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» Estero Bay Water Management, MFLs (Minimum Flows and Levels) and Historical Flow: 

Water Management, MFLs (Minimum Flows and Levels) and Historical Flow

(MFLs: "The limit at which further water withdrawls would cause significant harm to the water resource or ecology of the area" (USGS))

Burns, William S. and Richard F. Bower.  (1978).  Big Hickory Pass, Lee County, Florida: hydrographic study.  Naples, FL: Suboceanic Consultants.
(The report presents the results of a hydrographic study of Big Hickory Pass, Lee County, Florida.  The study had the following goals: to determine the causes of the closure of Big Hickory Pass; to determine any adverse effects associated with the closure of the Pass; to investigate alternative strategies that reduce or eliminate the adverse effects and are cost-effective and environmentally sound; and to evaluate the alternate strategies and recommend a solution to Lee County.  Recommendations were formulated after the following data were analyzed: an historical review of morphologic changes in the vicinity based upon nautical charts and aerial photographs; hydraulic and tidal measurements made throughout southern Estero Bay between January and June 1978; and water quality measurements made throughout southern Estero Bay between February and July 1978.)

Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program.  (1999).  Data management, analysis, and exchange strategy.  79 pp.  North Fort Myers, FL: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program.

(The document describes data management strategy for the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program.  It identifies data gaps and needs, and suggests actions to fill information gaps and encourage data exchange.  It includes information on web sites, geographical information systems, CD-ROM data, newsletters and reports.)

Clark, R.  (1986).  Water quality, circulation patterns and sediment analysis of the Estero Bay estuarine system.  Lee County, FL: Dept. of Community Development.

Dabbs, Clyde G.  (2001).  Estero Bay watershed integrated groundwater/surface water hydrologic model.  Geological Society of America, Southeastern Section, 50th Annual Meeting, Raleigh, NC, United States, April 5-6, 2001.  Geological Society of America, 33(2): pp. 17.
(The rapid growth of the Estero Bay area during the past decades with its increased population and accompanying urban and agricultural development has stimulated significant concerns regarding the water and environmental resources of the region.  There is concern that the scale of urban and agricultural development will affect the ecological integrity of the region.)

Dexter Bender and Associates.  (1990-05).  Managing the quality, quantity and timing of surface water discharge into the Estero Bay State Aquatic Preserve.  32 pp.  Fort Myers, FL: W. Dexter Bender and Associates.

Environmental Science and Engineering.  (1978).  Final report and technical appendix of the productivity study for the Estero Bay study.  118 pp.  Gainesville, FL: Environmental Science and Engineering.
(This document presents raw technical data obtained from productivity studies carried out as part of the Southwest Florida 208 program.  Sampling was conducted during September 1977 at six stations in Estero Bay on a diurnal basis.  A brief summary section is included.)     

Estero Bay Marine Laboratory.  (1996).  Estero Bay Lee County, Southwestern Florida 1995-1996 hydrological, biological, and geological studies.  1 vol.  Fort Myers Beach, FL: The Laboratory. 

Estero Bay Marine Laboratory.  (1996).  Estero Bay Lee County, Southwestern Florida 1995-1996 hydrological, biological, and geological studies.  1 vol.  Fort Myers Beach, FL: The Laboratory. 

Estero Bay Marine Laboratory.  (1996).  Estero Bay Lee County, Southwestern Florida 1995-1996 hydrological, biological, and geological studies.  1 vol.  Fort Myers Beach, FL: The Laboratory.

Florida Dept. of Transportation.  (1979).  Location of project, U. S. 41 (SR 45) from 1.6 miles south of Halfway Creek north 4.7 miles to the existing four-lane in Lee County administrative action, final supplement E.I.S.  25 pp.  Washington, DC: Dept. of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. 

Fraser, Thomas H. and Ralph T. Montgomery.  (1997).  Compendium of existing monitoring programs in the greater Charlotte Harbor watershed.  187 pp.  North Fort Myers, FL: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program.

 (This report describes monitoring programs for the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program study area.(including the Myakka River).The objectives of this report are to: 1) identify and describe all existing land, air, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife and vegetation, and water monitoring programs that pertain to the study area; 2) provide a summary of those programs both temporally and geographically; 3) help identify areas where monitoring is lacking or where protocols are inconsistent; and 4) assist existing programs in coordinating their efforts and increase understanding of programs across organizations.)

Johnson Engineering.  (1999).  South Lee County watershed plan.  Contract C-8812 / prepared for The South Florida Water Management District.  1 vol.  West Palm Beach, FL: South Florida Water Management District.
(Comprehensive water management plan for the South County area aimed at restoring historic surface water flow characteristics, improving water detention and aquifer recharge potential, reducing the threats of saltwater intrusion, and other problems related to the watershed of the area.  
PHASE ONE describes the hydrologic-hydraulic model development.  Hydrologic-hydraulic model development; Tasks I-A.  Project orientation, I-B.  Data collection, I-C.  Modeling feasibility assessment 
PHASE TWO comprises an ecological assessment.  Ecologic assessment; Tasks II-A.  Project orientation, II-B.  Data collection, II-C.  Criteria development, II-D.  Ecological assessment of existing conditions and identification of hydrologic parameters for restored conditions, II-E.  Environmental assessment exhibits 
PHASE THREE includes information related to identification of watershed problems and plan formulation.  Related maps and evaluation of proposed improvements are appended.  Problem identification and plan formulation; Tasks III-A.  Problem identification and evaluate existing hydrologic-hydraulic conditions, III-B.  Plan formulation and action-progress summary 
APPENDIX: Acronyms, Explanation of related phase III maps, Action-progress map and illustrations, Hydraulic evaluation of proposed improvements -- Amendment No. 1--Amendment No. 2--Amendment No. 3.) 

Johnson Engineering.  (1992).  Lee County surface water management plan.  2 vols.  Fort Myers, FL: Johnson Engineering. Characterization of the Estero River watershed through the identification of watershed boundaries, land use, hydrogeology and hydrology and water quantity and quality modeling.)

Johnson Engineering.  (1991).  Long term water budget model: Six Mile Cypress watershed.  Fort Myers, FL: Johnson Engineering.
(The publications speaks to efficient surface water management  of the Six Mile Cypress Slough for flood control and environmental enhancement.)

Johnson Engineering, et al.  (1990).  Lee County surface water management plan--Ten Mile Canal watershed.  Fort Myers, FL; Johnson Engineering.

Johnson Engineering, et al.  (1990).  Lee County interim surface water management plan.  5 vols.  Fort Myers, FL: Johnson Engineering.
(Comprehensive water management plan for the County including coverage of the watershed, sensitive lands, rights-of way, hydrology, system capacity, funding, and more. VOLUME ONE comprises a summarized version of the plan. VOLUMES TWO-A and TWO-B comprise the planning and implementation of the plan. VOLUME THREE is an appendix containing maps and sketches detailing the watershed and rights-of-way.  VOLUME FOUR comprises an annually updated working plan in which data and maps are updated.)

 Jones, Christopher Palmer.  (1980).  Big Hickory Pass, New Pass, and Big Carlos Pass.  46 pp.  Tallahassee, FL: State University System of Florida, Sea Grant College Program.

(The purpose of the publication to provide for each inlet a summary of the more significant available information and to list known documentation.)

Jones, Ronald D. and Joseph N. Boyer.  (2001).  Integrated surface water quality monitoring program for the south Florida coastal waters: FY2000 cumulative report to the South Florida Water Management District (C-10244), and Everglades National Park.  55 pp.  Miami, FL: Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University.

(Covers Cape Romano to Pine Island Sound (including Estero Bay), providing site-specific information on salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total nitrogen and total phosphorous, total organic nitrogen, total organic carbon, alkaline phosphatase activity, chlorophyll a, silicate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, total phosphorous and soluble reactive phosphate.)

 La Rose, Henry R.  (1977).  Fluctuations of ground-water levels in Lee County, Florida, in 1976 water year.  98 pp.
(This report summarizes water-level data collected from 75 observation wells and rainfall data collected from 3 stations in Lee County, Florida, during water year 1976.  The water-level data are measured monthly and presented on month-end, water-year hydrographs.  Water-level data from wells that are equipped with continuous recorders are presented on daily-high, water-year hydrographs.  Historical water-level data are included for comparison.)

Lee County, Board of County Commissioners.  (1988).  Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: land & water management plan.  52 pp.  West Palm Beach, FL: South Florida Water Management District.

Lee County Environmental Services.  Surface water master plan.  Fort Myers, FL: Lee County Environmental Services Dept., Natural Resources Division.
(The file contains an inventory of the digital data found on the Lee County Surface Water Master Management Master Plan CD.  It contains all of the report text and digital data (drawings, modeling, spreadsheets, etc.) for all phases of the LCSWMMP submitted to date.  This includes the Interim Report (1990), the Six Mile Report (1991), the Ten Watersheds report (1991), the Nineteen Watersheds report (1992) and the Six Watersheds report (1996).)

Missimer, T. M. and T. H. O'Donnell.  (1976).  Fluctuations of ground-water levels in Lee County, Florida, in 1974.  75 pp.  Tallahassee, FL: U. S. Dept. of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey.
(This is the first in a series of annual reports presenting water-level data from selected observation wells in Lee County, Florida.  It includes data collected during water year 1974.  Long-term hydrographs of wells continuously monitored by recorders are plotted using month-end high water levels.  Effects of climatic conditions and human activities on ground-water levels are briefly described.)

Missimer, T. M. and D. H. Boggess.  (1974).  Fluctuations of the water table in Lee County, Florida, 1969-73.  41pp.  Tallahassee, FL: U.S Geological Survey, Water Resources Division.

(The purpose of this report is provide records of seasonal, annual, and long-term fluctuations of water levels in the water-table aquifer in Lee County, Florida.  The effects on ground-water levels of natural recharge and discharge and factors related to man's activities are briefly described.)

Mitchell-Tapping, H. J., et al.  (2001/2002).  Research studies in Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, Lee County Florida.  Fort Myers Beach, FL: Estero Bay Marine Laboratory.
(This series consists of yearly progress reports of baywatch research studies of Estero Bay, Florida.  The primary objective is to acquire data, interpret, and characterize the water quality within the Estero Bay watershed.  A secondary goal is to determine temporal trends and problems within the bay, to identify probable causes, and to make an integrated description of the health of the bay.)

Mitchell-Tapping, H. J., et al.  (2000/2001).  Research studies in Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, Lee County Florida.  Fort Myers Beach, FL: Estero Bay Marine Laboratory.
(This series consists of yearly progress reports of baywatch research studies of Estero Bay, Florida.  The primary objective is to acquire data, interpret, and characterize the water quality within the Estero Bay watershed.  A secondary goal is to determine temporal trends and problems within the bay, to identify probable causes, and to make an integrated description of the health of the bay.)

Mitchell-Tapping, Hugh J. and Joseph P. Mellon.  (2000).  Seagrass sediment particle-size and content in Estero Bay, Southwest Florida.  Conference, AAPG Gulf Coast Section (GCAGS), Houston, TX, Oct. 25-27, 2000.  AAPG Bulletin, 84(10): pp.1686.
(In 1999, grain size and content analyses were made of the top 0.5 m of sediment from 33 cores taken across 3 species-specific seagrass beds in Estero Bay.)

Mitchell-Tapping, H. J., et al.  (1999/2000).  Research studies in Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, Lee County Florida.  Fort Myers Beach, FL: Estero Bay Marine Laboratory.
(This series consists of yearly progress reports of baywatch research studies of Estero Bay, Florida.  The primary objective is to acquire data, interpret, and characterize the water quality within the Estero Bay watershed.  A secondary goal is to determine temporal trends and problems within the bay, to identify probable causes, and to make an integrated description of the health of the bay.)

Mitchell-Tapping, H. J., et al.  (1998/1999).  Research studies in Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, Lee County Florida.  Fort Myers Beach, FL: Estero Bay Marine Laboratory.
(This series consists of yearly progress reports of baywatch research studies of Estero Bay, Florida.  The primary objective is to acquire data, interpret, and characterize the water quality within the Estero Bay watershed.  A secondary goal is to determine temporal trends and problems within the bay, to identify probable causes, and to make an integrated description of the health of the bay.)

Mitchell-Tapping, H. J., et al.  (1996/1997).  Research studies in Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, Lee County Florida.  Fort Myers Beach, FL: Estero Bay Marine Laboratory.
(This series consists of yearly progress reports of baywatch research studies of Estero Bay, Florida.  The primary objective is to acquire data, interpret, and characterize the water quality within the Estero Bay watershed.  A secondary goal is to determine temporal trends and problems within the bay, to identify probable causes, and to make an integrated description of the health of the bay.)

Mitchell-Tapping, H. J.  (1996).  Hydrogeology of Estero Bay.  23 p.  San Carlos Island, FL: H. J. Mitchell-Tapping.
(The Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve includes over 15 miles of surface water area and 293 square miles of drainage basin located approximately 15 miles south of Fort Myers and 16 miles north of Naples, Florida.  This document includes a brief description of the resources and geomorphology of the Preserve, followed by more extensive descriptions of the plant communities, archaeological and historical sites, and water resources encompassed by the Preserve.  A historical timeline of the Preserve is appended.)

O'Donnell, T. H.  (1976).  Fluctuations of ground-water levels in Lee County, Florida, in 1975 water year.  77 pp.  Tallahassee, FL: U. S. Geological Survey.
(This report summarizes water-level data collected from 57 observation wells and rainfall data collected from 3 stations in Lee County, Florida, during water year 1975.  Data from observation wells that are measured periodically are presented on month-end, water-year hydrographs.  Data from wells that are equipped with continuous water-level recorders are presented on daily-high, water-year hydrographs.  Historical water-level data are included for comparison.)

Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan.  (1999).  Synthesis of technical information.  Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Program.  Technical Report No. 99-02.  2 vols.  North Fort Myers, FL: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program.

Vol. 1.  Characterization of water quality, hydrologic alterations, and fish and wildlife habitat

 (This document comprises the characterization element of the National Estuary Program process.  It synthesizes available information about the water quality, hydrologic alterations, and fish and wildlife habitat in the Greater Charlotte Harbor watershed.  It covers the Caloosahatchee River, Charlotte Harbor, Estero Bay, Lemon Bay, Myakka River, Peace River,  Pine Island Sound and  Coastal Venice.)

Russell, Gary M. and R. L. Kane.  (1995).  Bathymetry, freshwater flow, and specific conductance of Matlacha Pass, Southwestern Florida.  Tallahassee, FL: U. S. Geological Survey.
(The Matlacha Pass estuary is part of the connected inshore waters of the Charlotte Harbor estuary in Southwest Florida.  This report presents bathymetry and information on the hydrodynamics of tidal flow, freshwater flow, and specific conductance in Matlacha Pass.  Bathymetric contours were used to define the physical characteristics of the pass, which control water movement and mixing.  Specific conductance data, both recent and historical, were used to evaluate the distribution of freshwater flow, its movement, and mixing in Matlacha Pass.)

Seaman, William and Richard McLean.  (1977).  Freshwater and the Florida Coast: Southwest Florida.  Proceedings of a seminar for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, May 26-27, 1977, Tampa, Florida.  Gainesville, FL: State University System of Florida, Sea Grant College Program.
(The seminar was used to illustrate scientifically sound methods for determining the amount, quality and temporal distribution of runoff an estuary needs in order to be maintained in a productive stare.)

South Florida Water Management District (1999).  Estero Bay watershed assessment.  7 vols.  Tampa, FL: PBS&J, Inc.  http://www.sfwmd.gov/org/exo/ftmyers/report-text/     

South Florida Water Management District.  (1996).  Estero Bay and Watershed Management and Improvement Plan Workshop (1996: Fort Myers, FL).  38 pp.  West Palm Beach, FL: The District.

(The purpose of the South Florida Water Management District workshop was twofold: to provide input to the South Florida Water Management District in the preparation of its Estero Bay and Watershed Management and Improvement Plan; and to identify actions which local governments, environmental groups, and other stakeholders in Bay issues could undertake in the short-term to improve the condition of the Bay.)

Southwest Florida Water Management District.  (1979).  Final report and technical appendix of the productivity study for the Estero Bay study area.119 pp.  Tampa, FL: University of South Florida.

Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council.  (1976).  Development of regional impact assessment for the estuaries.  North Fort Myers, FL: The Council.
(Covers the impact assessment of the proposed "The estuaries" development in conformation with requirements of Chapter 380, Florida Statutes.)

Swett, R. A., D. A.. Fann, G. A. Antonini, and L. C. Alexander.  (2001).  Regional Waterway Management System for Lee County, Phase 2.  Gainsville, FL: State University System of Florida, Sea Grant College Program.

Swett, R. A., D. A.. Fann, G. A. Antonini, and L. C. Alexander.  (2000).  Regional waterway management system for Lee County, Phase 1.  Gainsville, FL: State University System of Florida, Sea Grant College Program.
(The project aims to devise a management strategy that allows for the simultaneous use and protection of coastal waters, while maintaining the economic vitality of the region.)

Tabb, Dubin C., et al.  (1974).  Ecological inventory of coastal waters and adjacent uplands of Lee County, Florida, in the vicinity of the Estero Bay Marine Preserve.  Miami, FL: Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami.
(The general aims of the research were: to describe the Estero Bay system and adjacent watershed areas as an aid to understanding man-made effects that may already have been imposed on the aquatic systems; to participate in deliberations by public and private bodies concerning future development in the watersheds; to provide the fullest possible understanding of the biota and biological habitats existing in the area; to provide or assist in the analysis of tidal and meteorological data pertinent to planning for upland development, and to relate these data to the biota; and to conduct water quality studies pertinent to preservation of State of Florida Class II water quality.)

Tabb, Durbin, et al.  (1972).  Ecological inventory of coastal waters and adjacent uplands of northwest Collier County, Florida, in the vicinity of Wiggins Pass.  Miami, FL: Coastal Coordinating Council.

Tabb, Durbin.  (1971).  Preliminary survey of estuarine and coastal resources of Estero Bay and environs, Lee County, Florida: final report to Hammer, Greene, Siler Associates.  Miami, FL: Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami.

(The specific aims of this survey, which is regarded as a "baseline" study, were to survey and catalog the plant and animal life of the bay and adjacent uplands and to outline in general terms the ecological functions and character of the area, especially in relation to productivity and sport and commercial fisheries.  Portions of the ecosystem which extend beyond the boundaries of the property area are being considered with particular regard to the ways these areas may influence future welfare of the bay and immediate environs.  Particular attention was paid to outlining the natural watershed boundaries to serve as an indication of the kinds of environmental stress that may be imposed upon the Estero Bay system by development outside the properties being considered here.)

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.  (1986).  Six Mile Cypress Slough:Lee County, Florida: water resources study: final report .142 pp.  [Jacksonville, FL: The Corps.]
("The purpose of this special investigation is to provide technical planning assistance to local interests with respect to the water management planning needs related to the slough.  The scope of the study is to undertake technical investigations and the development of conceptual level alternatives that would provide the local sponsor with data and information for evaluating existing and future conditions within the study area.  It is expected that the information developed during the course of this investigation will be used by local interests as tools in their decision-making processes leading to long-term solutions to the water resources problems within Six Mile Cypress Slough.")

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.  (1984).  Reconnaissance report, Six Mile Cypress Slough water resources study , Lee County, FL.  1 vol.  Jacksonville, FL: The Corps.

W. Dexter Bender and Associates.  (1990).  Managing the quality, quantity and timing of surface water discharge into the Estero Bay State Aquatic Preserve.  W. Dexter Bender and Associates.
(Identifies wetland corridors resource protection areas and sets maximum rates of discharge from storm events.)

Walton, Todd L.  (198?).  Coastal history notes.  Gainesville, FL: Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Marine Advisory Program.
(Two figures show the high water shorelines of record over a period of 100 years at Estero Island, Florida.  The period of survey coverage is from 1886 to 1967 and the high water shorelines were mapped in accordance with standard surveying practices.  Contents: Anna Maria Key; Boca Raton Inlet vicinity; Capitiva Island; Estero Island; Gasparilla Island; Lido Key; Longboat Key; Sanibel Island; Siesta Key; Venice, Florida.)

Ward, Gerald M.  (1990).  Imperial River / Fishtrap Bay / Big Hickory Bay channels and Navigation: Bonita Springs, Lee County, Florida.  12 leaves. 
(This report discusses navigation channels in Estero Bay, Florida, from New Pass south to the Imperial River.  It covers the following areas: history; reconnaissance and research; surveying; alternatives; enivronmental evaluation and permitting; estimated costs; and recommendations.  The appendix includes maps and aerial photographs.)

Weederbeam, Knoff, Waltz and Burns.  (1982).  Hydrogeologic reconnaissance of Lee County, Florida: South Florida Water Management District Technical Publication 86-1, 193 pp.  South Florida Water Management District, Groundwater Division.
(This study examines the geologic and hydrostratigraphic framework of the aquifers in Lee County, and assesses water level and water quality variations in these aquifers.  The report consists of three parts.  Part 1 is an interpretive text that describes in detail all the major elements of the study.  Part 2 is a hydrogeologic atlas consisting of 28 plates.  Part 3 contains appendices that give data used in the preparation of the maps or referred to in the text.)