For most of us, December is the time of year when concern for others takes precedence over our own personal needs and wants. We tend to voluntarily reach out and assist others whenever and wherever we can.

Surprisingly to some, that same spirit of shared concern and generosity also applies to water resource management issues, thanks in part to some South Florida landowners.

A nationally renowned bass fishery, Lake Tohopekaliga and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, helps define the quality of life in Osceola County and central Florida. Lake Toho fuels an economic engine that generates millions of dollars for area fishing guides, hotels, camps and related businesses.

An environmental drawdown of the lake is needed to enhance habitat for fish and wildlife by removing organic sediment and nuisance vegetation. The governing board of the South Florida Water Management District directed staff to take a creative problem-solving approach and to look for viable alternatives that would allow the project to move forward without adversely impacting Lake Okeechobee or the downstream estuaries. Our monitoring indicates that the estuaries are recovering from earlier heavy freshwater discharges.

In order for the twice-postponed Lake Toho drawdown to occur, alternative water storage moved to the top of our “wish list.”

The Florida agricultural community heard the request and willingly stepped up to the plate. Several private landowners surrounding Lake Okeechobee have volunteered to accommodate Lake Toho water on their property. The Seminole Tribe of Florida may also be able to store some excess water on reservation land. In addition, district staff is looking into the availability of
state-owned lands.

This means that drawdown releases will be either diverted from entering Lake Okeechobee, or will be discharged through the lake’s southern outlets to the storage sites. If weather conditions stay dry — as projected — this action will result in no impact to the estuaries and minimal impact on Lake Okeechobee.

Most of the stored water is expected to either evaporate or percolate down to help recharge underground aquifers, while some may be available for irrigation. The farmers, however, are not without risk. Unexpected wet weather could create on-site concerns. Their willingness to accept these risks for the benefit of the environment and the people of Central and South Florida is truly commendable. Storing excess water on private lands is unprecedented and our thanks goes out to them for their generous gift.

While this cooperative, short-term fix allows us to proceed with the Lake Toho drawdown, our main focus is on long-term solutions. We are working with the Corps of Engineers to begin the process of modifying the current operating schedule for Lake Okeechobee in order to lessen the need for heavy discharges to the estuaries and to ensure the proper level of year-round flow most beneficial to this delicate salt/freshwater mix.

In addition, we have identified the construction of three reservoirs as agency priorities, including one located on the Caloosahatchee River. The governing board has authorized a public-private partnership to expedite the engineering and design components of the first facility.

The South Florida Water Management District remains committed to developing and implementing policy that benefits both our natural systems and our residents.

Copyright © 2003, Ft. Myers News-Press