Orange Creek Basin - Public Meeting Comments
September 22, 2014
Comment Cards
 Just get us access to our Orange Lake.
Issue Stations
Orange Lake 1
 McIntosh fish camp lake access – floating tussocks are affecting business.
 Floating tussocks – affected by changing water levels. Can there be sinkhole repair to slow draw
down?
 Smart weed management to improve access.
 Why can you not burn the muck and vegetation when the water level is low?
 FWC needs an approved management plan for dry and wet conditions for improvement actions.
 Do scraping and muck removal in dry periods.
 Conduct mechanical harvesting of tussocks.
 Move the three harvesters from Lake Hernando to Orange Lake.
 Restore hydrology of Orange Lake to pre-1926 conditions. Outflow at 301, muck in lake bed,
etc.
 What is the real world strategy for management of hydrilla?
 Why is FWC clearing areas within the lake, but not clearing Essen Run and PG Run for access?
 Is there a plan to restore water levels to support the lakeside/lake-based businesses that have
been impacted?
 Remove weir at 301 to restore Orange Lake to its original footprint.
 FWC needs to decide on a primary goal for management. Is it fish? Habitat? Access? Holistic?
Once the lead goal is determined, create a management plan.
 FWC needs to put out an open bid for removal of 900 acres of tussocks, with price per acre, not
price per hour.
 When water level hits 55 feet, implement the dry plan (muck removal on the banks).
 Consider duck usage when managing hydrilla.
 Focus on improving access, at a minimum of one boat ramp. Do not spread efforts so wide that
you cannot accomplish anything.
 Is it possible to pin tussocks to the bottom (big tussocks) to open access so they do not move into
boat channels.
 Hold regular public meetings for agencies to update the public on management activities.
 An agency needs to take ownership over the 301 weir and repair it.
 Get boat access open now!
Orange Lake 2
 Return the lake to its original footprint by removing the weir and allowing the lake to flush.
 Remove tussocks for access and safety.
 North end of lake needs to return to regular regime of controlled burns to control vegetation.
 Water quality in lake and basin and impact of aquatic weed control.
 Lake access through weed control.
Draft A
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As promised in the 2009 BMAP, “A comprehensive literature review to document effects of
plant management including options for improving management strategies to restore and
promote natural lake functions.” This is needed.
Which agency is responsible for keeping Cross Creek open?
If FWC is coming from Jacksonville, people will die! My neighbor would have died if my boat
was not on the water. Lift airboat curfew!
What exactly are we restoring our lakes to? Big waste of tax dollars!
How long is it going to take to get the vegetation problem addressed?
Remove tussocks.
Need contact numbers for lake airboat owners for emergencies. Coordinate with FWC/law
enforcement.
Big hole in base of weir at 301.
Impact on ground water quality from herbicides.
If tussocks are removed mechanically, how will that effect nutrient absorption and Silver Springs
BMAP?
Open Marjorie Rawlings ramp to all boats, not just airboats.
Keep Marjorie Rawlings open year round to all boats. Dedicate efforts to one location.
Homeowners are blocked in by floating tussocks.
Accessibility – need to be able to launch a boat.
South shore fish camp – canal has no access.
Manage tussocks to that they do not block major access points.
Chemical spray for tussock control only; not for overall weed control. Spraying results in
nitrogen accumulation in muck bottom resulting in future weed growth.
Fill in sinkhole to protect ground water quality.
Utilize in-lake disposal (islands) to reduce cost and maximize efficiency of muck removal.
Would willow treatment on Paynes Prairie be appropriate for Orange Lake?
Get boat access open now!
Is out of sight out of mind? Or is the muck on the bottom of the lake going to be addressed?
Orange Lake 3
Want access Orange Lake.
 Pro mechanical harvesting of tussocks. Against spraying of herbicides.
 Remove weir on 301.
 Remove tussocks by harvesting/excavators/wrangling. Bid on a per acre, not per hour, basis.
 Maintain Orange Lake as a fishing lake.
 Manure management – neighbor has a lot of manure impacting her land. What can she do? Who
should she contact?
 Access to all areas of the lake, including open water and smaller spaces/back waters.
 Open/clear Cross Creek (Lochloosa and Orange lakes).
 Safety on the water.
 Use mechanical removal, as opposed to chemical, whenever possible.
 Maintain all lakes in the basin for fishing.
 The lakes in the basin need to have management plans (as terrestrial systems do).
 Clean bottom/muck, when conditions permit, by scraping.
Draft A
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Try to control Heagy-Burry sinkhole by putting berm/barrier around it.
Enforce airboat curfew on the lake.
No herbicide use on Orange Lake – potential concerns with ground water/aquifer.
Leverage funding agency-wide to fund lake management.
Maintain year-round access to Orange Lake at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings.
Keep Cross Creek open/clear.
Remove all fill used in construction of US 301. Put in bridge pilings to restore lake’s natural
flow/flushing/outflow.
Block PG Run and drain/dry, remove excess vegetation, and organic build up.
Orange Lake bottom is karst – plugging sinkhole is pointless.
Use floats and line at either end of Cross Creek’s Mikes Fish Camp to corral/wrangle tussocks
and prevent them from conglomerating.
Place sign at boat ramps warning boaters of dangers of wind-blown tussocks and access issues
they create.
Raise warning flag/notice of no access in or out of boat ramps – safety issues.
Post current access/tussock conditions on easily found website or other media.
Do not spray herbicides on general weed population because it causes influx of nitrogen into
bottom muck for future weed growth.
Careful use of herbicides should not be ruled out. Current Orange Lake plant community is
detrimental to biology of lake. Benefit of careful herbicide use would outweigh leaving the
current plant community alone/as is.
Major weed species in Orange Lake are pickerel weed, smartweed, and maidencane.
Newnans Lake
 Plum Creek development – how will water withdrawal impact other resources in Silver Springs
and the Orange Creek Basin?
 Phosphorus loading from airport construction – what is going on?
 How to remove Orange Lake tussocks.
 Safety and access for Orange Lake users with tussocks moving around.
 Create an aquatic vegetation lake/basin management plan with future goals and targets, methods,
and monitoring method(s).
 Removal of vegetation resulting from dam on Prairie Creek.
Lochloosa Lake
 Net increase in phosphorus from land development (e.g. Plum Creek).
 Special basin criteria adopted by SJRWMD in ERP rules.
 Remove tussocks in Cross Creek.
 Orange Lake Association – incorporate to include all of the Orange Creek Basin.
 Manage lakes for fish, which takes care of everything else, too.
 In Cross Creek, open navigation to Orange Lake now!
 Finalize an aquatic vegetation plan. If one exists, promote/publicize better.
 Remove tussocks and 301 weir on Orange Lake.
 No large-scale lake treatment (e.g. 1990s sonar treatment). Large-scale efforts impact fish and
wildlife (they’re gone!). Prefer mechanical harvesting. Consider long-term impacts.
Draft A
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Why is access not being addressed in the whole basin?
Why was no work done when Orange Lake was down?
When will SJRWMD/FDEP address TMDL for Lochloosa and include in current BMAP?
Small businesses in the area have been closed due to conditions in the Orange Creek Basin.
Consider economics/jobs in management plans for the basin.
Orange Lake Shores and Grand Lakes riparian owners – a lot of money spent for access by
private entities now blocked again! Remove tussocks!
Why was harvesting targeted for Essen Run (2014)?
When will TMDL be established for Lochloosa?
Why does Lochloosa have less problems (tussocks) than Orange Lake?
Address source of nutrients, spend less time/money treating the symptoms in the basin.
Lochloosa TMDL – why 13 years?
Essen Run has been cleaned but hunters/fishermen cannot get to the lake or PG Run. Please
address!
Basin Hydrology
 What is Phase 1 BMAP?
 Is agricultural and urban stormwater discharge addressed as a BMP in Phase 1?
 If water quality does not improve, does it impact drinking water? Fish?
 Is the weir going to be opened in Phase 2 BMAP?
 Effect of large-scale development on watershed ecology and dynamics. Originating in eastern
Alachua County.
 Effect of large-scale development on ground water supply.
 Effects of mining operations (including fracking) on surface/ground water resources.
 Need to discuss potential impacts of climate change on long-term water levels and how that may
impact management.
 Stop spraying herbicides and use mechanical harvesters instead.
Regulatory/Permitting
 Lack of enforcement: ERP by FDEP and SJRWMD, agricultural and wetlands by FDACS, and
whole basin.
 Need special basin criteria by SJRWMD to limit phosphorus.
 Permitting process is too cumbersome and complicated to address issues that are rapidly
changing. Plant permits are an example. Is there a way to streamline the process?
 Concerns over using aquatic vegetation to fill property (wetlands) (i.e. harvesting tussocks).
 As an individual, what can be done about invasive vegetation in front of property? Who can be
contacted?
 Concerned Plum Creek project will be approved. Impacting wetlands.
 Feel that 10 mg/L of N is too high and harmful for drinking water.
 Too many agencies permitting the same process, and it is too complicated.
 All agencies are doing a fantastic job! Lucky to have good people working for them.
Basin Water Quality
 Plum Creek development in Alachua County – water supply, runoff, sewage, hydrologic
changes, and phosphorus.
Draft A
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How do stakeholders access information on water quality and nutrient loading?
Concern with using herbicides and effects on ground water (herbicides entering aquifer via
sinkhole and private citizen wells).
Noisy airboats at night – law enforcement issue reported by Orange Lake resident.
Need to determine nutrient content in tussocks and sediments. How much nutrients are being
removed when tussocks are harvested?
Herbicides and fertilizer in ground water – use more harvesters instead of chemicals.
Fertilizer runoff from golf course.
General 1
 Access to the lake for recreation and fishing!
 Open the boat ramps.
 Why is Orange Lake not being managed like every other lake in Florida (for plant management)?
 Aquatic systems need management plants.
 Need to have desired goals for vegetation management.
 SJRWMD needs to update the SWIM Plan.
 Invasive vegetation management.
 SJRWMD needs better management plans for more public use on land they own, especially in
the Orange Creek Basin.
 Work with Plum Creek for harvesting disposal.
 Remove tussocks and place on island/build an island.
 Agencies work together to streamline process for planning/permits.
 Open up the runs to access lake.
 Concerned about declining frog populations.
 Better education for public on regulatory process, especially timeframe and cost.
 Agree with draft report and habitat study.
 Need to restore the balance of habitat types.
 Access to lake (chopper or harvest).
 Copy of issues and employee contact information to Robert with Orange Lake Association.
 Pool funds from government agencies that have a stake in the Orange Creek Basin.
 Access and safety is more important than habitats right now.
 Access to Orange Lake is important because people from all over the U.S. know Orange Lake
because Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote about it and Cross Creek is a national historic site
(state park).
 Say no to the Plum Creek plan.
 Get boat access open now!
General 2
 Improve access to Orange Lake by vegetation removal.
 Orange Lake does not have access and want access (boat ramps and canal).
 Do now allow airboats – Alachua County and FWC should enforce airboat noise ordinance in
Orange Lake and Newnans Lake.
 Too much development in Florida; withdrawing water from aquifer; springs are slimy and did
not used to be; and visibility is reduced (Crystal River).
Draft A
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Where do the funds to fix the problems come from (water quality, vegetation)? Is it state,
federal, or local taxes?
People putting private property signs into the lake/wetland to prevent access (for duck hunters,
etc.). Occurring on the southwest corner of Orange Lake.
Make people remove private property signs on public waters.
SJRWMD should take leadership under SWIM process. BMAP has narrower focus, and there is
a larger set of issues here, not just the TMDL.
Airboats should be allowed on Orange Lake part of the night. Maybe not 10-5 but should allow
duck hunters early morning access, and alligator hunters access all night. From person who lives
on lake.
Lake homeowners had to pay out of pocket to get tussock removed from Orange Lake for canal
access. More of a long-term vegetation management/restoration plan needed –more quick fixes.
Conditions change quickly.
Remove tussocks from Orange Lake.
Public ramp on Orange Lake is not usable.
Cannot access fishing area in Orange Lake. The lake is stocked but cannot get out there.
Closer coordination – agency responsibilities overlap. Better coordination = more funding/more
efficient use of money to accomplish more, quicker. There is duplication of responsibilities, for
example water quality.
Want nighttime airboat access to Orange Lake for frogging. Vegetation blocks access.
Orange Lake and the whole basin, remove (do not spray) vegetation for airboats for gator and
frogging.
Remove weir and put in bridge with pilings for sheet flow.
Provide agency contact list.
Do not allow nighttime airboat access (2-3 am) on Orange Lake. From resident who lives on
lake.
Do not allow airboats on Orange Lake between 7 pm and 7 am, which is the current ordinance.
Water conservation – disagree with UF pine acres use of water. Irrigate too often and use too
much water (millions of gallons).
Mange lakes for fisheries.
Prefer mechanical over chemical plant management, in general.
Remove tussocks from Orange Lake – blocks canal access to lake.
Plants block canal access – we’ve been talking about this for a long time and no action.
In Orange Lake and Lochloosa Lake, clean up vegetation for improved access and waterfowl
habitat. Lake businesses are harmed, and lake economy is affected.
Get rid of tussocks in Orange Lake.
On Orange Lake, remove US 301 box culvert and replace with skyway bridge. Remove weir
(100 feet away) and widen railroad bridge (0.25 miles away).
Handwritten Notes
Mary Paulic
 Floating water hyacinth problem in Orange Lake.
 For FWC – tussock removed on Orange Lake at Cross Creek.
 For FDEP – William McDevitt (McDevitt@usgs.gov) had questions about studies on the lakes.
Draft A
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Plum Creek – what about wetland rules? Do county rules take precedence over state rule?
Concern that county wetland rule would be overruled – how does this work in a sector plan for
very large developments?
Tiffany Busby
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o Who is the boss? Who is going to fix the sinkholes especially the one in Orange Lake –
Hayberry Park? Suggestion to build a berm with a spillway around the sinkhole.
o Want to bring big fishing tournament here, good for economy.
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o Why did we not write down questions and then spend time answering them? Frustrated
that not getting more answers at meeting. For items which we have answers, we should
answer those.
o Suggestion: Cross Creek fire department should respond to 911 calls – add an airboat so
they can do water rescues.
o Some people have lost faith because Orange Lake does not get fixed.
o People do not know what agency to access and the chain of command. Not clear enough.
o Recommend sending out issues gathered and then start answering those questions.
o Use email to communicate what is happening.
o Create a sub-agency to coordinate everything.
Ryan Hamm
 Money spent unwisely and cycling.
 Lack of education on the history of the lake.
 Lake access is an economic driver – bass club.
 Fish habitat/fishable backwater.
 Rescuing boaters at night and legal issues – lack of FWC response to rescue.
 List of rescue boats until tussocks are controlled.
 Waste of tax dollars to restore Orange Lake. Wildlife lost due to management actions.
 More training for FWC officers on saving injured wildlife.
 Boat access from Alachua County so that the sheriff can enforce airboat ordinance. Local
ordinances need to be enforced.
 Herbicides are bad long-term. Loading nitrogen to the waterbody and to sinkhole.
 Open Essen Run out to open water.
 Why is Orange Lake not being managed? Flooding issue due to plant material. Need active
management on the lake.
Marcy Policastro
 A stakeholder was asking FDOT to remove the 301 weir and replace the bridge with pilings to
help restore natural flushing of Orange Lake. The FDOT representative responded that the weir
did not belong to FDOT, only the bridge. The stakeholder requested that the responsible agency
be determined and the weir removed.
 A stakeholder requested that vegetation be removed from the lakes using mechanical harvesting
instead of herbicides that could harm ground water.
Draft A
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General Session
 Jim Stevens – Takes his son with MS out on Orange Lake. His boat overheated trying to go
through the vegetation, and he got stuck. Cross Creek is blocked, which is a safety issue. Who
should he call when something like this happens? What are the agencies going to do to address
this issue? The lake should be saved for everyone.
 Pete Spike – With the Orange Lake Association: The association would like to work with the
agencies on restoration. They are also open to new members.
 Stakeholder – How will questions raised during the meeting be answered and when?
o Allen Martin – The information from the flip charts will be compiled and questions will
be answered. The flip chart information will be posted to the website, as well as answers
to easy questions. The more complex questions will require coordination. Allen noted
that he was unsure how long it would take to post the information.
o Ryan Hamm – An email notice will be sent out to everyone who provided contact
information on the sign in sheets once the information is posted to the website.
o Allen – General information from this meeting will be sent to the entire stakeholder list.
Separate emails will be sent to smaller sub-sets of stakeholders, based on their interests.
 Cliff Harris – With the Orange Lake Association, and he is giving ecotours and Cross Creek
tours. He asked where the minutes from the Orange Creek Basin Interagency Working Group
are posted. He asked the agency representatives at the meeting to raise their hand if they have
attended a Working Group meeting. He wanted to verify that the Working Group process was
already in place and moving forward. The Orange Lake Association has a maintenance and
restoration plan, and a large document with the scientific information needed on the lakes. The
money spent to remove tussocks could be better spent using different removal methods, such as
using the wind to blow the tussocks to an area and removing them with an aquatic excavator.
When the water level in Orange Creek goes down to 55 feet, the banks should be cleaned.
 Cheryl Baldwin asked why other lakes are being maintained but not Orange Lake. She asked
where the money has gone over the years that was appropriated for Orange Lake management.
o Pete Spike stated that the lake went dry in 2001 and 2010, and there are floating islands
that settled into the ground when the lake went dry. The layer of muck also settled in the
lake. The natural process was that when the lake levels were down, it would have
burned. Controlled burning is not allowed anymore because of smoke. If we do not let
the lake be natural, it will not be natural. Because we did not allow the lake to burn, we
have to compensate for that choice.
o Allen added that Orange Lake has a very strong connection to the aquifer, so during
droughts, the lake level goes down exposing mud flats. These mud flats grow a lot of
vegetation. Once lake levels came back up, the vegetation grew up from the mud flats.
The other lakes in the system stayed wetter so they do not have as much vegetation
popping. Therefore, they have access. While these lakes are part of the same system,
they are very different. There are a lot of different views on what the management of
these lakes should be, which is why the agencies wanted this meeting. This process will
work to find the middle ground.
 Karen Chadwin asked if FWC is considering any spraying or just mechanical harvesting to
remove the tussocks.
o Matt responded that FWC sprays invasive vegetation (water hyacinth and water lettuce).
FWC had proposed some spraying for tussocks, but that did not move forward for various
reasons. Herbicides are part of the solution and are being used.
Draft A
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Draft A
Karen asked when the plants are sprayed and material goes down the sinkhole how that affects
water quality, especially for Silver Springs.
o Matt responded that the spraying recycles existing nutrients in the system but does not
add more nutrients. For hyacinth and lettuce, the amount of material that falls to the lake
bottom from spraying is four times less than if these plants were allowed to grow because
the plants slough leaves as they grow. There have been spray moratoriums in the past,
but non-native plants take over.
o Bruce Jaggers stated that FWC is using this stakeholder process to development a
management plan for Orange Lake. There are immediate issues that need to be addressed
with invasive plants, and there have been discussions about nutrients into the system from
spraying. FWC has some information and they are looking to gather more data. This
research will take time and resources. They will try to quantify the amount of nutrients in
the plants that are removed from harvesting, and how much would be released through
spraying.
A stakeholder asked why FWC does not have this research since they have been spraying since
the 1970s or 1980s.
o Bruce responded that there have been studies but Orange Lake is different. There are few
places with deep pockets of organic matter like in Orange Lake.
A stakeholder noted that twenty years ago, a person could see from one shoreline to the other on
Orange Lake but this is not true today because of woody vegetation. Burning lake vegetation is
no longer an option even though this used to be done and trails were added to control the
burning. He asked what the alternative is to manage the lake vegetation and if it is possible to
lower the lake levels by removing the spillway.
o Bruce responded that this feedback is what they are looking from the community groups
moving forward. Orange Lake is one of the primary areas where alligator eggs are
collected so FWC needs to consider what will happen with alligator reproduction if the
habitat is changed.
A stakeholder asked who is collecting the alligator eggs.
o Cameron Carter responded that he works with alligator research at FWC. FWC collects
the eggs to supplement farm stock.
Karen stated that at the last SJRWMD Governing Board meeting, it was reported that they made
$240,000 collecting alligator eggs. It seems that some of this money should go back to helping
the lake.
o Cameron responded that the fees go into a state game trust fund for species, but not
habitat. The SJRWMD collection is separate from FWC’s collection.
Whitey Markle stated that the nutrient and tussock problems in Orange Lake are a result of
history. The dam was added at the foot of the lake, and then the highway and box culvert were
added. Floating vegetation cannot make it through the culvert so the plants rot and sink, filling
up the lake with muck from 301 back. The ultimate solution is to remove the box culvert and
berm to allow the lake to flow out because, without flow in the lake, it will never clean itself up.
Tom Leary asked what would be done with the material removed from mechanical harvesting.
o Bruce responded that the disposal depends on where the project occurs. Harvesting is the
most expensive tool available, and it becomes more expensive if there is not a disposal
site within one mile. The disposal site is usually created through adjacent landowner
agreements to deposit the material.
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Draft A
Tom asked if some of the material harvested could be used to increase land area and change the
flow in the lake. This could be an option since 301 and the railroad bridge cannot be removed.
o Bruce responded that these types of ideas will be discussed in the stakeholder process that
will come out of this meeting.
o Pete stated that he has an agreement with FWC to use some of his land for material
disposal. He plans to let the material compost down, and then use it enrich his soil.
Whitey asked how much money was spent on the Essen Run project to date.
o Bruce responded that the cost to date is $420,000 because it is mechanical harvesting.
o Patrick McCord added that this is about $7,500 per acre, but the costs vary depending on
the consistency of the tussocks.
Cliff stated that there has not been a weir on another lake that has changed the lake, which has
not been removed. He asked who would address this issue with FDOT. Removal of the weir
should be part of the long-term plan because the lake cannot flush. The Orange Lake
Association has acquired Bird Island to dispose of material. He asked if the association can be
included on the Interagency Working Group to coordinate resources.
o Bruce responded that the long-term vision for the Working Group is to include
stakeholders involved, but it will take time to formulate this.
A stakeholder noted that if the weir were removed, people would have to put up their fishing
boats because there would not be a lake. The weir can be moved back, but it is needed to have a
lake.
Lamar Stevens stated that he is concerned because he has been trapped in the tussocks before
when they prevent navigation from Lochloosa Lake to Orange Lake. He asked if there would be
an option of moving the tussocks to the middle of the lake and burn them. The tussocks could be
contained so that the fire would not spread.
A stakeholder asked if herbicide applicators are paid by the acre.
o Matt responded that no herbicide applicator in the state is paid to dump herbicide; they
are paid for their time. They are only reimbursed for the cost of the herbicide, and they
are directed by a biologist on the target plant for spraying.
Karen asked if the state takes the stance that there is no health risk with spraying herbicides and
having them go into the ground water.
o Matt responded that every herbicide used on the water goes through a more stringent
registration process than anything used on land. The herbicides are regulated by EPA
and FDACS, and are safe and effective.
o Karen noted that the herbicides can get into the ground water through the sinkhole in
Orange Lake.
o Matt responded that the plants are targeted for spraying, and the concentration is in the
parts per million range so this is not a concentrated herbicide. He noted that he does not
believe that the herbicide levels are high enough that they could be measured in the
ground water. FWC has a publication on aquatic plant control and the research that goes
into the application. Appendix A within this publication includes the registration process
and toxicology report.
Justin Lawson stated that he is the manager at Grand Lake RV Park, and he has done a lot of
work on the park’s stretch of land along Orange Lake. He noted that in his experience, the
process is not very interagency; the agencies are very separate. When a landowner wants to
spend money, they can only get part of their project approved. If a landowner wants to clear
their shoreline, they should not have to go through a big approval process. He used to see 35
Page 10 of 13
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Draft A
boats a day go into Orange Lake, and today he saw six boats turn around because there was no
access. The agencies are doing a lot for the basin but very little for Orange Lake.
Robert Perry asked if there has been a study on the existing two shorelines that have developed
over the last 60 years. Around 1960, the weir was added, which raised water levels about three
feet and buried the muck. The waves moved the muck and developed a new shoreline. He noted
that he has been studying Orange Lake for the last ten years, and it cannot clean itself because
the water level cannot fluctuate.
o Bruce responded that there have been some studies done on sediment accumulation and
the age of sediments, mainly by Mark Brenner with UF. There has not been a study on
the full extent of all the items in the question.
Robert asked if there any plans for removing the tussocks that are blocking access and causing
safety issues.
o Allen responded that the plan forward will depend on the information gathered from this
meeting, what can be done, and what there is support for in the basin. FWC has to weigh
input from people who do and do not want access to the lake. FWC had a project
proposed last October that would have helped with access, but did not happen because of
stakeholder push back.
o Robert noted that FWC is doing a fine job, and they should keep up the good work.
Cheryl asked who is considered a stakeholder and why a landowner would not want the lake
cleaned.
o Allen responded that a stakeholder is anyone who has an interest in a lake, such as
landowners, people who travel to fish on the lake or bird watch, or have an environmental
interest. FWC does hear from stakeholders that nothing should be done to manage the
lakes because what is occurring is natural. There are also stakeholders who want a lot of
work done, and people in between. This is what needs to be worked through with the
community working groups. This meeting is the beginning of a process to identify who
needs to be brought together to find common ground.
Cliff noted that most of the people at the meeting want the boat ramps open, so a lot of meetings
are not needed on that topic.
Sam Harper stated that FWC needs to educate people that what is occurring with the lakes is not
natural. It is a manmade problem, so man has to use its technology to fix the issues.
Kay Davis asked when an agency will not do what they are supposed to and a citizen goes
through the proper channels, who has the responsibility of enforcing on those agencies.
Karen asked what FWC’s proposed project was last year for Orange Lake.
o Allen responded that it was an herbicide treatment of 1,500 acres of free floating
tussocks. FWC received a lot of push back from stakeholders, and not a lot of support for
the project. In addition, there was an issue of timing so the project was not implemented.
A stakeholder noted that he runs a bass tournament that uses a majority rules board. If people do
not want something done to the lake, they should be at this meeting to make their voice heard. It
sounds like everyone at this meeting wants something done on the lakes.
A stakeholder asked if FWC has done a cost analysis of spraying the 1,500 acres of tussocks
versus mechanically removing them to relieve boating problems.
o Ryan responded that the cost estimate for the herbicide treatment was $150,000, and the
estimated cost for mechanical removal was $18 million.
o The stakeholder asked why FWC could not remove a smaller acreage of tussocks.
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o Ryan responded that at the time of the proposed project, there were 1,500 acres of
tussocks in the interior of the lake that were mobile and floating. It was determined that
1,500 acres was the minimum amount that could be removed and help with access.
Tom stated that a 15-year plan for work on the lakes is being determined. He asked if this plan
will help to create any jobs locally for people involved in spraying or boating.
o Bo Davidson responded that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requires a permit for any
work in waters of the U.S. A lot of the work in this basin is regulated by the Corps, and
FWC does most of this work. FWC has to deal with a dynamic situation with the
tussocks. In the past, the Corps provided a case-by-case analysis on whether FWC’s
project needed a permit. This adds an administrative burden to FWC before they can
mobilize equipment. If the permit takes even just a few weeks, the situation on the lake
can change dramatically. What FWC and the Corps are trying to do is develop a
systematic way for the Corps to evaluate FWC’s mechanical harvesting projects. The
solution was to prepare a 15-year permit to cover aquatic plant maintenance using
mechanical methods. The intent of this permit is to allow FWC to conduct maintenance
projects without having to obtain individual permits for each project.
o Allen noted that FWC has only a handful of tools available. By having the permit on
hand, it will vastly increase what FWC can do since they do not have to wait for a permit
to mobilize.
Email Comments
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Draft A
Please eliminate the vegitation sufficient to get near the historic shoreline..
Access for fishing is impossible except for airboats...
Ryan I am new to " Spec" fishing in Florida and I find that it is very enjoyable sport. I
have fished Orange Lake, but, only from someone elses boat. I am not comfortable taking
my own boat out there when it is so difficult to navigate. The channel just opened for
passage closes and with no markers it is difficult to find the right passages. I hope that FL
FWC will spend to appropriate funds to open up this lake so that it may be used by
myself and many other fishermen. Thank you, Jim Coe, Florida Fisherman, member East
Side Garden Club.
I inherited my mothers house on the southeastern shore of Lake Newnan. In
the past 10 years the water quality form my well has gotten worse and
worse with more and more iron and other minerals. I had to dig a new well
at the height of the recent drought and fear I may have been invaded by
iron bacteria in the process.
I would like to have Gainesville city water and sewer services. I have
been told they are available on the Hawthorne Road right up to the turn
off to my road 329B about a quarter mile from my house. In the past folks
in my subdivision, Magnolia Estates, have baulked at the cost of putting
in these services preferring to keep septic tanks and wells. I know that
they all have similar problems with water quality. Do our wells and
septic tanks effect the water quality in Newnans? I have lost my view of
the lake due to EPA regulations about habitat preservation. I am not
allowed to cut any vegetation at the lakes edge and so have all manner of
brushy shrubs growing up draped with noxious vines. I rarely see large
alligators anymore due to over harvesting of them. Turkeys and deer seem
to exist just for hunters. I am sad that our designation as a “Nature
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Preservation Area” does not restrict the hunting of animals who live here.
It seems hypocritical. I write to you because I cannot attend the meeting
coming up in Ocala although I am very interested in plans for the area.
Thank you for listening! Andreana Lisca
These public comments will be discussed at the next Interagency Working
Group. These comments will be used to create focused working groups that
can then begin to work on some of the issues discussed above.
Draft A
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