Originally published in the News-Press by Chad Gillis on November 27, 2024
River advocates are concerned that too much fresh water could spoil the delicate estuary, which depends on the lake for fresh water during the dry season.
The overall measurement for flows in the river is typically taken at the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam, or Structure 79, in Alva.
“They’re in the phase-down period now and the lake is obviously high and they’re trying to bring it down a few feet,” said Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce. “At (the Franklin Lock and Dam) there’s a little bit of flow, but it’s not monumental.”
Pierce said he’d like to see Caloosahatchee River flows at 2,1000 cubic feet per second or less in order to avoid harm to the river’s delicate estuary.
“They’re trying to get the level down in a short period and with next year’s storm season,” Pierce said. “They’re trying to get ahead of the eight ball.”
Original Story