestry Program through an Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the State of Florida.  Community workshops began in 2007 to educate the community on the benefits of native trees and the negative impacts of invasive species.  Through this initative, the Foundation has sponsored waterfront cleanups, creation of a neighborhood park in Bagdad, and funded tree plantings throughout the community.  The Foundation maintains an Urban Forestry committee to address the Urban Forestry needs throughout the Blackwater Watershed with partnerships between Santa Rosa County, the City of Milton, Santa Rosa County Extension, Santa Rosa Clean Community System, The Nature Conservancy, Division of Forestry, Main Street Milton, and community members.  Graduate level foresters, a certified arborist, horticulturists, planners, and citizens serve on the committee.

Throughout 2010, the Foundation will be conducting tree plantings, facilitating an Urban Forestry Master Plan for the City of Milton, and creating an Urban Forestry multimedia collection specific to the Blackwater Watershed.

The Blackwater Watershed Urban Forestry Program is funded in part by the Florida Division of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service.