Florida Senate - 2013 (NP) SR 1788 By Senator Dean 5-02579-13 20131788__ 1 Senate Resolution 2 A resolution recognizing April 2013 as “Springs 3 Protection Awareness Month” in Florida. 4 5 WHEREAS, Florida’s springs are essential to the 6 environment, economy, and citizens of, and visitors to, this 7 state, and 8 WHEREAS, Florida has one of the most productive aquifers in 9 the world, which supports more than 700 natural springs, giving 10 this state the world’s highest concentration of springs, and 11 WHEREAS, more than 93 percent of Florida residents rely on 12 the groundwater supply and its vitality to the state’s economy, 13 and 14 WHEREAS, springs are a natural resource that must be 15 protected, as they reflect groundwater conditions and provide an 16 important habitat for wildlife and listed species, and 17 WHEREAS, springs provide important recreation resources and 18 opportunities that are enjoyed by citizens and visitors alike, 19 and 20 WHEREAS, Florida’s springs discharge more than 8 billion 21 gallons of water each day, which is essential for sustaining 22 spring runs and associated receiving water bodies, and 23 WHEREAS, healthy springs reflect the State of Florida’s 24 commitment to sustainable ground and surface water resource 25 protection, NOW, THEREFORE, 26 27 Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida: 28 29 That April 2013 is recognized as “Springs Protection 30 Awareness Month” in Florida, and all levels of government are 31 encouraged to support springs protection, restoration, and 32 preservation awareness.