Lake Okeechobee Conditions Report January 27, 2009:

 

According to the USACE web site, Lake Okeechobee stage is 13.47’ NGVD, which is 0.17’ lower than a week ago, 0.58’ lower than a month ago, and 3.37’ higher than it was a year ago.  The current stage is 1.22’ below the historical average for this date and 0.09’ below the simulated average using the current regulation schedule (LORS2008).  Total reported inflows are 370 cfs and are limited to flows through S65E.  Total reported outflows are 1095 cfs and include environmental releases to the Caloosahatchee River (285 cfs), water-supply releases through the S351, S352, and S354 (810 cfs).  Flow data to the L8 at Canal Point and through the S308 are missing.

 

A small (approx. 3 acres in size) population of the invasive old world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) has been reported growing in the littoral zone near Moore Haven.  This is the first report of this species on the lake, and dry conditions in recent years likely facilitated its establishment.  Ground crews are treating the infestation, which is expected to be eradicated with repeated treatments.  This same crew is treating other invasive plants, including scattered Melaleuca and Brazilian Pepper, throughout the littoral zone.

 

An interagency meeting was held last Friday to begin developing a fire management program for Lake Okeechobee.  Representatives from SFWMD, FFWCC, DOF, and Audubon of Florida were in attendance.  The objective of the plan is to identify environmentally beneficial methods and frequencies for conducting controlled burns in the lake littoral zone and the means of implementing such a program.  A draft plan is expected to be available this spring.

 

 

 

 


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