CHAPTER 1
 INTTRODUCTION

 For many years, surface water in Florida was drained to support development.

Channelization of rivers, development of canals, and draining of wetlands were the foundation of

early water management in Florida (Anderson and Rosendahl 1998, Egozcue 2001, Purdum et al.

1998). In more recent years, ground water use has increased as water demands have grown.

Under these conditions, the importance of natural systems and their linkage to the economy of

Florida and its potable water supply have become more evident. In more recent times, the water

related resources of the state have been offered some protection through the requirement that

minimum flows and levels (MFLs) be established.

 The 1972 Florida Water Resources Act (Chapter 373, Florida Statutes (F.S.)) represents

the initial legislation calling for development of MFLs in the state of Florida. Aimed at

protecting the ecology of natural systems from significant harm" associated with water

withdrawals, MFLs represent an attempt to quantify the hydrologic requirement of aquifers,

rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Initially, MFL development was somewhat sparse because of

uncertainties in the legislative language, among other factors. It was not until 1997, when the

Florida legislature enacted several maj or changes to Florida water law in an attempt to improve

water resource planning and protection, that MFL development became a key component in

water resource regulation in the state. The five water management districts of Florida responded

to the changes in the law by prioritizing water bodies within their boundaries and developing

MFLs for water bodies as identified on each priority list.

 A number of rivers in the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)

were considered potentially impacted by withdrawals and thus to be high value candidates for

MFL development and as such were placed on the priority list. The District subsequently