The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced the largest revegetation initiative in its history, launching a transformative restoration effort on Lake Kissimmee aimed at reviving native plant communities and enhancing critical wildlife habitat.

Backed by a $2.35 million investment over two years—supported by the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis—the project is part of a broader FWC-led strategy to restore the entire Kissimmee Chain of Lakes system. This large-scale effort is focused on improving water quality, strengthening aquatic habitats, and supporting species such as the endangered Everglade snail kite and Florida bass.

“Native aquatic grasses are vital for the success of freshwater ecosystems,” said Melissa Tucker, Director of FWC’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. “We’re pleased with the success of the previous plantings and look forward to continuing to improve the habitat on Lake Kissimmee.”

Over the past seven years, FWC and its partners have planted more than 686,000 native aquatic plants—including maidencane, Egyptian paspalidium, and bulrush—along the lake’s shorelines. This spring, an additional 534,545 plants and 1,100 wetland trees were added along the western, southern, and eastern shorelines, as well as around Brahma Island, enhancing nesting and foraging areas for wildlife.

“Lake Kissimmee is one of Florida’s crown jewels when it comes to sport fishing,” said Tom Graef, Director of the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management. “These restoration efforts will strengthen its reputation as a world-class fishery by improving critical habitat for Florida bass and other native species.”

Recent sightings of Everglade snail kites using newly planted wetland trees highlight the immediate ecological impact of the restoration, offering hope for long-term recovery of native species.

The project is guided by the FWC Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Fish, Wildlife and Habitat Management Plan, which was developed with extensive stakeholder input.

For more information, email AquaticHabitat@MyFWC.com or visit the FWC’s “What’s Happening on My Lake” website for fishing forecasts, virtual tours, work plans, and more.