The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is continuing the treatment of Lake Apopka for hydrilla.  Lake Apopka is a 30,000-acre lake in both Orange and south Lake counties.  The primary outflow of this lake is through the Apopka-Beauclair Canal that feeds into the Harris Chain of lakes.  Lake Apopka has a long history of environmental and pollution challenges.  There are widespread and long-term efforts to improve water quality.  These projects are run by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), private contractors and the outflow to the Harris Chain is treated by the Lake County Water Authority.  

In 2020, 5,200 acres of hydrilla were present in Lake Apopka, 485 acres were treated in 2020.  Recent SONAR survey data collected in August 2021 indicated an increase to 6,900 to 11,100 acres of submersed plants, which was primarily hydrilla.  Visual surveys conducted in the fall of 2021 indicated that hydrilla had expanded between Magnolia Park and the Northshore area, by the Apopka-Beauclair Canal entrance and toward open water within existing large plots.  The treatment plan for 2022 is 8,020 acres.  See the pictures included with this story for visual depictions of the treatment areas. 

Aerial application will be the main application method.  This is used for maximum efficacy and the lowest use of herbicides.  Airboats will be used for smaller plots.  March is the earliest treatment window for the most optimal water temperature and weather conditions.  Other treatments will be completed mid to late March, weather dependent. 

For those wanting more detailed information, the treatment schedule and maps are posted online at:  MyFWC.com/Lake.  Then click on the “Plant Mgmt Schedule of Operations” under the “Aquatic Plants” dropdown menu.  Check weekly for posted treatments schedule as it is weather dependent.

For information or questions on the treatment plan please email Nathalie Visscher nathalie.visscher@myfwc.com

The post Lake Apopka FWC Aquatic Plant Treatment Schedule and Details – March 2022 appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

While the Tavares and Kissimmee meetings are not about the Clermont Chain of Lakes (CCoL). One of the main reasons for these meetings is to gather final public comments. These in-person meetings will be your chance to speak directly to the FWC decision-makers. and express concerns about the Clermont Chain.

Public use of the Clermont Chain is increasing exponentially. Public concern about the water quality and issues on the Clermont Chain is literally growing. The FWC needs to hear local concerns and hear local voices to increase the priority of the Clermont Chain in the eyes and ears of the FWC decision-makers.

After gathering initial input and feedback, FWC staff have drafted plans to balance the biological needs of fish and wildlife with the desires of a wide range of stakeholders. The FWC plan for the Harris Chain is available at THIS LINK or: https://myfwc.com/media/27870/hcol-full-draft.pdf

The Harris Chain of Lakes meeting will be held Tuesday, November 9 at 6-8 pm. at the Tavares Civic Center, 100E. Caroline Street, Tavares, FL 32778. A subsequent Kissimmee Chain of Lakes meeting will be held Wednesday, November 10 at 6-8 pm at the Kissimmee Civic Center, 201 East Dakin Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34741. The in-person meetings will be recorded and the recording will be available on the Lake Management Plans web page afterward each meeting.

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