PALATKA, Fla., March 13, 2009 - Outdoor recreation and restoration projects in Volusia County will be discussed March 17 during the St. Johns River Water Management District's Northern Region Recreational Public Meeting.

The meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts, 1776 Lightfoot Lane, Barberville.

District staff members will provide updates on recreation, land management and land acquisition activities in northeast Florida. The public will have an opportunity to comment on recreational issues involving District lands.

Recreational meetings offer the northern region group a conduit for voicing recommendations on public use issues related to District lands in Alachua, Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, Volusia and St. Johns counties.

The District buys land to provide flood protection, protect water supplies, and restore and preserve water bodies. Public land also maintains wildlife habitats and provides compatible recreational opportunities for the public.