Florida Senate - 2016                                    SR 1770
       
       
        
       By Senator Dean
       
       5-03343-16                                            20161770__
    1                          Senate Resolution                        
    2         A resolution recognizing April 2016 as “Springs
    3         Protection Awareness Month” in Florida.
    4  
    5         WHEREAS, Florida’s springs are essential to the
    6  environment, economy, and residents of, and visitors to, this
    7  state, and
    8         WHEREAS, the Floridan Aquifer, one of the most productive
    9  in the world, 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  this groundwater supply for their drinking water, and
   13         WHEREAS, groundwater plays a vital role in the state’s
   14  economy, and
   15         WHEREAS, springs are a natural resource that must be
   16  protected because they reflect groundwater conditions and
   17  provide an important habitat for wildlife, including species
   18  listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species
   19  Act, and
   20         WHEREAS, springs provide important recreational resources
   21  and opportunities that are enjoyed by residents and visitors
   22  alike, and
   23         WHEREAS, Florida’s springs discharge more than 19 billion
   24  gallons of fresh water each day, which is essential for
   25  sustaining spring runs and associated receiving water bodies,
   26  and
   27         WHEREAS, healthy springs reflect the State of Florida’s
   28  commitment to sustain and protect ground and surface water
   29  resources, NOW, THEREFORE,
   30  
   31  Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
   32  
   33         That April 2016 is recognized as “Springs Protection
   34  Awareness Month” in Florida, and all levels of government are
   35  encouraged to support springs protection, restoration, and
   36  preservation awareness.