Florida Gulf Coast University Student Union Ballroom

10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft. Myers, FL 33965-6565

Introduction to green infrastructure; description of EPA’s program and support for green infrastructure, use of green infrastructure in wet weather management, benefits, federal regulatory framework and performance standards.

Coastal and Waterfront Smart Growth Elements: A U.S. EPA, NOAA and ICMA Partnership Project  (PDF @ 55 KB)

9:50  Florida’s proposed Statewide Stormwater Treatment Rule, and the Horsepen Strand Conservation Area Study (Collier County) - Jennifer Nelson, FDEP  (PDF @ 2,658 KB)

Updates on rule development for a statewide stormwater treatment rule that will focus on providing increased protection of our State’s surface and ground waters as well as the presentation of a case study performed to determine the feasibility of restoring historic hydrologic connections through the remaining undeveloped parcels within an antiquated community in Collier County.

Learn about the significant and unique weather challenges facing Southwest Florida. Flat topography and isolated thundershowers result in flexible basin boundaries. Climate change is adding to these challenges.

10:55  Green Infrastructure Tool Kit & Site Planning, Design Considerations – Neil Weinstein, LID Center  (PDF @ 4,835 KB)

This session will focus on highly successful, Green Infrastructure Best Management Practices. Examples and lessons learned on the planning, design, and construction of these techniques and additional resources will be presented.

A social marketing research approach will be presented to reveal challenges to individual and institutional level landscape changes that encourage green infrastructure. Types and extent of barriers impacting residential and institutional audiences will be discussed. Examples of strategies designed to overcome these barriers will be provided.

• Jack Merriam, Sarasota County  (PDF @ 5,846 KB)

• Demetra McBride, Sarasota County  (PDF @ 1,301 KB))

• Dianne Davies, SWFWMD  (PDF @ 916 KB)

Introduction to the Sarsota County Low Impact Development (LID) Manual which is thought to be the first in Florida. Discussion of LID methods which may be considered for stormwater credits by the SWFWMD and a brief introduction to native, drought tolerant landscaping.

An overview of the water quality protection resolutions adopted by the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council and their implementation to date.

3:35  How can going green help with stormwater – Monique Hall, WilsonMiller  (PDF @ 4,585 KB)

This  presentation will look at the advantages and benefits of using sustainable practices to help mitigate stormwater. Solutions discussed will include rain gardens, cisterns, green roofing and decreased impervious surfaces.

4:05  Rethinking Water Management in the Urban Environment – Steve Suau, Progressive Water Resources, LLC  (PDF @ 13,431KB)

LID strategies are presented within the context of the urban environment. Two case study projects designed in Venice and Sarasota will be discussed. The presentation will promote LID from an overall water management perspective. Specific LID strategies for potential statewide application will be presented as well as evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of LID strategies for redevelopment and infill projects.

4:30 – 4:55 Discussion & First Day Wrap up – Moderators Demetra McBride & Neil Weinstein

Discussion of the origins and benefits of LID, overall design principles, current implementation challenges in Florida, and a wrap up with a successful case study DVD of River Forest in Manatee County.

9:30  Creating More Effective Stormwater Regulation – Jennifer Hecker, Conservancy of SW FL (PDF @ 810 KB)

There is a concern that current stormwater regulations may not adequately retain and treat stormwater. New regulations that incentivize prevention and more effective retention and treatment are being considered by water management districts. This presentation will examine how the proposed Southwest Florida Basin, Lake Okeechobee and Estuary Watershed rules might encourage low impact development design in new communities.

This overview of elements to be considered for site plan development within floodplains in southwest Florida will introduce FEMA and South Florida Water Management District requirements, identify some regional constraints, and identify how these hydrologic issues should be incorporated into the site design.

Discussion of the role LID can play in effective floodplain management, descriptions of examples of where LID has been shown to serve as an effective floodplain management tool.

11:00  Funding stormwater utilities – strategies and successes - Frank Baker, US EPA (PDF @ 925 KB)

Various funding strategies will be discussed for funding a local stormwater utility. Benefits and detractors will be presented.

11:20  Emerging issues with Green Infrastructure – Neil Weinstein, Low Impact Development Center (PDF @ 7,041 KB)

Discussion of topics such as green jobs, community development, transportation, green highways and other issues as they relate to green infrastructure.