Headwaters of the Ocklawaha Watershed
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and Protect Human Health at Clermont, FL Hazardous Waste Site
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Friends of Lake Apopka Join In Ocklawaha Watershed
Efforts
The Friends of Lake Apopka have agreed to join the Putnam
County Environmental Council in their efforts to restore the entire
watershed of the Ocklawaha River. Lake Apopka forms the headwaters
of this watershed that also includes the Harris Chain of lakes as
the river flows northward, eventually merging with the St. Johns
River.
FOLA has focused attention on Lake Apopka and will continue to do so
but the Board of Directors feels it is important to join efforts to
face problems downstream as well. Current battles in Lake Apopka
include guarding against further pollution in the lake from
surrounding development, halting efforts to withdraw waters for
irrigation and fighting against approvals for permits to sell
bottled water for the Apopka drainage basin.
Current data shows considerable improvements in decreased phosphorus
levels and recent reports indicate fishing has improved
dramatically.
One of the biggest battles downstream includes removal of the Rodman
Dam, a relic of a previous ill-advised attempt to build a
Cross-Florida Barge Canal, which fortunately, was halted by
President Nixon. The Rodman Dam had been completed before the
project was stopped and vigorous political fights through the years
have blocked attempts to remove the structure. The damaging results
of the dam include destruction of many acres of floodplain forests
and disruption of flow that caused increased nutrient levels in the
river below the dam.
Current efforts by environmental groups call for a permanent draw
down of the Rodman pool, which would allow for flushing of the river
and restoration of floodplain forests to restore many acres of
habitat. Other efforts call for an immediate science-based
establishment of Minimum Flows and Levels for the entire length of
the Ocklawaha. The same is needed for Lake Apopka.
The Putnam County Environmental Council held a Rally for the
Rivers on February 15 - 17, 2008 in Palatka where all these issues
were featured along with educational and entertaining events.
Jim Thomas
Friends of Lake Apopka
Yes, Florida does have hills!
Beginning at the Howey Crossroads (the intersection of Lake County Roads 455 and 561), the Green Mountain Scenic Byway winds southeast along Lake County Roads 455 and Old Highway 50 for 12 ½ miles through some of the highest hills of the Lake Wales Ridge.
More...
See the Master Plan at this new Green Mountain Scenic Byway
Project
Website!
