Ep. 6 - Ernie Barnett - WATER we doing to protect and sustain Florida's H2O resources?

Agriculture has an amazing story to tell when it comes to utilizing best management practices. Soil leveling, data, reduced fertilizer and other inputs, policy, research, regulations and so much more. Years of research and billions of dollars have been invested to protect Florida's land and water, and...it's working. Join Michelle and Ernie to learn more about Florida's water quality and supply in relation to Florida agriculture and its critical role. As well as the commitment of farmers and ranchers to take care of Florida's water resources.

 

Bio: Ernie Barnett is the Executive Director of The Florida Land Council, which consists of 19 principal members who own more than 3 million acres of land throughout Florida. The Council was formed in 1985 to protecting the asset value of members’ landholdings. The Council proactively engages regulatory and resource management agencies to help formulate public policies that allow its members to continue their stewardship of their lands. Barnett is also the Director of Water and Land Advisors, Inc., an environmental consulting firm specializing in Florida water supply, water quality and environmental issues.

Barnett has more than 30 years of water resources management experience and public service, during which he contributed to several landmark environmental laws. He had a lead role in the successful passage by the Florida Legislature of the Lake Okeechobee Protection Act; the Everglades Restoration Investment Act, which has provided more than $1 billion for Everglades restoration; and the Everglades Improvement and Management Act. He also helped secure approval of the Water Resource Development Act of 2000, in which Congress authorized the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

In 2013, he led the South Florida Water Management District as Interim Executive Director. Barnett has a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida and Masters of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Management and Planning, both from the University of West Florida.