The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking public input on the draft Lake Management Plans for the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. The draft can be found on MyFWC.com/Lake-Plans.
The FWC held a public meeting last month for the draft management plan and public commenting is still open. You can email comments by Dec. 16 to Kissimmee Chain: KissimmeeChainofLakes@MyFWC.com. The recording of the in-person meeting is available on the Lake Management Plans web page.
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 is located within Osceola County, and 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.
For questions related to the management plans, contact Ben Shepherd at bshepherd@inwoodinc.com or 407-971-8850, or visit MyFWC.com/Lake-Plans.
For general waterbody information, fishing forecasts, virtual tours, plant control operation schedules and annual work plans, boat ramp information, and more visit the “What’s Happening on My Lake” website at MyFWC.com/Lake.
