The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), in collaboration with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Glades County, and other state and local partners, has started construction on the second phase of the Lake Hicpochee Project in Glades County. This initiative is part of the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program and aims to reduce harmful discharges into the Caloosahatchee Estuary, improve water quality, and expand water storage capacity in the region.
Ben Butler, a Governing Board Member for SFWMD, emphasized the significance of local investment: “I grew up in Florida and the community here is very important to me. I am very invested in the future of our heartland, the future of our children and grandchildren, and I want them to be able to enjoy South Florida like I do. We live, work and recreate here, so investing in our environment and water management infrastructure is vital to maintaining our quality of life in the State of Florida. Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, we continue to have historic progress and momentum to conserve our natural resources and protect our waterways. I also greatly appreciate our hard-working staff at the District who routinely advance important projects that support our mission.”
Adam Blalock, Deputy Secretary for Ecosystem Restoration at DEP, highlighted the environmental benefits: “The expansion of this project is critical because it improves water quality and expands water storage in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. The State of Florida continues to make record investments to protect our natural resources and preserve our way of life. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and the hard work of our partners, including the South Florida Water Management District, we are proud to celebrate another major accomplishment.”
Historically, Lake Hicpochee was one of three lakes that served as headwaters for the Caloosahatchee River. However, channelization efforts in the 1800s altered its natural flow, splitting Lake Hicpochee and draining its headwaters, which negatively impacted both hydrology and ecology in the area.
The first phase of the project, completed in 2021, included building a flow equalization basin and a pump station that increased water storage and improved water quality in the Caloosahatchee basin. The current phase will add a 2,200-acre flow equalization basin, a new pump station with three 75 cfs pumps, two new water control structures, and increase storage capacity to 9,300 acre-feet. The expansion is projected for completion in 2028.
Since 2019, Florida has either completed or made significant progress on over 75 Everglades restoration projects.
