July 2026 Agenda/Minutes

Minutes for the Wakulla Soil and Water Conservation District meeting July 11, 2026, at the Wakulla County Extension Office, 84 Cedar Avenue, Crawfordville, Fl 32327. The meeting was called to order chairman David Shepard. Other members present were Kellie Keys, Emily Johnson and Cal Jamison. Cole Hall was unable to attend. Clay Bania, Extension Office and IFAS Director was a guest.

• The agenda was approved unanimously, moved by Kellie, 2 nd by Emily.

• The minutes for the May 14, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously, moved by Kellie, 2nd by Emily.

• Treasurer Report: Emily noted that the check for the Association of Conservation Districts was returned by the Association because of an incorrect amount. Emily will rewrite the check in the correct amount and send it.

• There were no citizens to be heard.

• Old Business:

  • Department of Financial Services report reminder. Emily is submitting the report.

  • Change of guard at Wakulla Springs State Park: Cal reported that Manager Lance Kelly has been promoted to Assistant District One Bureau Chief. He will oversee the parks from Panama City to the Aucilla River, including Wakulla Springs. A new manager has not been named yet.

  • WSWCD logo will be discussed at the next meeting as Cole Hall could not attend the meeting.

• New Business:

  • Cal reported that the Sunfish 3D cave mapping project presentation will be held Saturday, July 10 2026, from 1-5pm, at the Wakulla Environmental Institute. Presenters will be WKPP Director, Chris Werner, State Geologist Harley Means and others. It was organized by the Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park, Florida State University, and Sunfish, Inc. in cooperation with FDEP, FGS and other state agencies.

  • Cal reported that the Florida Commission on Ethics financial report for Supervisors is due by July 1, 2026. His has been filed.

  • Cal reported that the Leon County Soil and Water Conservation District has two vacancies. He was contacted by Don Axelrod of Tallahassee who is interested in applying for one of the positions. Cal encouraged him to apply for the Supervisor seat.

  • Cal reported that the Friends of Lake Munson Annual Meeting is today at the same time as our meeting.

  • The Red Barn Blueberry Farm in Woodville posted on Facebook that rising prices for gas, diesel and fertilizer are causing operating problems. Cal suggested that we look at what we might be able to do for this and other small farms in the county.

• Supervisor Items:

  • After viewing a TV segment on the seafood industry in San Franscisco, Cal suggested that we look into creating a seafood farmers market or into adding one at existing markets. We can discuss it at the next meeting.

  • The Big Bend Scenic Highway Management Authority has implemented contracts to add kiosks and signage along the corridors that pass through Wakulla County and our adjoining counties. Work will begin soon. Cal represents Wakulla Springs and the Wakulla County Historical Society at the meetings.

  • Cal gave the Springs Update: The water is still green and visibility is still ranging from 30-40’. The water level and flow is still up even though there is no input from the sinking streams. Wakulla remains in extreme drought conditions.

  • At the end of the meeting a discussion of the proposed Tree ID Workshop was held with Clay Bania. Avenues of cooperation and other possible partners were discussed. Clay indicated that IFAS could cover the costs. Possible venues could be at IFAS or at WEI.

  • Cal was able to contact Stan Rosenthal of Leon County. He retired from Leon County IFAS and has put on many Tree ID Workshops. He will be out of town this summer but is interested in assisting with the project.

  • Kellie has created a press release for our Poster Contest Winners. It will go to the Wakulla Sun for publication.

Kellie moved for adjournment, 2nd by Emily. Passed unanimously.