The Charlotte Harbor Watershed Summit was a success! The Summit 2002 program is available as a PDF file. The PowerPoint presentations will be posted on this site and will no longer be available on CD. (They are not yet posted.)

The CHNEP is pleased to announce. . .

February 7-9, 2002

IMPAC University in Punta Gorda, Florida

The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, using a cooperative decision-making process based on sound science, developed a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) that identifies the region’s priority environmental issues – water quality, hydrology, and fish and wildlife habitat loss – and actions to solve them. When the CCMP was completed and accepted in 2001, it marked the beginning of action to restore and protect the estuary and its watershed.

The Charlotte Harbor Watershed Summit is an important step in the NEP process of bringing public and private stakeholders together to discuss ongoing studies and critical environmental issues facing the region. It is an opportunity to review progress and discuss current and emerging issues affecting the Charlotte Harbor watershed.

A technical symposium will be held Thursday and Friday, February 7 and 8, and a public conference will be held on Saturday, February 9, at IMPAC University in Punta Gorda. Presentations will be made throughout each day from approximately 8:30 to 5:00. While everyone is encouraged to participate in all three days of the Summit, the presentations on the first two days will be more technical and scientific than presentations on Saturday. Research posters will be on display during the Technical Symposium. Agencies, businesses and organizations will also provide information about our watershed and their role in protecting it, especially during the Public Conference.

Summit Sponsors and Program Supporters

Thursday-Friday: Technical Symposium

Saturday: Public Conference

Technical and Educational Posters and Exhibits

Registration Form (PDF)

Please print out the PDF version of the registration form and mail with payment. More instructions are included in the form. Please note that an electronic registration form is available for sponsors and speakers. Do you want to know if your registration has been received? If you believe you registered and your name isn't on this list, contact Darcy Bowen.

Park and Ride: To assist with transportation, a passenger bus will travel through Bartow, Wauchula and Arcadia to arrive in Punta Gorda for each of the day-long programs. This is a free service that will be provided each day as long as there is a demand for it.

Bartow Public Library, 2150 S Broadway Ave, 863/534-0131

The bus will leave Bartow each day at 6:30 a.m.

Hardee County Public Library, 315 N 6th Ave, 863/773-6438

The bus will leave Wauchula each day at approximately 7:15 a.m.

DeSoto Public Library, 125 N Hillsborough Ave, 863/993-4852

The bus will leave Arcadia each day at approximately 8:00 a.m.

Please park away from the buildings so that library patrons can park near the buildings. The bus will leave Punta Gorda at approximately 6:30 p.m. each day.

Directions and Parking: Parking will be at Fishermen’s Village, a short walk from IMPAC University. Those who have difficulty walking may park at IMPAC University. Fishermen’s Village is on Marion Ave 1 mile west of U.S. 41 and downtown Punta Gorda. From I-75, take Exit 29. Travel west on U.S. 17/Marion Ave for 3 miles.

Sleeping Rooms: For those who will be traveling by car and wish to spend the night, contact Best Western (800/525-1022) and ask for the Watershed Summit rates of $99 for town view, $109 for park view and $119 for water view rooms.

Visit this website often or call 239/338-2556. Please encourage others to attend.

Planning Notes provide information for the Steering Committee.