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Center of Excellence in Watershed Management ,

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 has named the UF Water Institute as a Center of Excellence in Watershed Management (CEWM) with a memorandum of understanding among UF, the EPA and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The UF Water Institute was designated a Center of Excellence based on demonstrated technical expertise to address water quality issues on a watershed-scale. "We are pleased to be named as a Center of Excellence for Watershed Management", said UF Water Institute Director Wendy Graham. "This designation highlights the Water Institute's strong commitment to partner with watershed-based stakeholder groups and state and local agencies to tackle critical water issues requiring holistic interdisciplinary approaches." Faculty from IFAS Extension and the Law School’s Conservation clinic initiated the idea and are working with stakeholders in the Lower St. Johns River, Orange Creek Basin and the Blackwater River. The center maintains a listserv of interested staff and faculty and meets periodically to share watershed improvement efforts and to pursue funding opportunities. See the new website for more information. If you would like to get involved with the CEWM, contact Kathleen McKee.