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Dispersed Water Management Opportunities for Landowners
Interested in getting paid to temporarily store water on your property? The Northern Everglades Payment for Environmental Services (NEPES) program compensates eligible landowners who implement dispersed water management projects that improve water storage and water quality while keeping working lands in production. Through support from the Department of Defense's Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program and partner organizations, this funding opportunity invests in projects that benefit both working ranches and the Northern Everglades Watershed.
Is this program right for me?
You may be eligible if you:
- Own or manage property in the Northern Everglades Watershed. Properties can vary in size, but eligible projects must have a footprint of at least 200 acres
- Are enrolled (or are willing to enroll) in the FDACS Best Management Practices (BMP) Program
- Own property within the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape
- Are willing to allow water and wildlife monitoring
- Are not enrolled in WRE or operating a mitigation bank
What kind of projects are funded?
Projects range from simple improvements that make better use of existing ranch infrastructure, such as canals, culverts, and riser boards, to larger projects involving levees or impoundments that store additional water.
Why participate?
Participating projects help:
- Improve water storage across the Northern Everglades
- Reduce nutrient runoff
- Improve water quality
- Enhance wetlands and wildlife habitat
How do I apply?
The Request for Proposals will open on Friday, August 21. Interested applicants can find the RFP on the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)'s Procurement Calendar. Applicants can also learn more about the SFWMD's Dispersed Water Management program and other water storage strategies here.
Key Dates
August 21, 2026: The Request for Proposals is now open.
September 17, 2026: Pre-proposal meeting at a location TBD in Okeechobee. This in-person meeting will provide an opportunity to bring questions to SFWMD staff and project partners and receive support with applications and project design.
October 2, 2026: Inquiry period ends. After this date, applicants can no longer receive feedback from SFWMD staff, but can continue receiving technical assistance from project partners.
October 29, 2026: Request for Proposals period closes.
December 2026: Projects are anticipated to be selected and voted upon at the December SFWMD Governing Board meeting.
Need help with your application?
Free technical assistance is available to interested applicants. Interested applicants can receive free technical assistants from Project partners can help answer questions and provide support with applications and project design. To request technical assistance or more information, contact Zach Franco at zfranco@archbold-station.org or (571) 577-7042. You will be connected with an expert from one of the participating project partners: Ducks Unlimited, Audubon, Highlands County Soil & Water Conservation District, Archbold Biological Station, or Dispersed Water, LLC.