Thousand Of Trees To Grace Lake O Region

CLEWISTON, FL. – Taking advantage of dry conditions, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will plant 6,000 pond apple, cypress and red maple trees to enhance wading bird habitat and restore ecosystems within Lake Okeechobee and Lake Istokpoga.

“Planting trees when water levels are low is a perfect example of turning the challenge of record dry conditions into a positive opportunity for restoration,” said Ken Ammon, P.E., SFWMD Deputy Executive Director – Everglades Restoration and Capital Projects. “The trees will greatly benefit the lakes’ ecosystems and attract wading birds, which are an indicator of restoration success, while also enhancing recreational opportunities.”

As part of environmental restoration for South Florida, crews are adding to thousands of trees that the District has planted to benefit the environment and wildlife. Such efforts are also a significant investment in the region’s economic health, as many of the restored areas serve as havens for recreational opportunities such as airboating, hunting and bird watching.

Following the driest October-through-December period since at least 1932, crews are set to start planting approximately 6-foot-tall pond apple trees along Ritta Island on the south end of Lake Okeechobee to enhance an existing native pond apple forest. (more…)

Thus far in 2011, the stars are aligned for bass anglers and fishing in general. Tournaments showcase record- and near-record-breaking catches, and we’re hearing from around the state about big bass and impressive catch numbers.

On Lake Kissimmee, Tom Rewis and Doug Chance produced a five-bass stringer totaling more than 40 pounds to win the Tony Strickland Memorial Tournament. While on Lake Tohopekaliga, Gerald Swindle’s 80-pound, 13-ounce accumulation of 15 bass over three days came close to setting a B.A.S.S. record.

Okeechobee produced a four-day total of 106-pounds, 10-ounces for FLW Tournament winner Brandon McMillan – a new tour record.

Zack Mack, from Tennessee, caught a 14-pound, 2 ounce Florida largemouth bass on Lake Kissimmee in early February.

Meanwhile, Sean Rush of Trophy Bass Expeditions said, “Rodman Lake may be the hottest trophy bass lake anywhere right now.” He recently documented bass over 12 pounds, with two clients catching and releasing 50 fish in a single day.

Even though evidence points to a stellar year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages bass-fishing aficionados to consider catch-and-release for the long-term good of the stock. (more…)

News Release

February 9, 2011
Contact: Gabriella B. Ferraro, 772-215-9459

To celebrate the restoration of Lake Trafford in Collier County, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites families to witness the release of wildlife and introduce their children to fishing, for free, Saturday morning.

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Fishery biologists are in the process of restocking Medard Reservoir at Turkey Creek.

The public-access impoundment was drained to repair the dam in the fall of 2009, but it has been fixed and the water level is rising.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports a total of 477,000 juvenile sport fish will be stocked during the winter and spring. The fish will come from the FWC’s Largemouth Bass Research Center near Webster.

The FWC released 130,000 juvenile bluegills to start the restocking process last week. Another 170,000 bluegills and 77,000 shellcrackers will be added in the next few weeks. (more…)