PALATKA, Fla., April 17, 2009 - The Indian River Lagoon Advisory Board will meet April 29 to review budgetary issues and restoration projects related to the lagoon.

Troy Rice, Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP) director, will ask the advisory board to review recommended IRLNEP annual work plan projects for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. The final draft 2010 work plan is slated for the board's final consideration in June.

The board is also scheduled to hear presentations on a dredging project in Manatee Pocket in Martin County, current spoil island restoration projects, and stormwater retroffiting projects to abate flooding and improve water quality in the lagoon in Martin County.

The advisory board's members are charged with advising the governing boards of the St. Johns River and the South Florida water management districts regarding the implementation of the Indian River Lagoon Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. This plan serves as a blueprint for ensuring a balance between people and nature in the rapidly growing Indian River Lagoon region.

The 10 a.m. meeting will be held at the Indian Riverside Park, 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive, in Jensen Beach. The public is encouraged to attend. For more information, call Ed Garland at (321) 676-6612.

- END -