Public Comment Wanted for Lake Okeechobee Water Management Plan

Originally published by WINK News on August 16, 2022

The U.S. Army Corps of engineers needs your help on a proposal for Lake Okeechobee. They’re asking for people’s opinions on a plan that would send more water to the Everglades.

The goal is to protect the water supply and reduce the need for harmful discharges in the northern estuaries. Not everyone is happy about this proposal.

Lake Okeechobee contributes to vast waterways used for fishing and recreation and is where many species of wildlife call home. It’s also contributing to blue-green algae.

“When the lake has a massive algae bloom like it does now, then, you know, we want that fresh water to balance the salinity in the envelope. We’re also getting the algae along with it. So we’re, we’re kind of concerned about that,” said Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani.

Change is coming, and the Army Corps of Engineers has revised its management schedule for the lake.

The public comment period closes Monday, September 12th. You can still submit comments by email: [email protected]