Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Information

CHNEP is a partnership to protect the natural environment of southwest Florida. The specific purpose of the CHNEP is to ensure that the CCMP to protect the natural environment from Venice to Bonita Springs to Winter Haven is implemented through a partnership by engaging and empowering local citizens, scientists, elected officials, resource managers and resource users. The region of concern includes the Myakka, Peace and tidal Caloosahatchee river watersheds as the water can’t be protected unless the land that drains into it is also protected. The 4,700-square-mile watershed includes Lee, Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee counties and portions of Polk, Manatee and Sarasota counties. The CHNEP’s federal parent is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA reviews CHNEP’s progress once every three years. The Program’s local host is the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council. Many government agencies, counties and cities provide financial support to the CHNEP. Some outreach projects are also supported by local foundations, conservation organizations and businesses. The CHNEP partnership is directed by the Management Conference of four committees. The Management Conference is composed of the Management, Policy, Technical Advisory (TAC) and Citizens Advisory Committees (CAC). Each committee serves a specialized role in supporting the program goals and objectives. The Policy Committee is the final authority over the CHNEP. The Management Committee oversees program operation. The TAC oversees guides technical decisions. The CAC represents the interests of the public.