East County Water Control District (ECWCD) was awarded a District of the Year Award by the Florida Association of Special Districts (FASD). The FASD Awards program recognizes outstanding achievements of Special Districts who work in a team effort to achieve and surpass all priority goals while staying within budget guidelines and exceeding expectations.

The mission of FASD is to unify and strengthen special purpose government through education, the exchange of ideas and active involvement in the legislative process. The District of the Year Award recognizes ECWCD’s innovation in program implementation and success in daily operations. ECWCD displayed excellence in several areas of management including, finance, employee relations, public outreach/ awareness and infrastructure improvements.

During these hard economic times most organizations are struggling with their budgets, strategic planning allowed ECWCD to end Fiscal Year 2009 with an operating surplus. For Fiscal Year 2009, ECWCD budgeted an operating loss of $311,405 and ended the year with an operating surplus of $114,007 – which lead to the award of the Government Finance Officers Associations’ Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for Budget Preparation.

The District continually assesses its projects and community programs to ensure it is providing the best level of service possible. ECWCD evaluates its structures to determine which, if any, need maintenance, replacement or construction. Armed with this knowledge, the District applied for and was awarded American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus assistance for critical projects. The stimulus loan allowed the District to complete construction of one new structure and to replace four failing structures to reduce flooding to downstream neighbors on the Orange River; improve water quality and storage; and recharge groundwater aquifers. ECWCD was the first organization in the state of Florida to complete an ARRA stimulus funded project.

ECWCD was recognized for its efforts in establishing a community outreach program centered on its new mascot, Able Otter. ECWCD was awarded grants from Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program and Florida Exotic Pest Plants Council to create a public outreach campaign, Nurture Nature, for children K-5 and community/business owners in which individuals learn about the water cycle, stormwater management and best practice solutions for pollution prevention.

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The Special Meeting scheduled for tonight (Monday, April 26) at 6:30 p.m. at the District office has been canceled.

Also, please note that the Regular May Board meeting will be moved from Monday, May 17th to Monday, May 24th.

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East County Water Control District (ECWCD) held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the first completed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus-funded projects in the State of Florida. The stimulus loans were administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and enabled the District to both replace three structures in Harns Marsh Phase I structures and two failing Yellowtail structures.

ECWCD staff and board members were joined by their mascot, Able Otter, as well as representatives from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Lee County Parks and Recreation, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).

The project was funded in part by a $350,000 Florida State CBIR grant; $170,187 from SFWMD grant money for Watershed Initiatives; and $1.45 million in ARRA stimulus loan monies administered by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

Harns Marsh Phase I Improvement Project replaced three water control structures, H-M-1, H-M-2 and H-M-3, in Harns Marsh –a 578 acre preserve which serves as a major stormwater retention/detention area. Harns Marsh is divided into two sections, the North and South Marsh, and is used to route the flow, filter, and treat water before it moves to the Orange River.

The new structures ensure that flood waters flow properly; will reduce flooding to our downstream neighbors on the Orange River; improve water quality; and recharge the local groundwater aquifers.

ECWCD staff also conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Yellowtail 1A and 1B Replacement Project. The Yellowtail Project was entirely funded by an ARRA stimulus loan of $629,280.14 administered by FDEP.

According to Mike Cook, Assistant District Manager, “The funding for the replacement of both failing Yellowtail structures came at a critical time. When construction began on Yellowtail 1A, the structure was completely failing and had a hole approximately 20 feet long and 8 feet tall –large enough to drive a car through.”

The new L-shaped design of the replacement Yellowtail structures will enable the District to more effectively regulate the flow of water through this area. The District has saved nearly $200,000 with this design because it reduces the costs associated with having multiple telemetry systems and lowers the number of monitoring platforms.

The ribbon cutting ceremonies were made possible by generous donations from Sweetbay Supermarket, Winn-Dixie, and Perkins.

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In a time when field trips are few and far between, the fifth grade students at Harns Marsh Elementary School joined ECWCD and several other nature groups for a special field day at Harns Marsh - a district-owned 578-acre preserve.

The 150 students at Harns Marsh Elementarylearned how they could Nurture Nature as they went on a one-hour guide nature walk through Harns Marsh; planted native laurel oaks and red maples in the South Marsh and had an educational afternoon with presentations from the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, the Calusa Nature Center-Planetarium, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and Lee County Mosquito Control.

The field day is part of the Nurture Nature program funded by the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program's $3,000 Public Outreach Grant, the Florida Exotic Pest Plants Council's $1000 2009 Kathy Craddock Burks Education and Outreach Grant, and $500 from Tetra Tech. The event was a great success due in part to the support of local businesses like the Lehigh Acres Vision Ace Hardware, Sweetbay Supermarket, Walmart, Winn-Dixie, Perkins, and Subway Sandwiches.

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Able Otter teaches kids to Nurture Nature- Save the Source!

ECWCD staff conducted a educational program at Harns Marsh Elementary School for 900 students from first to fifth grade.
As part of our multi-tiered pilot outreach program,Nurture Nature, we aim to educate and energize the local youth on the water cycle; watershed; personal actions that pollute and stress the environment; benefits of native plants; impacts of invasive plants; and best-practice solutions so students can become better stewards of the environment.

Students at Harns Marsh Elementary were given Able Otter's Nurture Nature activity booklet and also interacted with ECWCD staff through the enviroscape exhibit (a model of the landscape used to show the flow of water.)

In addition kids participated in the Nurture Nature Station, where they were able to plant and keep a native, the dune sunflower.

The program is funded by the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program's $3,000 Public Outreach Grant, the Florida Exotic Pest Plants Council's $1000 2009 Kathy Craddock Burks Education and Outreach Grant, and $500 from Tetra Tech.

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ECWCD will hold a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Harns Marsh on Thursday, February 25 at 10:00 a.m. The event is open to the public. ECWCD will be conducting a Nature Tour of Harns Marsh will be held at 8 a.m.

The Harns Marsh Phase I and Yellowtail Replacement projects received funding from a Florida State CBIR Grant and is the first Florida DEP administered A.R.R.A stimulus-funded project in Florida to be completed. Harns Marsh Phase I will reduce flooding on the Orange River, improve water quality and recharge the local groundwater aquifer.

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held for Yellowtail 1A & 1B at 11 a.m.

Getting There: Head north on Sunshine Blvd., turn left on Olive Ave. N., left on W. 38th St. and continue west to the Marsh entrance.

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ECWCD Receives Public Education Grants

East County Water Control District (ECWCD) was awarded both a $3000 grant from the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP) and a $1000 Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council’s (FLEPPC) Kathy Craddock Burks Education Grant to create to educate the community about stormwater pollution, water conservation and the benefits of native plants.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

East County Water Control District (ECWCD) was awarded a Meritorious Water Conservation Award for Excellence in Public Education/Community Relations by the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA) for the Grand Opening of Jim Fleming Ecological Park (JFEP).


The FSAWWA Conservation Awards program recognizes outstanding achievements in water efficiency throughout Florida for programs implemented within the last three years.

Three levels of awards are presented each year by the Water Use Efficiency in categories of Public Education/ Community Relations; Water Supply Management, Demand Management.

The Grand Opening of JFEP gave ECWCD the ability educate community members about the role wetlands play in water efficiency, quality, and storage. JFEP Grand Opening established a link between nature and local residents through education on water management practices



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(LEHIGH ACRES) – East County Water Control District (ECWCD) is making great strides with stimulus-funded Yellowtail Project. The project replaces two failing water control structures, S-YT-1A and S-YT-1B, at the intersection of Yellowtail and Wedgewood Canals.

Yellowtail Project is entirely funded by a stimulus loan of $629,280.14 administered by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). ECWCD’s Harns Marsh Phase I and Yellowtail Projects were amongst the first Federal stimulus funded projects in Southwest Florida; the stimulus-loan program focused on projects that were construction-ready and of critical need.

“The two Yellowtail structures were given a failure rating in the District’s 2007 Facility Review,” said Assistant District Manager, Mike Cook. “The funding came at a critical time and we were fortunate enough to have the design finished and permits approved.”
When contractor, J.P. Murphy Inc., began work on July 6, the Yellowtail 1A structure was completing failing with a hole approximately 20 feet long and 8 feet tall –large enough to drive a car through.

The contractor has been working for just over five weeks and the work is nearly 40 percent complete. When the work is completed by December 6, the District will be able to more effectively regulate the flow of water through this area.

The District has several additional weirs and culverts that need replaced, but the revenue is not readily available.
“We have been fortunate in receiving the stimulus –loan funds, but we have many more structures that still need to be replaced,” said Cook.
The two failing structures are being replaced with one larger L-shape structure constructed from steel sheet piling with a concrete cap and automated weir gates.

According to Cook, the L-shaped design increases the efficiency of the structures while reducing costs. If the district were to construct two new structures, it would have cost between $400,000 and $450,000 each to complete. The District has saved nearly $200,000 with this design because it reduces the costs associated with having multiple telemetry systems and lowers the number of monitoring platforms.

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Lee County is experiencing a property tax shortfall due to a surplus of delinquent tax certificates-- a lien for delinquent taxes on real estate- and East County Water District (ECWCD) is lending a hand for those interested in the investment opportunity.

ECWCD’s office will house a list and a map of properties with county held tax certificates that are still available for purchase. The sale of County Held Tax Certificates is intended to attract potential investors to purchase the remaining tax certificates which were not sold during the tax certificate sale.

“Individuals need to do their own research before investing, but we are happy to provide access to information for our residents who may have an interest in this opportunity but may not have access to the internet or cannot get downtown,” said Dave Lindsay, ECWCD District Manager. “The property adjacent to your home may have a delinquent tax certificate and you may not be aware.”

As of last week, 16,283 tax certificates remain delinquent and are available for purchase in Lee County. If all of the remaining tax certificates were to sell, the taxing authorities could stand to collect at least $7,640,247.51 in back property taxes.

According to Tammy Harrison, Lee County Tax Collector, the interest rate potential for these certificates, if purchased from the county, is a minimum of 5% --if the property owner pays the taxes before three months– or 18% per annum of the face value. Tax certificates increase at a rate of 1.5 percent per month during a 12-month period.

When taxes and non ad valorem assessments become delinquent the tax collector is required to sell tax certificates on or before June 1, each year. On May 21, Lee County collected $88,102,539.35 in property taxes from its initial tax certificate sale. At that point in time, 43,508 properties had delinquent taxes.

Under this system, delinquent taxes are paid by an investor who earns interest on those taxes at a rate up to 18 percent per annum. Two years after the initial investment, if the tax certificate has not been redeemed (paid), the investor may apply for a tax deed based on the property described in the tax certificate. If a tax certificate is not redeemed or a tax deed application is not made, after seven years, the tax certificate is invalid and the investor would lose his/her investment capital .

Tax deeds can be applied for on April 1, after two years have elapsed from the certificate sale; more information can be found at www.leetc.com. The application opens the auction process for that parcel.

In order to make an application for a tax deed, the investor must pay the amount of any outstanding taxes and any other certificates against the property. The opening bid at the tax deed sale will be the amount that the investor has paid to call the property to sale. Once the auction process has started the investor has the potential to recoup their investment to or to obtain the property.

In Lehigh Acres, the delinquent tax certificate totals for some of the area’s agencies are:

ECWCD: $314,726.33
Lehigh Fire District: $406,581.28

Special Districts and other taxing authorities use these tax and assessment dollars to fund operations and maintenance. When there is a shortfall in collections, these governing authorities may turn to tax increases to offset the loss.

According to Lindsay, the District’s uncollectable assessments are at a higher percent than what was budgeted for the fiscal year. ECWCD expects a shortfall in tax assessments of approximately $150,000. The FY2010 budget will have to account for a 6.5 percent uncollectable assessment to cover the increase in delinquent taxes. As a result, the District will have to increase assessments and/or reduce operating expenses.

According to ECWCD budget documents, the district accounted for 12% uncollectable rate in the early 2000’s.

“The District is making every effort to cut costs in order to make up the loss of revenue from these delinquent tax certificates,” said Lindsay. “The purchase of tax certificates may not be right for everyone and it does take a lot of research; however, if every certificate sold it would reduce the rate we need to increase assessments,” said Lindsay.

Investors interested in purchasing County Held Tax Certificates are directed to visit www.leetc.com for more information.

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ECWCD's stimulus-funded Harns Marsh Phase I improvement Project is right-on schedule with its replacement three water control structures in Harns Marsh –a 578 acre preserve which serves as a major stormwater retention/detention area.

The project’s anticipated completion date is January 2010, at which time ECWCD will be able to drain the Marsh ahead of a storm and remotely close gates in order to capture as much water as possible for groundwater recharge.


Harns Marsh Phase I project will allow ECWCD to ensure that flood waters flow properly; will reduce flooding to its downstream neighbors on the Orange River; improve water quality; and recharge the local groundwater aquifers.

The project is crucial to the flow of water through Lehigh because ECWCD’s 311- mile canal system and 20 lakes flow into the Caloosahatchee River via four outfalls: Orange River, Bedman Creek, Hickeys Creek and Carlos Waterway. Harns Marsh is divided into two sections, the North and South Marsh, and is used to route the flow, filter, and treat water before it moves to the Orange River.
The Harns Marsh Phase I Project allows for the replacement of three existing water control structures, H-M-1, H-M-2 and H-M-3, in order to more effectively regulate the flow of water, at Harns Marsh. The project is one of the first Federal stimulus funded projects in Southwest Florida. It is funded in part by a $350,000 Florida State CBIR grant; $170,187 from South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) grant money for Watershed Initiatives; and $1.45 in Federal Stimulus loan monies administered by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

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Friends, family, co-workers and board members gathered before the July 27 board meeting to honor a man who lost his life in a May 2005 accident.

Eddie Serrano, 49, died after his tractor turned over on Hendry Canal. Eddie was a personable man full of love and life. His memory and family were honored in a dedication ceremony of the Eddie Serrano Building and the unveiling of the remembrance tree.

ECWCD staff who worked alongside Eddie, brought the dedication suggestion to management. Board Chairman Desmond Barrett was a strong supporter of the idea from the onset.

For nearly a month the committee, diligently worked to create the remembrance tree-- a shady area with a bench, native plant landscaping and a plaque to remember Eddie.

The efforts of the committee would not have been possible without generous donations and support of local businesses like Lehigh Acres Vision Ace Hardware, Lowes at Six Mile Cypress, and Riverland Nursery.

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I have been the District Manager of East County Water Control District (ECWCD) for more than ten years. During this time, I have seen Lehigh Acres grow and change and with it the needs of ECWCD have also changed.

Staff often hears questions like: “What does ECWCD do?” or “I don’t live on a canal; why do I pay assessments to the District?”
Owners of homes and businesses within ECWCD boundaries pay assessments because: stormwater flows from the roadways and yards into the roadside ditches that boarder your property and then it travels into the District’s canal system.

With each new home and building, we must account for more use of our canal system; an increased flow of stormwater to our canals; more pollution; more rights-of-way encroachments; more stress on our culvert crossings, and the need for more storage areas—all of which require more funding and manpower to provide the necessary maintenance.

It is the District’s mission to preserve and protect the water resources within its 70,000 acre -boundaries and ensure that flood waters flow in a financially responsible manner.

The District’s small staff manages and maintains : 311 miles of canals, 20 lakes, 360 culvert crossings, 22 bridges and 72 water control structures and 1298 preserve acres as well as 578 acres of Harns Marsh—a major retention/detention area.

Programs like canal cleaning, canal mowing, rights-of-way maintenance, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), aquatic plant control, drainage and flood control to ensure the safety of our residents and our water; these programs are crucial to the success of both our organization and for the safety or our residents.

The quality of the area’s water and vitality of the ecosystem can be affected by ECWCD’s operations as our canal system flows into the Caloosahatchee River via four outfalls: Orange River, Bedman Creek, Hickey Creek and Carlos Waterway. If structures fail, if water storage runs short, if non-native plants continue to grow in rights-of-ways and canals, if NPDES rules are violated by contractors, if homeowners build sheds, etc. in District rights-of-way our system could face some serious issues. The District staff is here to manage these outside factors to ensure the canal system is in proper working order.

Our maintenance efforts are funded in part by the assessment rates we collected once a year.

Assessment rates make our Capital Projects like the replacement of culverts – structures which allow water to pass under a road or embankment—possible. A large number of ECWCD’s culverts have been in place since the District’s creation; culverts have an approximate life expectancy of 30-50 years.

If a culvert crossing fails, it [the failure] could flood homes and pose serious health risks. In 1993, a culvert crossing collapsed while an ambulance was passing over it. This was an unfortunate accident that we hope never repeats, but it serves as a reminder for why these projects are crucial.

The District currently has 25 culverts and 5 weirs in need of replacement and we are diligently working to ensure that these structures are sound and safe for public use.

It is true that the District is examining several possible scenarios for raising or maintaining our assessment rates due to an increased need for Capital Projects and the lack of alternative revenue sources—such as the sale of spoil dirt during the real estate boom.

In my experience at the District, Lehigh Acres has consistently voted no to increased assessments, and the ECWCD board has always tried to be sensitive to the residents. We have always and will always strive to deliver the lowest assessment rate that we can while maintaining service for our community. For the last ten years, District board members have consistently lowered assessment rates. However, we must do what is best to ensure the safety of our community and its residents.

It is important to note that Board members consistently lowered assessment rates from 1999-2008; the average assessment rate for a quarter acre lot was $21. Before this time, property owners within the District boundaries paid an average of $31 per quarter acre lot from 1994-1998.

ECWCD is currently researching the best scenario recommendation to present to its Board of Supervisors at the August 24 regular board meeting. No decisions have been made at this point on whether to raise the assessment rate.

Dave Lindsay
ECWCD District Manager

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Community organizations, local residents, dignitaries, East County Water Control District, (ECWCD) staff and Board Members battled yesterday’s heat in celebration of the stimulus-funded Harns Marsh Phase I project. The groundbreaking ceremony - the official start of construction Harns Marsh Phase I –was a culmination of tireless planning, visioning and the great efforts of many.


ECWCD is thrilled that Harns Marsh Phase I has been fortunate enough to receive funding from a $350,000 Florida State CBIR grant, a $170,187 South Florida Water Management District grant for Watershed Initiatives, and is one of the first FDEP stimulus-funded projects in Southwest Florida. The $1.45 million FDEP stimulus loan has made it possible for ECWCD to reduce flooding to our downstream neighbors on the Orange River and the Caloosahatchee River; improve water quality; and recharge the local groundwater aquifers.

Harns Marsh has come a long way since initial construction was completed in the spring of 1985. It not only serves as Lehigh Acres’ major storm water retention/detention area, but is also a lush wildlife habitat.

“In these trying times, the contribution of stimulus dollars enables ECWCD to improve and replace much needed projects and has been an extraordinary help. It is a great honor to be one of the first projects in southwest Florida to receive funding, said Dave Lindsay, District Manager.”


ECWCD would like to extend its gratitude to its staff and Board members, SFWMD, Tetra Tech, Armadillo Underground and the Legislators and County Commissioners who made this project possible. We’d also like to thank Cathy Olson, Lee County Parks and Rec; Brid Patrol, Caloosa Bird Club,and the Audubon Society for leading bird tours at Harns Marsh and promoting a wonderful wildlife habitat.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(LEHIGH ACRES) – East County Water Control District (ECWCD) will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at Harns Marsh –a 578 acre preserve which serves as a major stormwater retention/detention area – in Lehigh Acres on Wednesday, June 10 at 4 p.m.

The Harns Marsh Phase I Project is one of the first Federal stimulus funded projects in Southwest Florida. The project is funded in part by a $350,000 Florida State CBIR grant and $1.45 million in Federal Stimulus loan monies administered by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

ECWCD preserves and protects water reserves through drainage, conservation, mitigation, navigational and water management practices in Lehigh Acres and the western portion of Hendry County. The District maintains 360 culvert crossing, 22 bridges, 66 water control structures and maintains 1298 preserve acres within 70,000 acres of land – approximately 68,000 of these acres lie in eastern Lee County.

ECWCD’s 311- mile canal system and 20 lakes flow into the Caloosahatchee River via four outfalls: Orange River, Bedman Creek, Hickeys Creek and Carlos Waterway. The Harns Marsh Phase I Project replaces three existing water control structures to in order to regulate the flow of water. The addition of operable gates –controlled by a computer— allows for the ability to manage water flow remotely.

Harns Marsh Phase I project will allow ECWCD to ensure that flood waters flow properly; will reduce flooding to our downstream neighbors on the Orange River; improve water quality; and recharge the local groundwater aquifers.

ECWCD Board Members, Staff and Commissioners Judah and Mann will discuss important issues in regards to the Harns Marsh Phase I project.

This retention/detention area is more than just a stormwater facility; it is also serves as a lush wildlife habitat. A ghost trail still tells a tale of where the Orange River once meandered through the a 59-acre cypress head.

More than 100 wildlife species have been spotted on bird-watching tours lead by Cathy Olson, Lee Parks and Recreation, in conjunction with the Caloosa Bird Club, Peace River Audubon Society and Lee County Bird Patrol.

Currently, Harns Marsh preserve is open for passive exploration from dawn until dusk, but motorized vehicles must be left outside the entrance gates. The Marsh is slated to be a Lee County Regional Park with limited passive activities such as hiking, fishing and bird watching.

Getting There: From Lee Blvd. head north on Sunshine Blvd., turn left on Olive and then turn left on 38th; and continue to the Marsh.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

East County Water Control District (ECWCD) has just begun examining the possible scenarios for raising or maintaining its assessment rates due to an increased need for Capital Projects and the lack of alternative revenue sources.

ECWCD is currently researching the best scenario recommendation to present to its Board of Supervisors at the August 24 regular board meeting. No decisions have been made at this point on whether to raise the assessment rate.

“In my experience at the District, Lehigh Acres has consistently voted no to increased assessments, and the ECWCD board has always tried to be sensitive to the residents, said Lindsay. “We have always and will always strive to deliver the lowest assessment rate that we can while maintaining service for our community.”

ECWCD’s previous budgets reflect just that. The assessment rates decreased from 1999 – 2006. In 1999, ECWCD budgeted $ 4,494,055 in assessments and continued to decrease the assessment rate by 29% until 2006 when it was budgeted at $3,190,836. During this period, a resident living on a quarter acre lot experienced $ 7.80 in savings.

ECWCD was able to lower the assessment rates in previous years because of alternative revenue sources such as the sale of dirt and an influx of residents paying several years of back assessment. These alternative revenue sources are no longer available and the cost of living is rising.

“It would have been very safe for the Supervisors from the 1999-2006 years to decide to keep the assessment rates the same until the present day. However, they chose to give back to the community and we hope that if an assessment rate increase is needed that the community will understand,” said Lindsay.

The assessment rates are collected once a year and that money goes towards the District’s maintenance and Capital Projects like culvert and weir replacements. A large number of ECWCD’s culverts—a structure which allows water to pass under a road or embankment—have been in place since the District’s creation in 1958; they have an approximate life expectancy of 30-50 years. If a culvert crossing fails it could flood homes and pose serious health risks to anyone driving over the culvert crossing if it were to fail.

It is the District’s mission to preserve and protect the water resources within its boundaries and ensure that flood waters flow. ECWCD’s canal system flows into the Caloosahatchee River via four outfalls: Orange River, Bedman Creek, Hickey Creek and Carlos Waterway.

“If we are unable to fund operations, homes in Lehigh will flood during hurricane season,” said Lindsay. “During storms our men are out walking on structures, clearing debris and whatever else is necessary to avoid flooding our residents.

What do these assessments mean?

Through the years, the District has evolved to preserve and protect water reserves through drainage, conservation, mitigation, navigational and water management practices in Lehigh Acres and the western portion of Hendry County.

The District is often times mistaken as the organization responsible for providing drinking water and wastewater service and infrastructure in Lehigh Acres; however, these responsibilities lie with Florida Government Utility Authority (FGUA).

ECWCD encompasses 70,000 acres of land – approximately 68,000 of these acres lie in eastern Lee County with the remaining acres in Hendry County. The District maintains 311 miles of canals, 20 lakes, 360 culvert crossings, 22 bridges and 66 water control structures. ECWCD maintains 1298 preserve acres as well as 578 acres of Harns Marsh—a major retention/detention area.

Maintenance of the district occurs through programs such as: canal cleaning, canal mowing, rights-of-way maintenance, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), aquatic plant control, drainage and flood control, and limited parks powers.

Funding for the operation of ECWCD and all maintenance of canal systems is acquired through the collection of non-ad valorem assessments which provide the necessary drainage and flood control protection to local residents. In 1963, the Special Act ratified the District’s creation and authorization to levy and enforce taxes. It was reaffirmed in accordance and under the provisions of Florida Statues, Chapter 298.

Everyone benefits from the existence of ECWCD, whether their business or residence borders a canal or not. Everyone pays the same annual, flat rate based on the amount of property they own, not its value. The current rates paid to ECWCD per year by property owners:

• Quarter Acre: $22.45
• Half Acre: $44.90
• One Acre: $89.80

“Our goal is to maintain our current level of service to ensure the residents of our District are protected, that structures are sound, and that jobs are safe,” said Lindsay.

The ECWCD Board is currently struggling with a decision to reduce rights-of-way mowing from three times a year to only two times a year in order to cut costs.

“Just imagine if you mowed your yard only three times a year? A majority of our customer service calls are from homeowners wanting to know why we cannot mow more frequently,” said Lindsay.

According to Lindsay, ECWCD has been working to cut spending and install cost saving measures to improve the budget.



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Please join East County Water Control District
for the Harns Marsh Phase I Groundbreaking Ceremony

Wednesday, June 10 at 4 p.m.

Harns Marsh Phase I will reduce flooding on the Orange River, improve water quality and recharge the local groundwater aquifer. The project has received funding from a Florida State CBIR Grant and is one of the first Florida DEP stimulus-funded projects in Southwest Florida.

Head north on Sunshine Blvd., turn left on Olive Ave. N., left on W. 38th St. and continue west to the Marsh entrance.

Refreshments and light fare will be provided.

Please RSVP by contacting (239) 368-0044 ext. 17 or email carlau@ecwcd.com

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In the spring of 1984, 350 Riverdale High School students performed the turning of the tassel to signify their readiness to embark upon the journey into adulthood. Some students were still talking about Michael Jackson's hair catching fire during filming of a Pepsi commercial or what to do during summer, while others, like Ken Waugh, began thinking about what the future had in store.

For Ken Waugh, that next step was to jump into the workforce. In October of 1984, he began his career at East County Water Control District (ECWCD) as a weed harvester and 25 years later he is the district's Field Superintendent-a position which oversees 28 employees, manages daily field operations, and performs the district's GIS mapping needs.

Waugh's 25-year- tenure has transformed him into a jack-of-all-trades as his timeline at the district also includes experiences such as a water level monitoring technician, aquatic herbicide sprayer, and heavy equipment operator.
With his experience in aquatic herbicides, Waugh moved into the role of Aquatic Supervisor, in 1992, when the District began a water monitoring system. In 1994, he began working with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Science (UF IFAS) to pioneer a way to slow the growth of grass using a chemical mowing technique.

Waugh said he has always been thirsty for knowledge and would take on new responsibilities to grow and develop within his role at the district.

In 1999, the District office was split into two departments and Waugh became Supervisor of Plant Control and shortly began facility reviews of the District's structures and culverts. In 2000, he was awarded the honor of Storm water Field Tech of the Year by the Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association.

"Ken is a great asset to the District and truly enjoys what he does," said Dave Lindsay, District Manager. "He has had the fortune of seeing the District grow and change over the years."

"The morale at the District is great, which makes it easier to achieve our goals," said Waugh. "It's a great feeling coming to work every day knowing I have a such a great support staff in the field ."

Waugh, a Canadian transplant, has been a resident of the area for 28 years. When he isn't at the District, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. Waugh also has a passion for playing and collecting old violins and spends his free time making custom wood cabinets and furniture using a variety of woods.

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March 31, 2009

For Immediate Release

Littering is on the rise in East County Water Control District’s (ECWCD) waterways and rights-of-ways– the land bordering waterways. Although 2009 has just begun, as of March 31 ECWCD has removed 8,673 pounds of trash and debris from its rights-of-ways and waterways.

The collection included nearly 3,000 pounds of discarded tires as well as shopping carts, sofas and general trash.

ECWCD maintains the canal rights-of-way to ensure that they can properly monitor and maintain its waterways and perform maintenance tasks such as mowing, especially during tropical storms and hurricanes.

In 2008, the District disposed of 30,663 pounds of trash at the incinerator off Buckingham Road which included items such as: 400 lbs of plastic bags, several sofas, a truck cab, yard waste, and tires.

“There are a substantial amount of District rights-of-way which border residential property lines and it is crucial to keep these areas free of trash, debris and encroachments for the proper maintenance of our waterways,” said Dave Lindsay, District Manager.

If a resident or business owner’s property borders a waterway, it is their responsibility to investigate where their property line ends.

“Residents and businesses can schedule curbside pickup, at no cost, for a majority of the items we find polluting our right-of-way,” said Lindsay.

ECWCD staff monitors the rights-of-way to identify, notify eliminate encroachments—manmade or natural obstructions—such as un-permitted docks; parked vehicles; plants, trees, etc.; dirt and debris from construction sites; use of recreational vehicles, and structures like fences, sheds and pools. are found, the District will notify the resident and will allow three warnings to remove the item. On the third warning, the District will remove the item and will take legal action to secure reimbursement for the removal. As authorized by the Clean Water Act, ECWCD must comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations and will immediately remove any item that violates these regulations.

The most common NPDES violations that ECWCD staff encounters are illicit discharges such as pool overflows, brine lines and grey water which is a washing machine discharge

“We are continually working to balance an unpredictable natural resource against a variety of demands including litter, encroachments and nonnative aquatic weeds,” said Ken Waugh, ECWCD Field Superintendent.

Lee County Solid Waste provides a complete list of the necessary disposal information on their website at http://www3.leegov.com/solidwaste/ or contact by phone at 533-8000.

Horticultural waste can be picked up curbside is bagged or bundled in units under 50lbs; contact Lee County Solid Waste for disposal criteria.

To arrange a pickup of refrigerators, washer/dryer units, heaters, stoves, dishwashers, etc. contact Waste Management at 334-4115.


Large furniture items, televisions, computers microwaves me be left curbside, will be tagged and picked up.

The Household Chemical Waste Facility Topaz on Metro Parkway accepts ammunition; antifreeze; auto, boat, and motorcycle batteries; paint cans partially emptied; propane tanks; cell phones, both florescent and compact florescent bulbs; and motor oil. According to Eric Tscherteu, Solid Waste Coordinator, Lehigh Acres residents account for six percent of those people bringing items to the new Chemical Waste Facility Topaz on Metro Parkway.
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March 30, 2009
For Immediate Release

(Lehigh Acres, FL)—East County Water Control District (ECWCD) is taking steps to ensure that Lehigh businesses are given first consideration, whenever possible, in the award of contracts for the purchase of goods and services through the policy entitled Lehigh Acres First.

When good and services are available and competitive vendors are found locally, the proposed plan will allow the District to prioritize the vendors based on geographic order beginning with Lehigh Acres, Lee County, Southwest Florida, Florida, and the whole of the United States. In an effort to help stimulate the economy, District is encouraged to only by goods, wherever possible, from United States based manufacturers.

Board of Supervisors will review several scenarios and formulate the specifics of this policy at the April 23 board meeting.

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East County Water Control District (ECWCD) will be participating in the Lehigh Spring Festival parade on Saturday, March 28.

The District will have a booth at the Festival Fairgrounds at Veteran’s Park. Staff will be educating the community on our programs and projects.

Our caring vendors: Vision Ace Hardware of Lehigh Acres; Prosource One of Immokalee; Flagler Construction Equipment of Fort Myers; Kelly Tractor of Fort Myers; Tractor Supply Co. of Fort Myers; and Everglades Farm Equipment of Fort Myers have made donations to assist in our community outreach efforts with the Lehigh Spring Festival.

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March 11, 2009


It was a manic Monday for a J.P. Murphy Inc. work-crew who went beyond the call of duty to help put out a brush fire in Hendry County.

J.P. Murphy Inc. – a contractor of East County Water Control District (ECWCD) was completing a day’s work – a rebuild of the Hendry 1 water control structure at the end of 21st Terrace and the Hendry Canal; the project is 60 percent complete.

At approximately 4 p.m., the J.P. Murphy crew called it a day and began to head home, when the team noticed smoke and then flames about one block north of the construction site – at 22nd Terrace and 22nd Place just east of Wheeler Road and west of the Hendry Canal.

Fast on their feet, the six-man -crew headed back to the work-site to retrieve a front-end loader which is being used on the ECWCD Project and several shovels to put out the growing blaze. The diligently worked to get the blaze under control until the Fire Department arrived.

The men from J.P. Murphy tried calling 911 to report the fire, but it was a resident-an off duty fireman- who got the call through to give the location of the brush fire.

Men were vigorously shoveling dirt atop the flames to put it out, while one of the team members moved brush and dirt with the front-loader to prevent the growth of the brush fire.

When the Fire Department arrived, a majority of the brush fire was put out but the team worked hard to ensure the fire was completely put out.

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Due the weather that is expected tomorrow morning and the number of regrets sent, East County Water Control District will be cancelling the Harns Marsh Tour scheduled for Wednesday, Dec 3 at 8 a.m.

We apologize for the inconvenience. The tour will be rescheduled in the new year.

Please check back for new tour dates.

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The East County Water Control District (ECWCD) is an independent special taxing district (government agency) created, in 1958, to manage the drainage of lands within the eastern portion of Lee County.
Through the years, the District has evolved to preserve and protect water reserves through drainage, conservation, mitigation, navigational and water management practices in Lehigh Acres and the western portion of Hendry County.

The District is often times mistaken as the organization responsible for providing drinking water and wastewater service and infrastructure in Lehigh Acres; however, these responsibilities lie with Florida Government Utilities (FGUA).

ECWCD encompasses 70,000 acres of land – approximately 68,000 of these acres lie in eastern Lee County with the remaining acres in Hendry County. The land lies in vicinity bounded on the south by State Road No. 82, on the north by Greenbriar, on the east by Hendry County, and on the west by Lee County Mosquito Control District.

Within its boundaries, the District maintains 311 miles of canals, 20 lakes, 360 culvert crossings, 22 bridges and 66 water control structures. ECWCD maintains 1298 preserve acres as well as 578 acres of Harns Marsh—a major retention/detention area.

Maintenance of the district occurs through programs such as: canal cleaning, canal mowing, rights-of-way maintenance, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), aquatic plant control, drainage and flood control, and limited parks powers.

Funding for the operation of ECWCD and all maintenance of canal system is acquired through the collection of a non-ad valorem assessment to provide the necessary drainage and flood control protection to local residents. In 1963, the Special Act ratified the District’s creation and authorization to levy and enforce taxes was reaffirmed in accordance and under the provisions of Florida Statues, Chapter 298.

Whether residences or businesses border canals or not, everyone pays the same flat rate based on the amount of property they own, not its value. The current rates paid to ECWCD per year by property owners:

• Quarter Acre: $22.45
• Half Acre: $44.90
• One Acre: $89.80

The daily operations of ECWCD are overseen by the District Manager, Dave Lindsay and maintained by the 33-member support staff. Major management decisions are made by a publicly-elected, five-member Board of Supervisors.

Board meetings are open to the public and are typically held the fourth Monday of every month at the District Headquarters at 601 East County Lane, Lehigh Acres 33936.

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East County Water Control District would like you to join us for the

Harns Marsh Nature Tour

Tuesday, October 28, 2008
at 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Head north on Sunshine Blvd., turn left on Olive Ave. N., left on W. 38th St. and continue west to the Marsh entrance

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Harns Marsh

Lehigh Acres’ best kept secret is nestled between Sunshine Blvd. and Buckingham Air Park.

A ghost trail still tells a tale of where the Orange River once meandered through a 59-acre cypress head.

This is just a fraction of Lehigh Acres’ best kept secret, otherwise known as Harns Marsh. The 578-acre preserve is one of the area’s major stormwater retention/detention facilities.

Harns Marsh has been used both as a campground for the local Boy Scouts for years as well as the public for exploration and wildlife observation, however cars must be left outside of the facility’s gate.

ECWCD and Lee County have slated Harns Marsh as a regional park. It is projected that the passive park with trails, boardwalks, fishing etc. will be built in 2011.

Designed, in 1981, by East County Water Control District (ECWCD), the intent of Harns Marsh, said Dave Lindsay, ECWCD District Manager, is to eliminate or at very least reduce flooding of our downstream neighbors along the Orange River during a major storm.

When the construction was finished in 1985, approximately 478 had been excavated to provide Lehigh with increased capability of stormwater storage, said Lindsay.

For many years this storage area was wet year round – which prevented maintenance.

“The drought of 2007 created an opportunity for the rehabilitation of Harns Marsh just like it did for Lake Okeechobee,” said Lindsay. “District crews were able to clean 182 acres of the North Marsh creating an additional 59-million gallons of storage within the marsh.”

The removal of silt, sediment, dead trees and invasive plants improves water quality and enhances storage.

A major goal of the District is to improve Harns Marsh into a better stormwater facility with improved water quality. Harns Marsh is split into two areas: the North and South Marsh. The North Marsh is the first stage in the flood control process and is used routinely in the wet season, while the South Marsh is only used in a major rain event

The first phase of Harns Marsh improvement involves the replacement of the inflow and outflow weirs on the South Marsh and the outflow weir from the North Marsh.

The second phase will consist of replacing the two main inflow weirs to the marsh. Construction of phase one should break ground in the winter of 2009 and the second phase in 2010.

GETTING THERE: Travel north on Sunshine Blvd., north on Olive and west on 38th





Jim Fleming Ecological Park

What once was desolate 3.5- acre parcel— one of the last remaining pieces of Lehigh Acres’ original wetlands— has been transformed into a pristine ecological park. It is situated on the quickly developing main drag of Lee Blvd. in Lehigh Acres.
In 1999, the Lehigh Corporation donated the 3.5 acre-parcel after great persuasion from Mr. Fleming. Construction on the pristine ecological park began in July 2007 after all necessary funding and approval came through.
Daily from dusk until dawn, community members can experience JFEP’s two pavilions, barbeque facilities and a stroll along the 500-foot boardwalk. The park also includes an 8-space parking lot, bike racks and several benches.

GETTING THERE: The park is located on the corner of Lee Blvd. and Xelda Ave.

Charley Matheny Park

Charley Matheny Park borders Lake Camille and provides community members with use of its pavilions, green space and barbeque facilities. Community members can fish and kayak in Lake Camille but use of gas motor boats and swimming are prohibited.

The land and funds for the park were donated in 1999 which allowed for the park’s 2002 completion. The pavilions were built by Lee County and dedicated to ECWCD.

GETTING THERE: The Park is located at Lake Camille on Joel Blvd.

Barbara Farrell Park

Barbara Farrell Park borders Lehigh Acres Community Park North and provides community members with use of its pavilions, green space and barbeque facilities.

The land and funds for the park were donated in 1999 which allowed for the park’s 2002 completion. The pavilions were built by Lee County and dedicated to ECWCD.

GETTING THERE: The Park is located at Williams Ave and 5th Street.

Canals and Lakes

ECWCD has numerous canals and lakes that are part of our vast water management system. Community members are free to partake in passive recreational fishing in both the lakes and canals for some of the area’s blue grille, shell crackers, and largemouth bass—just to name a few.

Row and paddle boats, like canoes and kayaks, are allowed in the district lakes and canals. Sail boats and small boats with electric motors are also allowed, but gas motor boats are prohibited. Boats should not be left in the canals or lakes overnight.

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In an effort to protect the Northern Everglades Estuaries, a team of agencies and organizations including South Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Florida Department of Environmental Protection in cooperation with Lee and Martin counties and other affected municipalities have come together to announce the release of the Caloosahatchee River Watershed Protection Plan draft.

Community members are encouraged to view the plan at: https://my.sfwmd.gov/northerneverglades . Comments can be made via the website or by mail at: Janet Starnes, c/o SFWMD Lower West Coast Service Center, 2301 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901. The comment period will conclude on October 31, 2008.

A public meeting will be held on Monday, October 27, 2008 to discuss the Northern Everglades Caloosahatchee River Watershed Protection Plan. The meeting will be held at:

Lower West Coast Service Center
2301 McGregor Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

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August 25, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

East County Water Control District (ECWCD) felt the effects of Fay last Monday and Tuesday with 7.47 inches of rain and was hit with an additional 5 inches of rain Friday and Saturday from Fay’s outer bans.

During Fay’s initial landfall, ECWCD experienced most of its rainfall on the eastern side of the District near Bell Blvd. and Joel Blvd. These areas experienced localized flooding as some canals came out of their banks.

The District also saw some road flooding in Wild Cat Farm area south of State Road 82, Sentinella Rd. area, and near Columbus and Meadow Rd.

Just when the ECWCD thought the storm had passed, Fay sent some outer bans of rain their way. The District felt the heaviest effects of Fay’s second phase, on Friday, in its northern region near Harns Marsh—the District’s largest retention/detention area. According to Lindsay, Harns Marsh approached capacity Saturday afternoon.

“This outer ban hit the District at a time when our system was not fully recovered from Fay’s first punch,” said Dave Lindsay, ECWCD District Manager.

Members of the ECWCD staff again worked overtime hours on Friday and Saturday to ensure the safety of the District. A team of three ECWCD field staff began working late Friday evening until 3 a.m. clearing aquatic foliage from the water control structures at Hickey Creek 2 on the northern end of Sunshine Blvd., and 9-mile One on Bell Blvd.

On Saturday a team of four continued raking foliage from the structures gates to ensure water could flow freely while Field Superintendents and the District’s engineering monitored the structures.

Fay has left an impact both in and out of District Boundaries because all of ECWCD’s water flows through Bedman Creek and the Orange River before heading to the Caloosahatchee River.

This weekend Bedman Creek came out of its banks while the Orange River experienced high water levels. ECWCD staff helped residents sandbag the Bedman Creek area in order to lessen the effects of flooding.

“As of this morning, water levels are receding, but our canal system needs time to recover,” said Lindsay.

Lindsay noted the ECWCD’s 2008 Water Control Plan helped put projects and structures in placed that severely lessened the impact of Fay on the District.
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