Welcome to the Watershed Resource Center
About the WRC and WRC ResourcesThe Watershed Resource Center (WRC), the research division of the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, serves the public interest by conducting original ecological research and providing public access to scientific information regarding the condition of water quality, as well as the causes and consequences of changes in water quality throughout the Charlotte Harbor estuary complex and its watershed.
We give speaking and poster presentations to both public and private groups on a variety of "environmental science" topics. If there is something your group would like to learn about, please contact us to arrange a visit. We have also assisted in a growing number of high school "science fair" projects.
WRC ProjectsOur principle research topics include the condition of water quality in the Charlotte Harbor estuarine complex, the reasons behind changes in water quality, and the consequences of those changes in water quality. Our partners in these research projects include the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves office of the Florida DEP, the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, the Charlotte Harbor Fund, and Mote Marine Lab. Some of the research projects we have completed include the development of a method to identify failing septic systems by detecting a component of laundry detergent. We have several research projects in progress, including the potential impact of land application of waste water residuals (sludge spreading), and the status of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) abundance and distribution in upper Charlotte Harbor. Furthermore, we are preparing to undertake several more with various partners, including the causes of changes in the abundance and distribution of seagrasses.
If you are interested in any of these topics, please contact us for more information.
Water Quality Data The WRC manages water quality data collected from as far north as Polk and Manatee counties all the way to Estero Bay, south of Ft. Myers. Water quality data are collected by a number of different programs, and are intented to be as up-to-date as possible.
Watershed and Estuary InformationWatershed information is available within the Charlotte Harbor region including the Peace, and Myakka, Sarasota/Lemon Bay watersheds
This website is supported in part by the Manasota and Peace River Basin Boards of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. 
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