This spring, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) completed a revegetation project on Lake Okeechobee. The effort focused on enhancing habitats in Fisheating Bay, Moore Haven Marsh, and the Fisheating Bay islands. This initiative aligns with the Lake Okeechobee Fish, Wildlife and Habitat Management Plan developed in 2022.
Lake Okeechobee has faced challenges due to prolonged high-water levels and disturbances from natural events like strong winds and heavy rainfall. These conditions have affected aquatic plants by uprooting them and increasing turbidity, which reduces light penetration necessary for plant growth. The loss of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) can severely impact ecosystems as they provide breeding grounds, shelter, and food for various species.
To address these issues, the FWC collaborated with the South Florida Water Management District to plant 40,000 eelgrass (tapegrass), paspaladium (Kissimmee grass), and bulrush plants over 8.25 acres. These efforts aim to support native fish and wildlife species, including the endangered Everglade snail kite.
In Moore Haven Marsh, wildlife habitat was improved by planting 27,558 sawgrass plants across six acres. Sawgrass decline is attributed to encroachment from cattail and willow along with high water levels that suppress prescribed fires essential for its growth. Sawgrass provides shelter for threatened Eastern black rail birds and nesting areas for alligators.
The FWC also planted pond apple, pop ash, bald cypress trees, and cocoplums on seven islands in Fisheating Bay to enhance wading bird rookeries.
Low lake stages in 2025 have improved water clarity which will help new plantings thrive. For more information about restoration efforts on Lake Okeechobee, visit MyFWC.com/AquaticHabitats or email AquaticHabitat@MyFWC.com.
