Final Report

Charlotte Harbor Watershed
Charlotte Harbor Watershed (FDEP, 2005a).
Assessment Report
Tristan Sola
American Public University

2
Watershed Assessment Charlotte Harbor Watershed
Table of Contents
Section 1: Charlotte Harbor Watershed Today
Section 1.1: Population
Section 1.2: Land Use
Section 1.3: Economic Activity
Section 2: Charlotte Harbor Watershed Resources
Section 2.1: Endangered & Threatened Species
Section 2.2: Conservation Lands
Section 3: Charlotte Harbor Watershed Stresses
Section 3.1: Stormwater Discharge
Section 3.2: Agriculture
Section 3.3: Phosphate Mining
Section 3.4: Residential Development
Section 3.5: Hydrologic Alterations
Section 4: Addressing Watershed Issues
Section 4.1: The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program
Section 4.2: Water Management Districts
Section 5: Recommendations
Section 6: Conclusion
Section 7: Literature Cited

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Section 1: Charlotte Harbor Watershed Today
The Charlotte Harbor watershed, located in Southwest Florida and encompassing
some 270 square miles of open-water surface area, is the 17th largest estuary in the United
States, and the second largest open-water estuary in the state of Florida (Florida
Department of Environmental Protection [FDEP], 2005a). The harbor, which is comprised of
Lemon Bay, Charlotte Harbor Proper, and Pine Island Sound, is provided with freshwater
from the Peace River, Myakka River, and Caloosahatchee River, which in turn mixes with
saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico to create the estuary (2005a).
The harbor is situated in Florida's coastal lowlands where the Myakka, Peace, and
Caloosahatchee Rivers flow through Charlotte Harbor and into the Gulf of Mexico via the
Boca Grande, Captiva, Redfish and Punta Rassa Passes (FDEP, 2007). Separating the harbor
from the Gulf of Mexico are a series of barrier islands that include Gasparilla, Cayo Costa,
North Captiva, Captiva and Sanibel (2007). Near the mouths of the three rivers, where
freshwater meets salt water from the Gulf of Mexico, are the estuarine wetlands of Charlotte
Harbor, which formed roughly 5,000 years ago when rising sea levels caused the mouths of
the Peace and Myakka rivers to be flooded (2007).
Section 1.1: Population
The Greater Charlotte Harbor region, which incorporates smaller watersheds in
Charlotte, Lee, and Sarasota Counties and, is a heavily populated area that is home to over
1.2 million people, the majority of which reside in the cities and towns of Punta Gorda, Port
Charlotte, Fort Myers, Venice, Englewood, and Sarasota (FDEP, 2005a). Figure 1 provides a
breakdown of population by county, as well as the documented growth in the region over
the period of two decades.
The Charlotte Harbor watershed has an immediate population of some 33,000 people
residing in the coastal area; a breakdown of the total population in the watershed is
provided in figure 2 (University of South Florida [USF], 2012). This area is amongst the
fastest growing in the United States, and with an expanding population comes increased
environmental stressors as the demand for fresh water increases along with the output of
urban, industrial, and agricultural waste (McPherson, Miller, & Stoker, 1996).
Charlotte Harbor Watershed (USF, 2012)

4
Figure 1
Population Growth by County in the Charlotte Harbor Region
Note: Reproduced from FDEP (2005a).
Figure 2
Total Population of Charlotte Harbor Watershed
Note: Reproduced from USF (2012).
Section 1.2: Land Use
Water comprises the largest area of the approximately 224,021 acres that makes up
the Charlotte Harbor Watershed (USF, 2012). Wetlands and uplands forest cover an
additional 31 percent of the total acreage of the watershed, while human related activities --
urbanization, transportation and utilities, and agriculture consume an additional 17%.
Figure 3 provides a more detailed breakdown on land use in the watershed.
0
200,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
1,200,000
1,400,000
1980 2000 2010 Total
Charlotte
Lee
Sarasota
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Population

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Figure 3
Land Use by Percentage of Land Area in the Charlotte Harbor Watershed
Section 1.3: Economic Activity
The greatest economic driver in this area is tourism, with around 1.7 million visitors
per year vacationing in the harbor's three coastal counties of Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee
(FDEP, 2005a). Among the most popular recreational activity for tourists and residents in
the region is fishing, largely due to prevalence of a number of sport fish species that include
snook, tarpon, redfish, and trout (2005a). Economic studies conducted in the late 1990s
valued recreational fishing in Charlotte Harbor at $107.2 million per year (2005a).
Other popular recreational activities undertaken in the coastal communities around
the harbor include boating, swimming, and beach-going (FDEP, 2005a). Though a significant
source of revenue for Southwest Florida -- total tourism revenue was estimated to be $1.1
billion in 1998 -- recreational activities have a significant impact on environmental health
due to a number of factors including the degradation of water quality and marine vegetation
from boat activity; overfishing; and the introduction of marine debris from fishing and beach
related activities (2005a).
Commercial fishing and agriculture are the other top industry in the Charlotte Harbor
region. Commercial fisheries in the area, which include mullet, king mackerel, flounder and
grouper, as well as blue crab, pink shrimp, scallops and clams, bring in an estimated total
revenue of $22.6 million on an annual basis (FDEP, 2005a). Agriculture is significantly less
prominent in the coastal areas of Charlotte Harbor, though it is second only to tourism for
the eight counties of the larger drainage basin (2005a). Citrus is the main agricultural
product produced in the area, with around 283,000 acres of land devoted to growing over a
dozen different varieties of citrus (2005a). Cattle ranching is the second largest agricultural
activity, with 371,900 heads of cattle being produced (2005a).
Phosphorous mining was once a major economic driver in the area due to naturally
occurring phosphorous deposits along the Peace River (Phillips, 2012). Though phosphate
46%
19%
4%
5%
12%
12%
1% 1% Water - 105,315 acres
Wetlands - 43,155 acres
Agriculture - 7,933 acres
Rangeland - 11,705
acres
Upland Forests - 27,639
acres
Urbanization - 25,726
Transportation &
Utilities - 2,391 acres
Barren Land - 157 acres

6
mining has significantly decreased since its heyday in the late 19th century and early 20th
century, mining operations are still conducted in the vicinity the Peace River and other
locations in Charlotte County (FDEP, 2005a).
Section 2: Charlotte Harbor Watershed Resources
Section 2.1: Endangered & Threatened Species
The Charlotte Harbor and its surrounding lands support a wide range of semitropical
plant and animal species which reside in variety of different habitats including rangeland,
upland forests, mangrove forests, salt marshes, and tidal flats (Stoker, 1995). This diverse
range of habitats is home to significant number of endangered and threatened species,
including the Florida panther, Florida and West Indian manatees, the Atlantic loggerhead
sea turtle, and the American alligator (FDEP, 2011). Table 1 provides a more detailed
breakdown of some of the endangered and threatened species residing in Charlotte Harbor.
Table 1
Endangered & Threatened Species in Charlotte Harbor
Common Name Scientific Name State Federal
Reptiles
American alligator Alligator mississipiensis SSC T
Atlantic loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta caretta T T
Atlantic green turtle Chelonia mydas mydas E E
leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea E E
Atlantic hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata imbricata E E
Kemp's ridley Lepidochelys kempi E E
Birds
roseate spoonbill Ajaia ajaja SSC n/a
Southeastern snowy plover
Charadrius alexandrinus
tenuirostris
T n/a
piping plover Charadrius melodus T T
little blue heron Egretta caerulea SSC n/a
peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus E E
Southeastern American kestrel Falco sparverius paulus T n/a
bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus T T
wood stork Mycteria americana E E
Everglades kite Rostrhamus sociabilis imbricata E E
Mammals
Florida manatee Trichechus manatus E E
Florida black bear Ursus americanus floridanus T n/a
Florida panther Felis concolor coryi E E
Note: E = Endangered | T = Threatened | SSC = Species of Special Concern
Note: Reproduced from FDEP (2011).

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Section 2.2: Conservation Lands
The biological and ecological importance of the harbor and its coastal areas has led
to the establishment of five national wildlife refuges, five state aquatic preserves, one state
buffer preserve (see table 2), and a number of wildlife management areas (FDEP, 2005b)
that provide protection for an estimated 27% of the watershed's total land area (USF,
2012). The aquatic preserves encompass around 90% of the surface water area in the
estuary (McPherson et al., 1996). While the majority of the conservation lands in the
watershed are under the protection of federal, state, and local government, several private
land owners in the area have taken steps to establish environmental parks on their
properties, such as Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County (2005). Table 3 provides data on the
percentage and type of land ownership in the watershed.
Table 2
National & State Conservation Lands
Land Type Name of Conservation Land
National Wildlife Refuges J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife
Refuge
Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge
Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge
State Aquatic Preserves Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve
Cape Haze Aquatic Preserve
Gasparilla Sound Aquatic Preserve
Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve
Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve
State Buffer Preserve Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park
Note: Data retrieved from USFW (2012) & FDEP (2012).
Table 3
Protected Lands & Ownership
Ownership Area (Square Miles)
Federal 0.04
State 93.47
Local 1.96
Private 0.03
Note: E = Endangered | T = Threatened | SSC = Species of Special Concern

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Section 3: Charlotte Harbor Watershed Stresses
A number of activities have contributed to significant changes in Charlotte Harbor's
hydrology and ecology over the years including agricultural operations, phosphate mining,
and urbanization/residential development (FDEP, 2005a).
Section 3.1: Stormwater Discharge
Stormwater discharge is a particularly widespread issue for the Charlotte Harbor
watershed. Pollutants entering the harbor originate from a number of point and non-point
sources -- some of which will be discussed in following sections -- including wastewater
treatment facilities; urbanized areas; and agriculture, silviculture and mining operations
(FDEP, 2005a). The discharge from these pollutant sources cause alterations to the
composition and chemical makeup of the watershed, and have far reaching ecological
impacts on the Harbor.
Section 3.2: Agriculture
The establishment of citrus groves in the areas around Charlotte Harbor were
increased due to a number of harsh freezes in central Florida during the 1980s (FDEP,
2005a). This accelerated rate of agriculture had a number of impacts on region including the
clearing of natural flora from lands to create citrus groves; the establishment of drainage
systems to keep those lands dry; and the over pumping of aquifers for irrigation purposes
(2005a). In addition, irrigation results in runoff from agricultural fields, resulting in the
introduction of fertilizers and pesticides into surface waters which in turn has altered the
natural water chemistry of the three rivers -- Myakka, Peace, and Caloosahatchee -- that
feed into the Harbor (2005a). These alterations have the potential to make their way into
the Harbor.
Cattle farming has also had a significant impact on the surrounding region,
particularly along the length of the Myakka River, one of the main sources of freshwater for
the Harbor. In order to create rangeland and pastureland, much of the Myakka watershed
was diverted or drained (FDEP, 2005a). Cattle ranches share many of the same impacts as
citrus farming, including the destruction of natural vegetation for land clearing and leveling;
increased wastewater runoff; and the use of irrigation systems resulting in increase
wastewater runoff (2005a).
Section 3.3: Phosphate Mining
As of 2005, the State of Florida provided roughly 75 percent of the total phosphate
supply of the United States, and 25 percent of the world's total supply (FDEP, 2005a). The
majority of this phosphate is mined from the Bone Valley phosphate deposit, a 500,000 acre
area that is located in the Peace River watershed, which feeds into Charlotte Harbor and is
the primary supply of freshwater to the estuary (2005a).
Phosphate mining and processing is of particular concern for Charlotte County, which
located downstream of the mines and processing plants (2005a). The residents of Charlotte
County rely on the Peace River for fresh drinking water, and are directly impacted by
negative changes to water quality as the result of discharge from phosphate mines and
processing plants (2005a). In addition, there are concerns over potential dam failures along
the Peace River that would result in massive clay slime spills and/or the discharge of highly

9
acidic wastewater; this would not only have wide ranging consequences for residents who
depend on the Peace River for water, but also to the ecological health of the Harbor itself
(2005a).
Section 3.4: Residential Development
The area immediately surrounding the Harbor has been growing exponentially since
the first development boom in the 1950s (FDEP, 2005a). To accommodate the demand for
home sites, lowlands were dredged and filled, pastures and cropland were drained and
cleared, canals were dug, and large tracts of streets were paved (2005a). These efforts
severely altered thousands of acres of natural and agricultural land, and continued
construction of new streets and residential areas near the region's main population centers
is degrading even more natural habitats (2005a).
Increases in urbanization come with other concerns as well, including issues
associated with waste storage and treatment. Of particular concern is the pollution that
originates from wastewater treatment plants and septic systems, the latter of which is in
widespread use in the residential areas surrounding the Harbor (FDEP, 2005a). These
pollutant sources are responsible for algal blooms and a reduction of water quality in areas
around the Harbor, and also negatively impact sea grass populations (2005a).
Section 3.5: Hydrologic Alterations
The natural amount and timing of freshwater flows into the Harbor has been
substantially altered due to human activities such as those detailed above (CHNEP, 2000).
Aquifers have been over pumped, drained, and diverted for agriculture, mining, and
drinking water, resulting in reduced flows from springs and the opening of large sinkholes
along the Peace River (2000). The altered flows that result from these issues has changed
the composition of water in the Harbor, which fluctuates depending on the season. There
are also large discharges of fresh water into the Caloosahatchee River from Lake
Okeechobee, which are the result of the management of the lake's lock system (2000). This
has had dramatic effects of aquatic vegetation, oyster reef coverage, and the population of
bay scallop beds in the Harbor (2000). These discharges are also thought to be the cause of
large algae blooms; to support the growth of harmful fungi; and to increase the number of
fish with lesions in the estuary (2000).
Section 4: Addressing Watershed Issues
The environmental issues facing the Charlotte Harbor watershed are complex and
widespread, and are often exacerbated or directly caused by activities located along the
three sources of freshwater for the Harbor -- the Peace, Myakka, and Caloosahatchee
Rivers. Addressing these complicated issues, and finding workable solutions, requires
significant involvement from a number of federal, state, and local agencies and
organizations. Though there are a large number of such groups operating in the Charlotte
Harbor Watershed, below is a brief synopsis of the most prominent groups and their roles in
safeguarding the Harbor and its many natural resources.

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Section 4.1: The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program
The National Estuary Program was established in 1987 as an amendment to United
States with the purpose of identifying, restoring, and protecting estuaries located along the
coasts of the United States (CHNEP, 2012). In 1995, the governor of Florida submitted an
application for Charlotte Harbor's inclusion in the program; the application was subsequently
accepted by the EPA and the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program [CHNEP] was
created with the purpose of protecting the natural environment of Charlotte Harbor by
"engaging and empowering local citizens, scientists, elected officials, resource managers
and resource users" (CHNEP, 2012, para. 4).
Following the creation of CHNEP, the Management Conference -- a partnership of
resource managers, elected officials, and local citizens divided into four committees that
take on specialized roles in support of program goals and objectives -- began drafting
a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan [CCMP] that identifies environment
issues in the area, as well as the actions necessary to solve them (CHNEP, 2012). Once the
plan was drafted and adopted, CHNEP focused its attention on implementing a number of
projects to address the watershed's environmental concerns (2012).
The four committees of the Management Conference are composed of the following
public and private organizations: 23 local governments (county and city); three regional
planning councils; two water management districts; nine state agencies; seven special
districts; eight federal agencies; and six private resource management groups.
Section 4.2: Water Management Districts
Two water management districts -- the South Florida Water Management District
[SFWMD] and the Southwest Florida Water Management District [SWFWMD] are responsible
for managing water resources in the region of Florida where the Charlotte Harbor watershed
is located.
The South Florida Water Management District oversees water resources in the
southern portion of Florida, and covers 16 counties that are home to an estimated 7.7
million people (SFWMD, 2013). The district was created in 1949, making it one of the oldest
and largest in the state, and is responsible for "managing and protecting water resources of
South Florida by balancing and improving water quality, flood control, natural systems and
water supply" (SFWMD, 2013, para. 1).
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is responsible overseeing water
resources in the southwest portion of the state, covering 16 counties that are home to
around 4.7 million people (SWFWMD, 2013). The district was created in 1961 as a flood
protection agency, but its role has increased to include "managing the water supply,
protecting water quality and preserving natural systems that serve important water-related
functions" (SWFWMD, 2013, para. 4).

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Section 5: Recommendations
There are a number of existing programs designed to address the environmental
issues facing Charlotte Harbor, but there are also areas that are deserving of greater
attention.
One such area is that of tourism. As mentioned in section one of this report,
recreational activities have a significant impact on environmental health due to a number of
factors including the degradation of water quality and marine vegetation from boat activity;
overfishing; and the introduction of marine debris from fishing and beach related activities
(FDEP, 2005a). Expanded efforts are needed to address these problems.
Some examples of what may help to alleviate the environmental degradation
associated with the tourism industry include a widespread public education campaign
designed to educate visitors and residents as to the importance of observing boating laws
and remaining within established boating channels; sponsoring beach cleanups and
establishing additional waste receptacles at beaches and costal parks; developing strategies
on how to better enforce anti-litter and anti-dumping laws; developing methods to improve
the functionality and effectives of current systems available to the public for reporting
sightings of littering and illegal dumping; and educating fisherman to the importance of
observing catch limits and the proper disposal of fishing gear such as nets and lines
(Morishige & McElwee, 2005).
Stormwater discharge is another significant environmental issue. Of particular
concern are faulty septic systems at residential locations near waterways that are adjacent
to the Harbor. Some action has been taken by Charlotte County to address this issue,
including mandatory inspections of septic systems by homeowners living near the water, but
there is much more work to be done. Some consideration should be given to the
establishment of a city-wide sewer system, which would negate the use of septic systems
altogether. Benefits may also be achieved by educating the public as to the importance of
properly functioning septic systems.
Agricultural runoff is another factor in stormwater discharge, and also deserves
additional attention. Pesticides and fertilizer from agricultural operations are altering the
composition and chemical makeup of the Harbor and surrounding watersheds (FDEP,
2005a); it would therefore be beneficial to work educate farmers on the benefits of using
environmental friendly techniques for pest management and crop growth. The creation of an
incentives program for the adoptions of such techniques and BMPs may help with this issue.
Agriculture and ranching rely heavily on irrigation systems that draw from
underground aquifers and other water sources; the need for these systems has altered the
hydrology of several watersheds in the Charlotte Harbor region (FDEP, 2005a). The water
management districts work closely with farmers to develop and adopt irrigation systems
that are low impact (SWFWMD, 2013), but investigating the possibility of adopting alternate
methods of irrigation, such as rainwater harvesting, would be beneficial.

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Section 6: Conclusion
Charlotte Harbor is one of the largest and most important estuaries in Florida, and
perhaps in the United States. It contains many natural resources, and is home to a wide
range of marines and terrestrial organisms that depend on the continued health of the
watershed for their survival. Humans, who have populated the region quite extensively, are
also dependent on the Harbor and other watersheds in the region for everything from
drinking water to food to recreational activities.
Unfortunately, human activities -- urbanization, mining, agricultural operations, and
recreation -- have severely degraded the health of the Harbor and threaten to upset the
delicate balance that gives the area such a great depth of biodiversity. In order to ensure
this does not happen, watershed and resource management groups are working to find
solutions to the many environmental problems facing the Harbor. Through their actions, and
with the continued support of residents and visitors alike, there is good chance that many of
the Harbor's ecological issues can, in time, be addressed in a responsible and sustainable
manner.
Section 7: Literature Cited
Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program. (2012). Charlotte harbor national estuary
program. Retrieved from http://www.chnep.org/CHNEP.html
Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program. (2000). Committing to our future: A
comprehensive conservation and management plan for the greater Charlotte harbor
watershed. Retrieved from http://www.chnep.org/CCMP/CCMP2000_v1.pdf
Environmental Protection Agency. (2012). Estuaries and coastal watersheds: Charlotte
harbor NEP profile. Retrieved from http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/nep
/programs_ch.cfm
Environmental Protection Agency. (2007). National estuary program coastal condition
report: Chapter 5: Gulf of Mexico national estuary program coast condition, Charlotte
Harbor national estuary program. Retrieved from http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb
/nep/upload/2007_05_09_oceans_nepccr_pdf_nepccr_nepccr_gom_partb.pdf
Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2012). Florida aquatic preserves.
Retrieved from http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/aquatic.htm
Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2011). Charlotte harbor aquatic
preserves. Retrieved from http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/sites/charlotte
/info.htm
Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2007). Charlotte harbor preserve state
park unit management plan. Retrieved from http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us
/documents/plans/landusemgmt/files/CharlotteHarborPreservestatePark.pdf
Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2005a). Water quality assessment report:
Charlotte harbor. Retrieved from http://www.sarasota.wateratlas.usf.edu

13
Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2005b). Charlotte harbor basin: Lakes,
rivers, streams, and aquifers. Retrieved from http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water
/monitoring/docs/bmr/charlotte_harbor.pdf
McPherson, B.F., Miller, R.L., & Stoker, Y.E. (1996). Physical, chemical, and biological
characteristics of the charlotte harbor basin and estuarine system in Southwestern
Florida: A summary of the 1982-89 U.S. Geological Survey Charlotte harbor
assessment and other studies. Retrieved from
http://fl.water.usgs.gov/PDF_files/wsp2486_mcpherson.pdf
Morishige, C. & McElwee, K. (2005). Marine debris action plan. Retrieved from
http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/projects/pdfs/himdap.pdf
Phillips, J. (2012). Southwest Florida Water Management District: The Peace River.
Retrieved from http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/education/interactive
/peaceriver/phosphate.php
South Florida Water Management District. (2012). About us. Retrieved from
http://www.sfwmd.gov
Southwest Florida Water Management District. (2013). Who we are and what we do.
Retrieved from http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/about/mission/
Stoker, Y.E. (1995). Salinity distribution and variation with freshwater inflow and tide, and
potential changes in salinity due to altered freshwater inflow in the Charlotte harbor
estuarine system, Florida. Retrieved from
http://pubs.usgs.gov/wri/1992/4062/report.pdf
University of South Florida. (2012). Charlotte harbor watershed. Retrieved from
http://www.chnep.wateratlas.usf.edu/watershed/default.asp?wshedid=2&wbodyatlas
=watershed
United States Fish & Wildlife Service. (2012). National wildlife refuge system. Retrieved
from http://www.fws.gov/refuges/zipCodeLocator/index.cfm

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