PALATKA, Fla., Oct. 19, 2006 — The Indian River Lagoon National EstuaryProgram’s Advisory Board will meet Wednesday, Oct. 25, to discuss restorationinitiatives and hear presentations related to the 156-mile-long estuary.

The 10 a.m. meeting will be held at the St. Johns River Water Management District’sPalm Bay Service Center at 525 Community College Parkway, S.E.

Discussion will focus on pollutant load reduction goals (PLRGs), which aretargeted numeric reductions in pollutant loadings to a water body needed toachieve watershed management goals, and proposed total maximum daily loads(TMDLs) for the lagoon and the St. Lucie Estuary. TMDLs are the calculationof the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and stillmeet water quality standards.

Other agenda items include a plan to re-establish the National Estuary Program’sCitizens Action Committee and an update on the recent northern and centralIndian River Lagoon license plate grant awards.

The National Estuary Program’s Advisory Board is charged with advisingthe governing boards of the St. Johns River and the South Florida water managementdistricts regarding the implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation andManagement Plan. This plan serves as a blueprint for ensuring a balance betweenpeople and nature in the estuary.

Board members include individuals and representatives from the five countiesbordering the lagoon, several federal and state agencies, technical groups,and The Nature Conservancy.

For more information, call Ed Garland at (321) 676-6612.

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