FLORIDA'S
HEARTLAND
As lake,
waterway and surrounding countryside, Okeechobee shows many
faces of Florida. A canopy of moss-draped live oaks hides
clusters of sabal palms. A tangle of water plants marks the
boundary where wetland meets a lakeshore. A lone alligator
suns on a riverbank in a deceptively calm moment. Wild birds
take flight in a sudden explosion of motion. Between the
muted pastels of dawn and the brilliant display of sunset,
Okeechobee is for all who love the outdoors.
LAKE OKEECHOBEE
At
the center of Florida's heartland is Lake Okeechobee, the
largest of Florida's lakes and second largest fresh water
lake in the United States. Its name is derived from Seminole
Indian words meaning "big water." Though somewhat
shallow, averaging about 10 feet in depth, the lake covers
over 730 square miles (467,200 acres).
The lake is noted for its bountiful fishing. It has long supported
a commercial fishing industry and is the site of many tournaments for
sport fishermen. The lake is also a perfect place for a leisurely sail
or cruise, with a choice of protected spots for a floating picnic,
or a few hours of quiet contemplation.
Beyond
its obvious opportunities for outdoor recreation, Lake Okeechobee
serves a greater purpose for all of South Florida. As the
state's population grows, so does the lake's importance as
a water resource.
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT
When
the Seminole Indians migrated from Georgia and settled in
the region, lake water was replenished not only by rainfall,
but also with the water draining from more than 3,000 square
miles of the Kissimmee River Basin to the north. During summer's
rainy season, the lake spilled over its southern shore, sending
water south in a slow-moving sheet through acres of sawgrass
to the end of the peninsula and out to sea. When the region
was wilderness, this flooding posed no problem, but as South
Florida developed, it became necessary to find ways to manage
the water.
After
two hurricane-spawned floods devastated the communities bordering
the lake, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began its involvement
in managing South Florida's valuable water resource. By 1937,
the cross-state Okeechobee Waterway was completed, connecting
Stuart on the east coast with Ft. Myers on the west. This
waterway provided a way to release floodwaters and opened
South Florida to commercial and recreational boat traffic.
The Corps also constructed the Herbert Hoover Dike, a flood
control levee that circles the lake. A series of canals,
water control structures and pump stations form a complex
water management system jointly managed by the Corps of Engineers
and the South Florida Water Management District.
As
the needs of the public changes, so does the Corps' role
in South Florida. Project purposes now include flood control,
navigation, water supply, fish and wildlife enhancement,
and recreation.
ENVIROMENTAL AWARENESS
Birds,
fish and wildlife bring thousands of visitors to Okeechobee
each year, but the abundance of wildlife would not exist without
the wetlands that border the lake's southern and western shore.
This 3 to 8 mile wide strip of land, called the littoral zone,
is the foundation of Okeechobee's ecosystem. Any changes within
the wetlands, whether water depth or quality, or the decline
of a plant or predator, changes the relationships of all things
that share the environment.
The
area is an essential habitat for waterfowl, both resident
and migratory. It is a food source and nesting ground for
wading birds like ibis, herons and woodstorks. Okeechobee
is also home to diving birds such as cormorants and anhingas,
commonly called "snake birds."
Along
lakeshore or waterway, eagles and caracaras may be seen nesting
in the high trees. Further overhead, bald eagles, osprey,
hawks, and black vultures ride the high winds.
Four
groups of reptiles are represented in the area. The
alligator is probably the most well known and recognized,
but many kinds of turtles, lizards and snake abound, along
with three amphibian frogs and toads. Manatees, tough mammals,
are included in the world of water creatures. These endangered "gentle
giants" often swim great distances, especially in the
winter, locking through the waterway with transient boats
as they seek warmer waters.
Of
the mammals associated with a water habitat, those most likely
to be found are raccoons, muskrats and marsh rabbits. Occasionally,
a river otter will surprise the observer with a lively swimming
exhibition. Bobcats may also be seen, often mistaken for
the endangered Florida Panther. As the managing agency, the
Corps works to preserve Okeechobee's ecosystem by maintaining
a valuable habitat for fish and wildlife and by protecting
endangered species
Through
a number of interpretive services, the Corps pursues its
goal to create greater understanding and awareness if the
area's archaeological, cultural, historical, natural, and
water resources.
* All photos on this page are compliments of Southwest Florida Water Managment
FISHING
Lake
Okeechobee has a reputation for excellent fishing. More than
40 species are found in the lake. The most
sought-after are the largemouth bass, blue gill, the famous
Okeechobee catfish, and black crappie, known locally as "specks." Fishing
enthusiasts who travel the waterway may also find salt water
species like tarpon and snook near W.P. Franklin and St. Lucie
locks. From traditional jon boats to high-tech bass boats,
anglers test their patience and their lures and are usually
rewarded with a truly fresh catch of the day.
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