Section 373.042, F.S., requires the District to establish minimum flows and levels for water bodies located within the District’s boundaries. This rulemaking is necessary to establish minimum flows for the Little Manatee River. The establishment and periodic evaluation of minimum flows is required by statute to ensure that the minimum hydrologic requirements of the water resources and ecology of the river and surrounding area are maintained. The minimum flows for the Little Manatee River are being developed using previously peer-reviewed, Governing Board adopted methods.