Besides its vibrant tourism industry, there’s another side to Florida that often gets overlooked – its incredible lakes. You might be surprised to learn that Florida is actually home to over 7,700 lakes. Besides being an integral part of Florida’s natural beauty, these lakes also play a critical role in supporting the state’s economy, biodiversity, and recreational activities.

Unfortunately, Florida’s lakes do face numerous threats to their health and sustainability. Years of urbanization, agricultural runoff, and invasive species have taken their toll, and it’s a complex problem with no easy solutions. This is where government and policy are vital in lake restoration and conservation.

Government Agencies Involved in Lake Restoration and Invasive Plant Management

Florida Fish and Wildlife

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is actively involved in vegetation management to maintain healthy ecosystems and protect native species. Here is how the FWC is involved in vegetation management:

  • Invasive Plant Management: The FWC’s Invasive Plant Management Section is responsible for controlling and eliminating non-native, invasive plants that can harm Florida’s natural habitats. They prioritize the species that tend to pose the most significant threat to native ecosystems.
  • Habitat Restoration: The FWC works to restore degraded habitats by removing invasive plants and replanting native vegetation. Restoring habitats helps to improve biodiversity, provide better habitats for fish and wildlife while also contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.
  • Aquatic Plant Management: The FWC manages aquatic plants in Florida’s waterways to ensure that they do not interfere with recreational activities, such as boating and fishing, or negatively impact water quality. To help with their work managing excessive aquatic plant growth, they use a combination of methods, including herbicide application, mechanical harvesting.
  • Research and Monitoring: One of the FWC’s focus is on conducting research to better understand the impacts of different vegetation management techniques on Florida’s ecosystems. Monitoring the effectiveness of their management strategies is a crucial part of their work, and they are open to trying different approaches to ensure the best possible outcomes for native species and habitats.

St. Johns River Water Management District

The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) is one of five water management districts in Florida, and they are responsible for managing water resources in the northeastern part of the state. Here’s what they do:

  • Water Supply Management: The SJRWMD works to ensure that there’s enough water to meet the needs of people, plants, and animals. Among monitoring factors like water levels and water withdrawals, they also find solutions to make sure there’s a sustainable water supply for the future.
  • Water Quality Protection: They’re also in charge of protecting the quality of water in the district. This means keeping an eye on pollution and making sure that the rules and regulations meant to keep our water clean are adhered to.
  • Flood Protection: Another significant part of their job is managing water to prevent flooding. To do this, they operate and maintain various flood control structures like levees, canals, and water storage areas to help protect people and property from floods.
  • Natural Systems Management: The SJRWMD is responsible for protecting and restoring natural ecosystems like wetlands, rivers, and springs. They work on projects to restore damaged habitats and maintain the health of these important natural areas.

Lake Restoration Efforts Are Integral To The Health and Sustainability of Florida’s Lakes

It’s unfortunate that Florida’s beautiful lakes are facing such significant threats to their long-term health and sustainability. However, it’s possible to address these challenges, particularly with the help of government agencies and policies.

As members of this local community, it’s up to us to ensure that these lakes remain healthy and a vital part of our state’s environmental landscape. If you have a lake on your property, you do have a special role to play. Know that your efforts in protecting and conserving the lake does make a positive impact on our state’s overall lake restoration efforts. If you need help restoring your lake and managing nuisance vegetation, call Karina Lakefront today.