Quarterly Progress Report: Third Quarter FY 2006
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EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; EPA Grant #X796433105-1 (Hydrilla / Hygrophila Demonstration Projects - Osceola County, FL)
Project description and Goals:
This project is a combination of studies that will result in improved water quality and natural habitat in Osceola County lakes. Hydrilla and Hygrophila are exotic invasive weeds that are dominating the lakes aquatic ecosystem, shading out natural vegetation, reducing oxygen level, increasing the amount of sediments, and impacting flood control in lakes and canals. The project objectives are to evaluate the effectiveness of Experimental Use Permit herbicides, biological controls and application methods of herbicides in the treatment and control of hydrilla and Hygrophila using small-scale fieldwork, large-scale field demonstrations and public outreach on the progress and findings.
Participants:
Eleanor Foerste, Project Manager, Osceola County
Hilda Hatzell, EPA Project Officer, Region 4
Reporting period:
3rd Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2006 April 1 – June 30, 2006
Project activities during reporting period:
At EPA’s request, Osceola County worked to prepare a revised work plan and budget that combines funding for the FY 04 and FY 05 appropriations. The combined total budget is $2,881,000 (FY 04 $1,988,200.00 + FY 05 $892,800.00). The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners approved submittal of the revised application, workplan and budget, which was submitted by the June 30, 2006 deadline. Osceola County is awaiting EPA written formal confirmation of acceptance of the revised application, workplan and budget for the total of $2,881,000.
Grant management responsibilities have been transferred from Kimberly Lawrence, Engineering Department to Eleanor Foerste, faculty – Natural Resources with UF/IFAS Osceola County Extension Services. Foerste has worked closely with Lawrence in the grant application and budget preparation to assure a smooth transition. Foerste worked with Osceola County regarding budget, finance, procurement and personnel issues to facilitate the beginning of contracts, projects and staffing for October 1, 2006, the beginning of Osceola County FY 07.
Project spending for reporting period:
No funds were spent under this quarter; therefore the remaining balance is still $1,988,200.00.