The Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council was established by Chapter 83-358, Florida Statutes. The Council is comprised of federal, state, regional agencies, and local representatives. It advises the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and South Florida Water Management District on matters that affect administration of the Loxahatchee River Management Plan and identify and resolve intergovernmental coordination problems and enhance communications. The Council is also responsible for the development of the Loxahatchee River Management Plan, which contains the principal goals to preserve and enhance the river’s unique natural values, restore the river’s historic hydrology, and reverse the deleterious impacts of saltwater intrusion on the River’s ecosystems. The District participates as a member of the Coordinating Council due to the fact that the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River is the primary stormwater outfall for the entire portion of the District lying west of the South Florida Water Management District’s C-18 Canal, and the area east of the South Florida Water Management District’s C-18 discharges into the middle of the Loxahatchee River. South Indian River Water Control District and the Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council also have several mutual issues and interests.

This past year, the Council met on January 29, March 25 and June 24, 2024. The March meeting included a presentation on the Sawfish Bay Marine Restoration, a Loxahatchee River Wild and Scenic Management Plan Update, and Watershed Status Updates. The June meeting included presentations on the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River Eelgrass Project, a Loxahatchee River Watershed Restoration Project Overview and Wild and Scenic Rivers. The Council met on September 30, 2024, to discuss the goals and objectives regarding the management of the Wild and Scenic Portion of the Loxahatchee River and hold officer nominations.