Government agency officials visited the Indian River Lagoon and Big Cypress National Preserve in South Florida to highlight the importance of those water resources for surrounding communities, the area's ecological health and the economy.
The June 24 visit featured U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox, EPA Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman and Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz, according to a June 29 news release.
“This visit was such an important opportunity to get out and learn about these unique and irreplaceable water resources,” Fox said in the release. “These waters should be protected, and EPA is doing its part, including investing $4.5 million in the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program over five years through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Protecting these waters takes support from all levels of government and EPA stands ready to support the state of Florida in their efforts to protect and improve water quality.”
“The opportunity to visit such diverse natural habitats further highlighted the important role these delicate and valuable water resources have in the stability of Florida’s ecosystem," Blackman said, according to the release. "Working with our federal and state partners, it is our responsibility to ensure the health and vitality of these resources continue for future generations.”
