According
to the USACE web site,
During
September, water-quality samples were collected from 20 of 27 sampling
sites. TP concentrations lakewide
averaged 77 ppb compared to 85 ppb in August. However, TP concentrations in nearshore
areas across the southern and western sides of the lake averaged only 33 ppb,
with concentrations as low as 11 ppb at some sites. Water clarity in nearshore areas continues to be excellent as well.
Efforts
are ongoing to assess the feasibility of reintroducing apple snails to the
lake’s littoral zone following reflooding.
This species, which is the exclusive food source for the endangered snail kite,
is especially sensitive to drought conditions and may be unable to recover
quickly by natural means. During October, approximately 400 apple snail
eggs were transported from