The Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD) stretches from the St. Marks River Basin in Jefferson County to the Perdido River in Escambia County. The District is one of five water management districts in Florida created by the Water Resources Act of 1972. The District has worked for decades to protect and manage water resources in a sustainable manner for the continued welfare of people and natural systems across its 16-county region. It serves Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, Washington and western Jefferson County.
Within the District's area, there are several major hydrologic (or drainage) basins: Perdido River and Bay System, Pensacola Bay System (Escambia, Blackwater and Yellow Rivers), Choctawhatchee River and Bay System, St. Andrew Bay System, Apalachicola River and Bay System and St. Marks River Basin (Wakulla River).
A nine-member Governing Board, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate, guides District activities. Board members serve four-year terms without compensation and may be reappointed. An Executive Director oversees a staff of approximately 100 that includes hydrologists, geologists, biologists, engineers, planners, foresters, land managers and various administrative personnel.
Lands
The district reports having acquired more than 85 percent of the floodplains along the Choctawhatchee River, Escambia River and Econfina Creek have been acquired by the district.
Land Management
Recreation
Recreational opportunities are available on NWFWMD land along the following waterways: springs, and pristine bottomland hardwood and associated upland forests. Apalachicola River Chipola River Choctawhatchee River Econfina Creek Escambia River Holmes Creek (Florida) Perdido River Yellow River (Florida)
Acreages by basin
Conservation acreages by basin are: Perdido River 5,454 Escambia River 34,919 Garcon Point 3,245 Blackwater River 380 Yellow River 17,725 Choctawhatchee River/Holmes Creek 60,595 Econfina Creek 41,135 West Bay 719 Upper Chipola River 7,377 Apalachicola River 35,506 Lake Jackson 516 Conservation Easements 11,000