The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is leading a significant restoration project on Lake Kissimmee to promote native plant communities through large-scale revegetation. The FWC has allocated $2.35 million over two years for this initiative, marking the largest revegetation project in the agency’s history. This effort is part of a broader approach to restore the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes system, supported by Florida’s Legislators and Governor Ron DeSantis.
Lake Kissimmee, a major natural lake in Florida, serves as an important resource for fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. It is also home to the endangered Everglade snail kite. In recent years, vital aquatic grasses in the lake have declined due to factors such as grazing by exotic apple snails, hurricanes, and artificially stabilized water levels. The restoration project aims to improve aquatic habitats, enhance water quality, and support various fish and wildlife species.
Between 2017 and 2024, approximately 686,635 native aquatic plants were planted in Lake Kissimmee. These included maidencane plants, Egyptian paspalidium plants—both known as Kissimmee grass—and bulrush plants along different shorelines of the lake. Planting areas were selected based on water depth and lake bottom firmness to enhance fish and wildlife habitats while providing additional foraging and nesting areas for the Everglade snail kite.
In spring 2025, an additional 534,545 grasses and bulrush were planted along various shorelines of Lake Kissimmee. Furthermore, 1,100 wetland trees were planted around the lake to provide perching and nesting habitats for wading birds and Everglade snail kites. The presence of these kites has already been documented using the newly-planted trees.
“Native aquatic grasses are vital for the success of freshwater ecosystems,” said Melissa Tucker, Director of the FWC’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. “We’re pleased with the success of the previous plantings and look forward to continuing to improve the habitat on Lake Kissimmee to support fish and wildlife.”
Tom Graef from FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management emphasized Lake Kissimmee’s importance: “Lake Kissimmee is one of Florida’s crown jewels when it comes to sport fishing… Healthy habitat is the foundation for great fishing.”
This work aligns with FWC’s management plan developed with input from various stakeholders.
For more information about this project or general inquiries about water bodies in Florida visit MyFWC.com/Lakes.
