Lake Okeechobee Conditions Report May 20, 2008:

According to the USACE web site, Lake Okeechobee stage is 9.78’ NGVD, which is 0.20’ lower than a week ago and 0.66’ lower than a month ago.  The current stage is 0.48’ higher than it was a year ago and 3.53’ below its historical average for this time of year.  Reported inflows include ~250 cfs from the Kissimmee River.  Outflows include 417 cfs through the S352 and 112 cfs through the S77. 

   

A muck burial demonstration project was completed last week in the lake’s littoral zone adjacent to the Indian Prairie Canal.  Four different tilling and disking methods are being tested for their ability to sequester soil phosphorus and improve vegetation conditions.  A total of 40 acres have been treated.  Pre- and post-treatment sampling was conducted to measure effects on soil phosphorus retention and the plant seed bank.

 

Wildfires continue to burn in the littoral zone in the southwest corner of the lake.  Approximately 26,000 acres have now burned.  The Grassy Island Fire is completely contained.  The Myakka Cut Fire is 50% contained but continues to spread actively to the east-northeast.  Three smaller wildfires (<100 acres total) have been reported along the western shore and all but one of these has been contained. 

 


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