 Land in the Brooker Creek watershed has experienced numerous changes. It was once cleared and used for cattle grazing, orange groves and tree farms. Today, residential development has replaced many of the farms and open spaces that once existed. The issues associated with rapid population growth, including increasing demand for water resources, growing numbers of impervious surfaces and greater numbers of pollutant sources, raise some topics of concern. To ensure the future health of the watershed, these topics must be carefully addressed. Water Quantity The growing number of residents living in the area will create a need for additional drinking water resources. This will require more water to be pumped from the Floridan aquifer. At the same time, the aquifer will experience slower recharge rates because the construction of impervious surfaces limits the amount of water that soaks into the ground. If not carefully monitored, these two factors could reduce the amount of water available in the aquifer and lower groundwater levels. These changes will decrease the amount of fresh water available to residents and could also cause water levels in nearby lakes to drop.
Residents can help reduce pollution in many ways. For example, pet owners can help by cleaning up their pet's waste, and septic system owners can make sure their systems are functioning properly. Homeowners with lawns can contribute by reducing fertilizer use. Open Space Through the 1980s, the dominant land use in the Brooker Creek watershed was agriculture. Today residential home developments have taken the place of farmland. Additionally, undeveloped land is also being converted into housing for new residents. Urban development is expected to nearly double in the watershed by 2010. As this trend continues, fewer open fields and stands of trees will be scattered throughout the area for residents to enjoy.
Open space provides more than aesthetic appeal to the watershed. Areas of undeveloped land preserve habitats unique to Florida and the plants and animals that live there. As urbanization continues, habitats can become fragmented and disconnected from other natural systems. This could cause changes in species diversity because the area has become uninhabitable for some species. Planning open space along wildlife habitat corridors can help prevent habitat fragmentation. To help protect our open spaces, get involved in community organizations, such as homeowners' groups, and stay informed about zoning changes taking place around your neighborhood. Provide input at community meetings about the importance of preserving open space. Flooding The growing population of the Brooker Creek watershed has generated pressure to develop floodplain land—areas that flood naturally and provide a temporary natural storage area for floodwater. Unfortunately, the land in floodplain areas is not always developed wisely. Some land uses change the natural flow of the creek, such as streams that are diverted through culverts to allow road crossings. Other land uses disrupt the natural water storage capacity of the land, including converting low-lying areas along streams into residential areas, businesses or retail centers. Floods in these areas often result in economic losses for damaged property. One of the best ways to prevent flooding is to avoid development in floodplain areas. Avoid construction of houses and businesses in areas that are known to flood. Look for land uses that will allow for natural flooding to take place, such as constructing soccer fields or recreational areas that will not be harmed by seasonal high-water levels. |
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