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​The Loxahatchee River is one of only two rivers in Florida to receive the designation as a National Wild and Scenic River, and it houses essential habitats supporting a wide range of ecological resources.  This includes freshwater riverine floodplain vegetation such as bald cypress, freshwater and estuarine fishes, and tidal floodplain vegetation and animals such as mangroves, oysters and seagrasses.

You can experience and explore this unique “old Florida" habitat by visiting the county's Riverbend Park on West Indiantown Road in Jupiter, where kayaking/canoeing rentals are available. 

Sadly, the Loxahatchee River has suffered from over a century of ditching, draining and re-engineering related to agricultural and urban development.  This altered the river's natural hydrology resulting in saltwater intrusion that changed the river's freshwater ecosystems.  In the 1980's, the State of Florida and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) developed a management plan to preserve and enhance the river's unique natural values, restore the historical hydrology, and reverse the impacts of saltwater intrusion. 

                The Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council is comprised of federal, state, regional agencies and local representatives and is responsible for the ongoing development of the management plan.  The Council advises the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and SFWMD to identify and resolve inter-governmental coordination and enhance communication on matters affecting the administration of the river.  I serve as the Palm Beach County Commission's representative on this council.

                The multi-agency council maintains the protection and enhancement objectives from the original plan while updating strategies and tasks to fit current conditions and activities occurring in the river.  The objectives include:

• Improving overall river hydrology and water quantity through accelerated land acquisition for water storage on public lands by implementing restoration projects, coordinating with stakeholders, and monitoring the health and restoration of the river.
• Improving water quality by identifying and reducing points of pollution; increase storm water treatment and retention; decrease turbidity/cloudiness; reduce harmful bacteria; and, utilize best management practices in the remaining agricultural areas surrounding the river.
• Protect and preserve the native wildlife, fish and vegetation by acquiring additional parcels in the Pal-Mar Water Control District; monitor sedimentation, erosion, and flows affecting valued ecosystems.
• Protect and preserve historical, cultural sites and recreational resources.
• Increase environmental education and stewardship opportunities within the river.

                Preserving and protecting the National Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River requires a balance in managing the wetlands and natural areas filtering water that feeds into the basin, so that the water entering the river is of the highest quality possible, while at the same time helping to provide flood protection for our community.

                Palm Beach County's Comprehensive Plan identifies the Loxahatchee River as an “Area of Particular Concern" to preserve in its natural state.  Our land development code contemplates additional setbacks from wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas, and this process has been effective is directing land development activities away from the river area.

                If I can be of assistance to you, please contact me at (561) 355-2201 or by email at mmarino@pbcgov.org.​