The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has released a Full Draft of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Management Plan and is inviting the public to a meeting Wednesday, November 10th at the Kissimmee Civic Center from 6-8 pm to gather feedback on the plan.
After gathering initial input and feedback, the FWC staff has drafted plans to balance the biological needs of fish and wildlife with the desires of a wide range of stakeholders. To gather final comments, FWC will host the following four public meetings. The in-person meetings will be recorded and the recording will be available on the Lake Management Plans web page afterward each meeting.
Lake Management Plans are comprehensive, covering the FWC’s management of a system’s fish, wildlife, and habitats. They are designed to ensure management of fish and wildlife for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. Plans cover management activities within the FWC’s jurisdiction while providing recommendations to partner agencies on items outside of that jurisdiction, such as water levels and water quality. FWC management activities can include but are not limited to, habitat protection, restoration and enhancement, fish management, and invasive plant management.
The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Osceola County forms the headwaters of Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, and Florida Bay. It is composed of four major lakes (Tohopekaliga, Cypress, Hatchineha, and Kissimmee) totaling approximately 65,000 surface acres. The chain is internationally known for its recreational and commercial value for angling, hunting, birding, boating, and more.
Remember, the meeting will take place Wednesday, November 10th at the Kissimmee Civic Center from 6-8 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there!
