The GIS Integration and Development Program

Grant Project Summary: Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management

Comprehensive Bathymetric Mapping for Lake Worth Lagoon

August 2001 to January 2003Grant Project Area Map

Project Summary

Florida's Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management conducted a comprehensive bathymetric mapping project for Lake Worth Lagoon. The mapping project consolidated existing bathymetric data with new field measurements. Data derived from this project will be instrumental in directing future restoration and enhancement projects for this urban water body. Deliverables for this project included a comprehensive bathymetric map of Lake Worth Lagoon and associated documentation. Florida’s Palm Beach County, Department of Environmental Resources Management have posted these data and information on its Web site. Contour maps are posted in several sections due to the large size of the data files, however, an interactive GIS database for all Lake Worth Lagoon information (e.g., seagrass coverage, bathymetry, mangrove and shoreline characteristics, etc.) will be maintained as resources permit.

NOAA Coastal Services Center's Role

This was a grant project and NOAA did not have substantial involvement with the work.

Grantee Overview

The Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management was established on October 1, 1987. The Department was created after the county had recently passed two (2) environmental ordinances and needed an agency that would have the expertise to administer the ordinances. The Wellfield Protection Ordinance and the Sea Turtle Protection Ordinance formed the core around which ERM was created. Other existing programs that were transferred from other County departments to the new department included the Beach Nourishment Program, Artificial Reef Program, Wetlands Protection Program, Surface Water Monitoring Program, Pollutant Storage Tank Clean-up Program and Mosquito Control. In the spring of 1998, the Department was reorganized along functional lines as opposed to the existing resource based system. The four divisions (Water Resources, Coastal and Wetlands, Environmental Review, and Mosquito and Aquatic Plant Control) were reorganized into Resources Protection, Environmental Enhancement, Natural Resources Stewardship, and Mosquito Control. Furthermore, Administration was restructured functionally into GIS Coordination, Public Outreach, and Business and Financial Management.

The mission of the Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management is to establish, maintain, and implement programs for the protection, preservation, and enhancement of the land and water resources of Palm Beach County. Through the accomplishment of this mission, the Department will promote the quality of environment, continued health, safety, and general welfare of both residents of, and visitors to, Palm Beach County.

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