SFWMDTorpedo Grass Treatment Underway (17 July 2008)

Hey guys,

Sorry for the late heads up but this just got put together. The attached file shows the location for torpedo grass treatments on Lake Istokpoga scheduled for the next two weeks. We will be treating up to 200 acres of rank torpedo grass in the identified areas. The treatments will not be large area treatment but small spot treatments within the northern and eastern portions of the lake. If you have any questions please contact me at 863-462-5190 (office) or 863-697-6256 (cell). Torpedo Grass Treatment Location

Steven Gornak

Biological Scientist IV

Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Sub-Section

Division of Habitat and Species Conservation

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Canal Project - Update

According to Clell Ford the funding request has been approved. We will continue to provide updates when they become available.

Canal Project - Update (6 June 2008)

No word yet on the budget for this project being approved by Governor Crist. We will keep you posted on this item as we learn anything. In the next few days we will be adding a list of the canals in plan for this project and will also list the 17 canals that have already been approved. A detailed chart and description is available in the Members Section.

Canal Project - Update (20 May 2008)

According to Clell Ford, Highlands County Lakes Manager, the funding will be available to dredge out many of the residential canals on Lake Istokpoga, if the Florida State budget gets approved, $800,000 would be allocated for this project. The budget is currently being reviewed by Governor Christ.

At the Friends of Istokpoga meeting last Thursday, Clell was optimistic about the project. 17 of 61 canals are already approved (pending funding approval). The remaining canals require sediment samples to be taken before approval will be given. Clell said that these samples would be done as soon as possible after the funding became available.

We will provide information on all the canals selected for dredging, as soon as it is made available to us, on this website.

Revised Emergency Water Restrictions (18 April 2008)

Two-Day-A-Week Landscape Watering for Most of Region Begins April 18

West Palm Beach, FL – Modifications to the South Florida Water Management District’s (SFWMD) emergency water restrictions will become effective Friday, April 18, when most of the agency's 16-county region transitions from one-day-week residential landscape irrigation restrictions to up to two-day-a-week watering.

Water Restriction Questions?
Call 1-800-662-8876, or see Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

The District's nine-member Governing Board last week adopted a "Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage Order" based on improved regional water resource conditions. Under the District's emergency authority, decisions to implement and modify water shortage restrictions are resource-based. The new schedule for landscape watering will continue conserving water supplies as part of the District's response to the regional rainfall deficit. Landscape irrigation accounts for up to half of all household water consumption in Florida.

The District implemented one-day-a-week restrictions region-wide in January for the first time in the agency's history, based on extreme water shortage conditions and a continued rainfall deficit of close to 25 inches. SFWMD Governing Board Chairman Eric Buermann said last week, "It's important to note that we are not lifting emergency restrictions. Our decision to modify the restrictions is based on the improved conditions of our water resources."

Although the revised landscape irrigation restrictions go into effect April 18, the SFWMD is encouraging local governments to refrain from enforcement until Thursday, May 1. The goal is to provide residents with sufficient time to become aware of the changes and adjust timers or other components of their residential irrigation systems. The modified mandatory restrictions apply to all water from traditional sources, including water from public utilities, private wells, canals, ponds and lakes.

Highlights of the Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order
Residents and businesses of Broward, Collier, Miami-Dade, Monroe, St. Lucie and coastal areas of Lee, Martin and Palm Beach counties, including the City of West Palm Beach, are limited to a two-day-per-week landscape irrigation schedule with two “watering windows”:

· Odd street addresses may irrigate lawns and landscapes on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. and/or 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

· Even street addresses may irrigate lawns and landscapes on Thursdays and Sundays from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. and/or 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Hand-watering with one hose fitted with an automatic shut-off nozzle is allowed for 10 minutes per day for landscape stress relief and to prevent plant die-off. Additional watering days and times are allocated for the establishment of new lawns and landscapes.

No restrictions apply to other outside water uses, such as for car and boat washing, pressure cleaning of paved surfaces, decorative fountains and water-based recreation (e.g. swimming pools, water slides).

Landscape irrigation using 100-percent reclaimed water is allowed any day except Friday, from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. and/or from 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Golf courses must reduce their allocated water use by 30 percent.

Because jurisdiction in certain counties is shared with other water management districts, the SFWMD has coordinated with these agencies to simplify implementation and enforcement:

· Residents of Orange and Osceola counties should adhere to any water restrictions set by the St. Johns River Water Management District.

· Residents of Polk, Charlotte and Highlands counties should adhere to the water restrictions set by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

One-Day-Week Watering Remains in Effect in Areas of Concern
Due to continued local concerns about water resource availability, one-day-a week watering remains in place for the cities of Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, Lake Worth and Lantana and portions of unincorporated Lee County, including the Lehigh Acres and Gateway areas. One-day-a week landscape irrigation remains in place for residents and businesses in the Lake Okeechobee Service Area, which includes portions of Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee and western Martin and Palm Beach counties.

For additional information on the water shortage, irrigation restrictions or water conservation, call the SFWMD's toll-free Water Shortage Hotline at 1-800-662-8876, visit www.sfwmd.gov/conserve or contact a regional SFWMD service center. Helpful water conservation tips are available at www.savewaterfl.com.

LIMC - Hydrilla Subcommittee Meeting (12 April 2008)

A meeting of the Lake Istokpoga Management Committee - Hydrilla Subcommittee has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, at 10:00. We will meet in conference room #3 of the Agri-Civic Center.

Snail Kites on Lake Istokpoga (31 March 2008)

According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there are currently 11 active Snail Kite nests on Lake Istokpoga. We have just posted a draft of the Snail Kite Management Guidelines. Please note that Snail Kites are an endangered species and there for are protected. Note also that their nests are protected and no one is allowed to disturb there nests. This means not going closer than 500 feet to any nest. Currently, most of the nests are on the western shoreline of the lake, but there are also nests on Big Island and Bumblebee Island. Please read the guidelines and stay away from these nests! The general areas of the nests is shown in the pdf file "Lake Istokpoga Historical Snail Kite Nesting Sites"

Hydrilla Treatment Maps and Coordinates (27 February 2008)

We received a number of charts from DEP and Highlands County that show the areas planned for treatment on March 4 - 5. These charts are: istok2008treat.jpg, 2008plot1.jpg, 2008plot2&3.jpg, 2008plot4.jpg, and 2008plotcord.xls.

Hydrilla Treatment Planned For March 4-5 (21 February 2008)

We have just heard from DEP regarding the hydrilla treatment. It appears that we are going to target the dates of March 4-5, Tuesday and Wednesday, pending the availability of the helicopter pilot. As soon as we have revised maps showing the locations of treatments, we will send them to you for website posting and boat ramp postings for those of you who have so generously volunteered to do so.

You can see the hydrilla coverage areas on our Download Page. Please note that these are very large files so do not try to download the full size pictures if you are using a dial-up connection.

SFWMD Updates their Real-Time Monitoring (5 February 2008)

You may have noticed that the real-time lake level data has not been available for the past two weeks. SFWMD has created a new page for the real-time data that is much nicer and easier to use. We have updated our link to this site. The new link is https://my.sfwmd.gov/pls/portal/realtime.realtime_app.rtv2?p_op=LAKE_ISTOKPOGA

Deviation Request approved! (14 January 2008)

The Deviation Request from SFWMD was approved on January 11, 2008 by the USACE, although they did not grant the deviation to 35.5 ft. Instead they approved a deviation to 36.0 feet, per Catherine Byrd, USACE.

Identification of FWC Contractor (14 January 2008)

The attached photo is a picture of the rudder on All Americans airboat that will be operating on Lake Istokpoga this month. This emblem will identify the FWC contractor from the county and DEP contractor. Also note that you will see the FWC conducting periodic surveillance that will include checking the contractor’s progress, making sure the contractor is in the right area and that the contractor is treating permitted vegetation.

Steven Gornak

Biological Scientist IV

Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Sub-Section

Division of Habitat and Species Conservation

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

3991 SE 27th Court

Okeechobee, FL 34974

Friends of Istokpoga and County Partner to put signs at Boat Ramps (8 January 2008)

The Friends of Istokpoga Lake Association has partnered with Highlands County Department of Parks and Recreation to produce and install signs at the public boat ramps on Lake Istokpoga to encourage the boaters using Lake Istokpoga to clean the aquatic plants from their boats and trailers to help reduce the spread of aquatic weeds to or from other lakes. The signs have also been made available free of charge to the fish camps on Lake Istokpoga. Hopefully these will be installed soon.

We have also sponsored most of the Fishing Line Recycle Bins that you see on Lake Istokpoga

SFWMD Seeks another Deviation Request (updated 10 December 2007)

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has requested another deviation from the Lake Istokpoga Regulation Schedule from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The Request is dated 17 October 2007. We have posted a copy (actually it was scanned and optically read. Note that this is not an exact copy, but the content is the same, and the original was signed) on this website: "SFWMD Deviation Request 10-17-07.pdf". The enclosure referenced in the letter was of poor quality in the copy we obtained so a better version can be viewed: "SFWMD Enclosure 1" (This is a 4.85 mb file and we recommend you download and print it on your computer. To download, right-click the link and select "Save Target As")

We believe the USACE will accept comments until about mid December. If you have comments regarding the granting of the request please write to Colonel Paul L. Grosskruger at the address in the letter. Friends of Istokpoga Lake Association, Inc has responded to this request. Please see Letter 1 and Letter 2.

Lingering Water Shortage Forces Termination of Water Withdrawals from Lake Istokpoga (10 October 2007)

Emergency Order immediately impacts four SFWMD permit holders and dozens of residents who draw water directly from Lake Istokpoga

Highlands County, FL – A lingering water shortage and record-low water levels in Lake Istokpoga, the fifth largest lake in the State of Florida, has forced the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to declare another water shortage emergency for the Upper Indian Prairie Water Use Basin.

An emergency order signed this week by SFWMD Executive Director Carol Ann Wehle calls for an immediate termination of all water withdrawals directly from Lake Istokpoga or from any of the canals not separated from the lake by a structure. This order immediately affects four SFWMD water use permit holders and several dozen area residents, who depend on Lake Istokpoga for landscape irrigation. Should water levels fall below the minimum level, other permitted water users also will be affected. Drinking water supplies or water that is drawn from a well for irrigation are not affected by this order.

Since the early 1960s, water levels in Lake Istokpoga have been regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps’ regulation schedule prohibits water releases from Lake Istokpoga and canals connected to the lake when the lake’s water level declines below a critical threshold. At 38.54 feet above sea level as of this morning, the water level in Lake Istokpoga is dangerously low for this time of year and approximately 0.30 feet below this critical mark.

Earlier this year, as the severity of the regional drought increased, the District requested and received a temporary deviation to Lake Istokpoga’s regulation schedule to allow releases from the lake down to a minimum stage of 36.50 feet above sea level to meet downstream demands. Successful water shortage planning efforts and effective regional water conservation measures enabled the District to avoid using the deviation. A new request to the Corps now asks for a time extension to the earlier deviation; however, because the request is pending, users whose withdrawal points are directly connected to the lake must cease water withdrawals immediately.

Highlands County Code Enforcement staff will be dispatched to the area this week to identify potential violations until weather conditions change and the available water supply improves. County Administrator Carl Cool encourages residents to report violations by dialing (863) 402-6641.

If the basin receives sufficient rainfall and Lake Istokpoga water levels rise above the critical area, users will be allowed to make limited withdrawals, subject to Phase III water restrictions already in place in the area. The SFWMD will publish information about which canals may be used for water withdrawals on a weekly basis each Friday – or on a daily basis should canal levels continue to drop. This information will be available via the District’s website at www.sfwmd.gov or by calling the SFWMD at (561) 682-2900 to hear a recorded message.

“Even though the more densely populated areas of our District have been seeing above average rainfall, we have never faced a water shortage in which water levels in both Lake Istokpoga and Lake Okeechobee are so critically low at the end of the rainy season,” said Wehle. “Water managers are working diligently to make sure we have options at our disposal if – and when – the water shortage worsens.”

Lake Istokpoga covers a total of 27,692 acres, but averages only four to six feet in depth. Its basin covers 607 square miles (388,480 acres). Water levels in the lake are highly dependent on rainfall and tributary inflows. Additionally, this area does not have a large reliance on groundwater because of the low yields of the area’s aquifer and its poor water quality.
_________________
Kevin J. Shutt
News-Sun reporter and
Local News forum moderator
863.385.6155 ext. 545

Contact: Missie Barletto
Okeechobee Service Center
(863) 462-5260 or (800) 250-4200, Extension 3006

SFWMD to Seek Deviation From Regulation Schedule (4 October 2007)

The below paragraph comes from the South Water Management District operational recommendation report October 2, 2007. This means that SFWMD is trying to take Lake Istokpoga even lower than it already is for the sake of downstream users.

"WSE (Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule)

The current Lake O [Okeechobee] stage * at 9.85* today - remains in the Water Shortage Management zone and is unlikely to move back into Zone E in the next two months. The water level in Lake Istokpoga has declined to below the floor of the schedule, and the SFWMD is initiating the process of requesting a deviation from the current regulation schedule. Some of the water users in that basin have initiated requests to install *emergency supply wells* to supplement their expected demands over the next year."

Hydrilla Treatment scheduled for April 30 (21 April 2007)

Treatment of Lake Istokpoga for hydrilla is scheduled to be done on April 30, and May 1, 2007. Approximately 1000 acres will be treated. A complete description of the hydrilla situation and the treatment plan is avail in a note by Erica Van Horn, "Hydrilla Treatment for 2007" and a map of the area and trails to be treated is in "Treatment Area 4-2007.pdf". The treatment will be done by helicopter. If you plan to be on the lake on April 30, we encourage you to avoid the areas to be treated.

April Snail Kite Nesting Season Update (21 April 2007)

The April Snail Kite Nesting Season Update is available and Lake Istokpoga is the only lake in the central region with nesting snail kites. See Nesting Season Update and see Istokpoga Kite Zone map to see the area to avoid. Note that the area around a snail kite nest is protected.

Concerned about the Drought & Istokpoga Water Levels? (13 April 2007)

Representatives from the South Florida Water Management District will make a presentation about the drought situation and provide information on the proposed diversion plan of Istokpoga lake water. Come with your questions and concerns about this issue and any others that you have about Lake Istokpoga. Bring your friends and neighbors to this informative meeting.

The Meeting will be held at the Lorida Community Center on Thursday May 17, 2007 at 7:00 PM. There will be refreshments served beginning at 6:45 PM. So come and participate in this very important issue about Lake Istokpoga. Be part of the team looking out for Istokpoga’s best interest.

FOI Grid Map Now Available to all (8 April 2007)

In our February 2007 issue of the Istokpoga Newswire we provided a Grid Map of Lake Istokpoga. This map provides coordinates to ease locating various points on the lake and sharing them with others. It potentially could help in locating someone that is lost. We are providing as a free file for your use. Please Note: The Friends of Istokpoga Lake Association , Inc. assumes no responsibility for the use of this map. Also note that the map is not intended to be used for navigation on Lake Istokpoga.

Friends of Istokpoga Lake Association Bulletin (8 April 2007)

We need you! We have lost two directors this year and need volunteers to help us on the Board of Directors.

If you love Lake Istokpoga and can spare a couple of hours a month to help protect it, then we want to hear from you. If this isn't you, maybe you know someone that fits this description, then we want to hear from you too.

SFWMD Requests Deviation in Regulation Schedule (7 April 2007)

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has requested a deviation in the Regulation schedule from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for Lake Istokpoga beginning 1 April 2007. At this time the request has not been approved.

Briefly the SFWMD has requested it be allowed to lower Lake Istokpoga an additional one and one-half feet because of the water shortage in the Indian Prairie Basin and the Seminole Reservation. The lake would not be dropped all at once, but would be gradually lowered over a period of several weeks. You can view the document by clicking on Temp Deviation Lake Istokpoga.pdf. We will post more information as it becomes available, so check back often.

Note: Members of the "Friends of Istokpoga Message Group" received this information several days ago. Maybe you should join to get information sent directly to you as soon as we know it...

SWFWMD Declares Water Shortage (7 April 2007)

The South West Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has declared a water shortage for their district (on 9 January 2007). Part of Highlands County falls within this district. But, Highlands County has passed an ordinance (#05-06-42) which states that all of Highlands County will follow the water management district with the most strict rules for managing the water. In this case that is the SWFWMD.

The current restrictions (a brief summary) requires that lawn watering be done only 1 day per week and the day is determined by the last digit of your street address:

Addresses with "house numbers"	May irrigate on...
Ending in 0 or 1	Monday
Ending in 2 or 3	Tuesday
Ending in 4 or 5	Wednesday
Ending in 6 or 7	Thursday
Ending in 8 or 9	Friday

All watering is to be done before 8:00 am or after 6:00 pm

For more details and specifics see Water Shortage Order SWF-07-02

DEP to Treat for Hydrilla in Lake Istokpoga (6 April 2007)

DEP has announced it will treat approximately 1000 acres of hydrilla in the southeast part of the lake in the next couple of weeks. They will be focusing on the topped out areas that are healthy. Some areas of the hydrilla appears to be dying on its own and these areas are not going to be treated. More information on the plan will be in our May Newsletter.

Members Only Section Now Open (9 November 2006)

We have implemented a Members Only Area of this website. In this section we will provide information and special stuff that will be available only to members of the Friends of Istokpoga Lake Association. Currently we have put downloadable copies of our most recent editions of the Istokpoga Newswire. This will be an added benefit for those that do not spend the entire year at on address. Now they will be able to download the newsletters where ever they happen to be.

This area of the website is password protected, and the password will be changed each year. We will have the passwords available to our members who attend the fall FOI meeting on November 16th. We are still working on a method for wider distribution.

You may also note a new menu item "BOD". This is another new area and is available only to the FOI Board of Directors.

SFWMD Declares Water Shortage (19 October 2006)

South Florida Water Management district declares Emergency Water Shortage in Northern Indian Prairie Water Usage basin. See SFWMD Document.

FOI Fall Meeting Scheduled (September 30, 2006)

The friends of Istokpoga will hold our fall general membership meeting at the Lorida community center on Thursday, November the 16 at 700: PM. We will have two speakers who will bring you up to date on some of the programs that are happening on Istokpoga. We will also have representatives of the various local and state agencies to answer your questions and concerns about the lake.

Please bring your friends and neighbors to this informative meeting. Also have them fill out our membership form (in your October Newswire). We need their help in our effort to keep Istokpoga the "Jewel of Highlands County". Remember we as a large group create a large voice for Istokpoga that can be heard in our County and the State governments.

There will also be refreshments served beginning at 6:45 PM. You will be able to pay your 2007 membership dues. So come out with your neighbors and participate in our effort to make Istokpoga the true Jewel that it deserves to be. See you Nov. 16.

FOI Implements Message Group (25 April 2006)

The Friends of Istokpoga Lake Association, Inc. announces the establishment of a community message group on Yahoo.com. This message group is provided so those interested in what is happening around Lake Istokpoga can communicate with others involved with the lake and get information. One of the main benefits of this message group is to help dispel rumors that come up from time to time. To join this free message group go to our Message Group page.

Annual Meeting Scheduled (11 January 2006)

The annual meeting of the Friends of Istokpoga Lake Association, Inc. will be held on February 16, 2006 at the Lorida Community Center. The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm. Refreshments will be served beginning at 6:45 pm. Be sure to put this one on your calendar.

We will be holding our annual election of directors at this meeting. Also, this will be a great time to renew your membership and get a free T-shirt (see below)

Renewal Special Offer (11 January 2006)

"While the supply lasts" or "For a limited time" new or renewed 3 year memberships are eligible to pick up a free t-shirt with the Friends of Istokpoga logo.

Associate Members and Families renewing for 3 years may select 2 free

Friends of Istokpoga t-shirts.

Shirts may be picked up at a General Meeting of FOI, at the Lorida Community Center.

Membership rates remain unchanged; Individual rate $7.00 for one year, $21.00 for three years.

Family rates; $12.00 for one year, $36.00 for three years.

Associate Member rates; $25.00 for one year, $75.00 for three years.

Windy Point Park Now open (14 October 2005)

Be sure to visit Windy Point Park the next time you are in that area. The county has done a great job on this park. It is located on Boat Ramp Road, just off Highlands Lake Drive on the southwest shore of Lake Istokpoga.

Minimum Flows and Levels to be Presented (20 May 2005)

There will be a very important presentation regarding the Minimum Flows and Levels (MFL) by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) on Thursday, May 26, 2005, 3:30 PM, at the main auditorium of the Ag-Civic Center in Sebring, Florida. We encourage you to come out for this meeting as the results of this could have serious impacts on the future of Lake Istokpoga. Copies of the report are expected to be available.

Election of Directors and Officers (25 February 2005)

The annual meeting of the Friends of Istokpoga Lake Association, Inc. was held last night. The results of the election was that Gary Albin, Bill Dwinell, Bert Galloway, Don Linton, Jeanne Porter, Jack Richie, and Jim Wilburn were elected as directors.

A meeting of these directors was held immediately following the general meeting to elect the officers. Bert Galloway was elected as President, Don Linton was elected Vice-president, and Jeanne Porter was elected for her second term as Secretary/Treasurer.

Ground Breaking for Windy Point (22 February 2005)

The ground breaking ceremony was held this afternoon at the Windy Point. The county will begin work on expanding the boat ramp from a single, narrow, one-boat ramp to two ramps wide enough to launch four boats at one time when completed. Additionally, there will be restrooms, expanded parking and a fishing pond for the children.

Hydrilla Treatment Began (16 February 2005)

This year's treatment for hydrilla began on February 8th. The treatment this year is being done using the liquid form of the herbicide Florodone. DEP believes this will prevent the microbes in the soil from eating the herbicide before it can kill the hydrilla. Concentrations will be monitored and re-treatments will be applied if the levels drop too low to kill the hydrilla. For more information on this years treatment, come to our annual meeting on February 24th.

Aerial Spraying scheduled (26 October 2004)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will be spraying aquatic weeds in Lake Istokpoga beginning October 26, 2004 and ending October 29, 2004 using helicopters to release the herbicides. They will be spraying for pickerelweed, water primrose, and burhead sedge. Herbicides used will be glyphosate (Aquastar) and 2,4-D.

Progress made on Windy Point Improvements (23 July 2004)

The Highlands County Parks and Recreation Department has recently received another grant for the work planned for Windy Point, currently a boat ramp on the southwest shore of Lake Istokpoga. To date they have $460,000 toward the improvements. Among the improvements slated for the park is widening of the boat ramp and additional parking. The Parks and Recreation Department hopes the work will be completed by mid 2005.

Annual Election Held (21 Feb 2004)

Our annual corporate meeting was held last Thursday night. The Directors for 2004 were elected by the members present. Bill Dwinell, Jim Wilkins, Jeanne Porter, Jack Richie, Don Linton, Bert Galloway and Ray Schirtz were elected.

Following the Annual meeting a Board of Directors meeting was held and an election of officers was held. The officers for 2004 are: President - Bill Dwinell, Vice-president - Bert Galloway, Treasurer - Jack Richie, Secretary - Jeanne Porter.

Hydrilla Treatment to begin (29 January 2004)

February 2, 2004 the full lake treatment for hydrilla will begin on Lake Istokpoga. They will treat the lake one time (2400 acres in 50 acre plots) and then monitor the hydrilla to see how effective the treatment is doing. If the hydrilla is not being killed at the expected rates additional treatments will be done. The lake will be sampled every two weeks after the initial treatment.

It will take 45 to 60 days before the hydrilla starts to die.

Address Changed? (26 December 2003)

Many addresses in Highlands County will be changing soon to get in compliance with the 911 requirements. Notices will be mailed next week to all county residents that will be effected by these changes. We ask that all our members that are having their address changed notify us as soon as possible so that you will not miss a single edition of the Istokpoga Newswire.

Istokpoga Canal Update (16 December 2003)

While we have still not seen a plan for Istokpoga canal from the USACE or SFWMD, we have heard from representatives from the US Fish and Wildlife Service that plans to dredge the canal have been dropped because of issues raised by the USFWS and others, including Friends of Istokpoga Lake Association, Inc.

The Friends of Istokpoga Lake Association, Inc. wrote a letter in opposition to the proposed plan when we first heard it. We have not received any response directly from USACE, we have gotten verbal assurances that they no longer plan to dredge the canal.

We do still have concerns that SFWMD and the USACE want to allocate water from Lake Istokpoga to the newly restored Kissimmee River (note that the restoration is only partially complete). We believe that this could be a major problem for Lake Istokpoga depending upon the timing of the withdrawals. We will stay on top of this problem and let you know as it progresses.

Dues notices mailed (5 December 2003)

Dues notices were mailed to all members and Associate Members who have not already paid their dues for 2004. If you haven't already mailed your dues, do so now so you will not miss a single issue of the Istokpoga Newswire.

Annual Dues will expire soon (15 November 2003)

If you have not already paid your dues for 2004, they are due by 31 December 2003. Please mail your check to:

Friends of Istokpoga

P.O. Box 578

Lake Placid, FL 33862-0578

Please include your name and address and $7.00 for an Individual Membership or $12.00 for a Family Membership.

Associate Member dues are $25.00 and will also expire on 31 December 2003.

If you have any questions regarding your dues, please e-mail us at friends@istokpoga.org

Lake Istokpoga Management Committee Meeting (14 November 2003)

The next meeting of the Lake Istokpoga Management Committee is scheduled for 4 December 2003, 10:00 AM to Noon, at the Sebring Ag-Civic Center. For more information contact Clell Ford, Highlands County Lakes Manager, (863) 402-6545

Kissimmee Basin Water Supply Plan Meeting (14 November 2003)

The first Kissimmee Basin Water Supply Plan Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2003, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending at 12:30 p.m. Location will be the Environmental Learning Center, Disney Wilderness Preserve, 2700 Scrub Jay Trail, Kissimmee, Florida 34759

Invasive Plant Management on Lake Istokpoga Fish Management Area (15 October 2003)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Division of Freshwater Fisheries has selected a total of 1,024 acres of dense vegetation for herbicide treatment as part of the Lake Istokpoga Fish Management Area (FMA) aquatic habitat enhancement program. Areas to be treated by airboat range along the shoreline from Highlands Park Estates to Istokpoga Canal. Areas to be treated by helicopter include Big Island marsh, Bumblebee Island marsh, and Grassy Island, areas within Henderson's Cove, and south of Istokpoga Canal. Depending on weather conditions, the airboat treatment is scheduled to begin on October 6 (Monday) through October 30 (Thursday). The helicopter treatment is scheduled to begin on October 27 (Monday) and continue through October 30 (Thursday). Maps showing treatment areas will be posted at Istokpoga's public boat ramps and local fish camps. Please try to avoid these areas during the spray operations. For additional information, contact Beacham Furse or Larry Davis at (863) 462-5190.
Click here for complete story.

Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan (LOPP) (10 September 2003)

The draft of the Okeechobee Protect Plan is available at
http://www.sfwmd.gov/org/wrp/wrp_okee/projects/LOPPReportPosted082503.pdf . A presentation of this plan was made on 8 September 2003 to the 9 County Coalition for Responsible Management of Lake Okeechobee and St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Estuaries by Susan Gray, Ph.D., SFWMD. Bill Dwinell, President of the Friends of Istokpoga Lake Association, Inc. spoke in the public comment portion of the meeting. Here is what he said:

"I want to express my concern that Lake Istokpoga be included in the Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan. While I understand the scope of the plan may not directly address cleaning up Lake Istokpoga, I feel strongly that the plan not look at Lake Istokpoga as just another place to store phosphorus so it doesn't reach Lake Okeechobee. We do not want Lake Istokpoga to become another Lake Okeechobee with all its phosphorus problems.

The ability of Lake Istokpoga to absorb or assimilate the phosphorus is limited, and if the phosphorus entering Lake Istokpoga is not addressed, it will not only harm Lake Istokpoga, but it will also be a significant problem for Lake Okeechobee in the years to come. We don't know if it will be ten years or thirty years, but both lakes will be severely impacted!

The plan [LOPP] may achieve the 2015 TMDL goal at the expense of both lakes beyond 2015 if Lake Istokpoga is Ignored."

High water levels in Kissimmee River impact navigation, lower dissolved oxygen levels in northern Lake Okeechobee possible (28 August 2003)

Due to above normal rainfall over the past 30 days in the northern portions of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), water levels in the Kissimmee River have crested over three weirs in the Kissimmee River between water control structures S-65A and S-65C.

Barriers to navigation have been placed adjacent to each of these weirs to prevent boaters from attempting to cross over them. Remnant river channels circumventing each of the weirs remain open to navigation, keeping travel between Lake Okeechobee and Lake Kissimmee possible.

Additionally, due to the heavy rainfall, a large amount of water from the Kissimmee River continues to flow into Lake Okeechobee. This may cause lowered dissolved oxygen levels in the north and northeast portions of Lake Okeechobee.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and SFWMD scientists are on Lake Okeechobee this week to monitor the situation. Lower dissolved oxygen levels will cause fish to migrate from the area, seeking water with better dissolved oxygen conditions. Weekend fishermen may find that they have to move away from the mouth of the Kissimmee River to find the best fishing spots in Lake Okeechobee until flow conditions from the river into the lake return to normal.

Advance notices of changes in navigation will continue to be printed in local newspapers and reported on radio and television broadcasts. Please call either the SFWMD Okeechobee Service Center or the SFWMD Orlando Service Center with questions and for the most current information when making plans to travel the Kissimmee Waterway. The Okeechobee telephone number is (863) 462-5260 or (800) 250-4200. In Orlando, the telephone number is (407) 858-6100 or (800) 250-4250.

Summer Low Lake Levels almost over (11 August 2003)

According to the Lake Istokpoga Regulation Schedule, we are almost through the low water portion of the schedule. In a few days the level of the lake will be allowed to gradually rise, slowly at first and then, around the first of September, a little faster. We should reach full winter pool level early in October. If you would like to see the schedule, click on the "Lake Level Graph" button on this page.

Wabasso Road Permit Update (28 July 2003)

According to a note received today from DEP, the permit has not been issued to Wabasso Road Dairy at this time. Here is what DEP said: "The Department is preparing responses and making appropriate revisions to the draft permit based on significant comments received during the public comment period. (62-620.550 and 620.555 Florida Administrative Code) The next step in the process is for the Department to issue a Notice of Intent to issue the permit with a corresponding 14 day petition period pursuant to Chapter 120 Florida Statutes. Issuance of the final permit is the next step and will take place upon resolution of a petition, if any."

Wabasso Road Hearing Scheduled (15 May 2003)

The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a hearing on 23 June 2003, 2:00 PM at the Highlands County Extension Service Auditorium. This hearing is for public comment on a request from the Wabasso Road Dairy to increase their herd size from approximately 1200 cows to 2000 cows. This herd increase will undoubtedly increase the phosphorus deposited by these cows. DEP plans to issue the requested permit unless public comment changes their opinion.

The amount of phosphorus runoff from the Wabasso Road Dairy is a critical concern of the Friends of Istokpoga. We urge you to attend this meeting and insist that the phosphors runoff be reduced, not increased.

Tourist Tax to Benefit Lakes (7 May 2003)

Highlands County instituted a tourist tax in 2003 and has allocated 10% of that tax to benefit the lakes in Highlands County with public access. The funds will be managed by Highlands County. Decisions on where to spend the funds will be made by the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners. The Highlands County Lakes Association (HCLA) will make recommendations for project funding to the Tourist Development Council (TDC). The TDC will then take the recommendations to the County Commissioners for approval.

The process for determining which projects the HCLA will recommend has not been worked out at this time, but it is expected that the HCLA Board of Directors will form a committee to handle the screening of the projects submitted by individual lake associations. It was estimated that approximately $38,000 would be available by the end of next year (September 2004). While this may sound like a lot of money to some, it is a pretty small amount when you consider there are approximately 40 lakes in Highlands County that would be eligible for the funds. Add to that the expense of most lake related projects and the amount seems even smaller. The committee will have their hands full in selecting the best projects to obtain this funding.

Statewide Invasive Aquatic Plant Control Alert !! (4 April 2003)

Very soon the Florida Senate and House of Representatives will vote on budget changes that could be devastating to Florida lakes. The current situation is that the Senate proposed continuation of the funding levels currently in place, but the House has proposed cutting the funding for Invasive Plant Control by $20,000,000.00.

Not only will this be devastating to Florida water resources, but it will negate the monies already spent cleaning up our waters by letting them revert back to an uncontrolled mass of aquatic plants. For Lake Istokpoga this could be devastating. Within a few short years navigation and fishing could be seriously impacted.

We urge you to contact your state senators and compliment them on the fine work they have done and encourage them to stand fast on their positions. Also, you must contact your representatives in the House and let them know you oppose the planned funding cut for Invasive Plant Control. For contact information please see our Government Contacts page.

Hydrilla Treatment Update (11 March 2003)

According to Vicki Pontius, Parks and Recreation Director for Highlands County, a full lake treatment is being done, not just the south end, as was reported in a local newspaper. This year the work is in 3 treatments, March 11, March 17, and March 31. There will be less labor involved since some of the herbicide is coming in 1000-pound bags rather than 40# buckets. A total of 2400 acres will be treated, which means that 24,000 acres of the lake is effectively treated.

There is also a change in the herbicide being used. In addition to the Sonar SRP, we will be using some Sonar PR this year. This is a rapid-release formulation of Sonar, which will distribute faster than the Sonar SRP, a slow release pellet.

The grab samples, or test plots, will begin about one month following the treatments, giving the herbicide time to release into the water and start doing its job.

Hydrilla Treatment scheduled to begin (10 March 2003)

Hydrilla treatment is scheduled to begin 11 March 2003. As in the past, helicopters will be used to disperse the herbicide. We will post more information regarding the scope of the treatment, and the actual dates of other treatments as soon as we get them.

Water discharges scheduled (10 March 2003)

The water level regulation schedule in effect for Lake Istokpoga calls for the SFWMD to begin lowering the lake level on 1 April of each year. The lake level is scheduled to reach the normal summer pool level by 1 June, where it will remain until early August when the lake will be allowed to refill. The lake should be back to full level by mid October.

The regulation schedule calls for the summer pool level to be between 38.25 ft msl and 37.5 ft msl. Down stream water supply requirements determine the actual level of the lake at any given time during this period. SFWMD is the agency that decides when water releases are required as long as the lake level remains within the level cited above. Any variance outside of this range requires approval of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Boat owners keeping their boats in shallow canals should take note of the dates and move their boats out of these canals before they become too shallow.

Annual Election Held (21 Feb 2003)

Our annual corporate meeting was held last night. The Directors for 2003 were elected by the members present. Bill Dwinell, Jim Wilkins, Jeanne Porter, Jack Richie, Don Linton, Tom Watson and Bert Galloway were elected.

Following the Annual meeting a Board of Directors meeting was held and an election of officers was held. The officers for 2003 are: President - Bill Dwinell, Vice-president - Jim Wilkins, Treasurer - Jack Richie, Secretary - Jeanne Porter.

Dr. Jennifer Brunty to Speak (8 February 2003)

Dr. Brunty will speak at the Friends of Istokpoga Lake Association meeting on 20 February 2003. She will discuss "Algae and the Lake User". Everyone using the lake or living around it will benefit from the information Jennifer will give us. See our Events page for more information.

FWC Enforcement Still Active (January 30, 2003)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is still active enforcing our wildlife laws on Lake Istokpoga. This note was received this morning from Lt. Knapp:

"We have been working day and night patrols on Lake Istokpoga, targeting persons taking over the limit of speckled perch. We have made 17 arrests for taking over the bag limit, seizing over 1100 fish as evidence that were photographed and donated to charity. We have written a number of boating violations and fishing license infractions related to these patrols. We have also had several details specifically targeting persons fishing at the CR 621 spillway, looking for cast net violations. No cast net arrests yet but we have made numerous license arrests there."

FWC Harvester Back at Work (January 29, 2003)

The harvester is back at work on the northwest point cleaning up tussock they couldn't get when the lake was drawn down. It started work this week and will work until the FWC runs out of money for this project. Currently, $88,000 is allocated for this project, but, according to Beacham Furse, FWC Project Manager, he is still trying to get more funding for this project. For now we can expect the harvester to work for about a month.

Phosphorus Study Results Due Soon (December 17, 2002)

The SFWMD is conducting a study of the streams, creeks and other water sources north of Lake Istokpoga to determine the point sources of phosphorus (P) entering into Lake Istokpoga. The sampling was done in both the dry season and the wet season. Paul Ritter, SFWMD, Clell Ford and Jennifer Brunty, Soil and Water Conservation District, took the samples earlier this year. Paul is now compiling the results, which are expected to be released soon. This study was established due to increasing levels of P in Lake Istokpoga.

There is also a companion study of the in-lake P being conducted. This study is looking at the sediments within the lake. Greg White, SFWMD, is in charge of this study, being conducted by the University of Florida.

There is also a mathematical modeling study being developed of the P in the Upper Chain of Lakes and Lake Istokpoga. These last two studies are expected to complete in mid 2003. They are being conducted as part of the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Project.

Aerial Spraying Completed (November 2, 2002)

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has completed the spraying of slightly over 1000 acres of weeds along the shoreline of Lake Istokpoga and the north side of Big Island. They were spraying for a variety of invasive plants, such as cattail, pickerelweed, burhead sedge, water hyacinth, water lettuce, and water primrose. This spraying is a part of the FFWCC's continuing battle with the growth of tussock on the lake. Keeping the weeds under control will slow the re-growth of the tussock on the shoreline that was cleared during the drawdown in 2001.

Regulation Schedule Meetings Underway (October 7, 2002)

As part of the Everglades Restoration Project, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) have started work on analyzing and re-looking at the regulation schedule currently in effect for Lake Istokpoga. It will probably take several years to complete this project.

The first meeting was held on October 2, 2002. The next meeting is currently planned for October 29, 2002.

Our concern is that they keep the health of Lake Istokpoga as the primary objective. We will be there to help with this.

New Director Appointed (May 6, 2002)

Bert Galloway has been appointed to fill the open Director position. We welcome Bert to our Board of Directors and we thank him for volunteering to serve our Lake Association in this capacity.

Lake Istokpoga is One of Top 10 Black Bass Lakes in Florida (April 27, 2002)

According to an article on April 25, 2002, in the Highlands Today Newspaper, Lake Istokpoga has been named as one of the Top 10 Bass Lakes in Florida by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists.

Lake Istokpoga also made the Top 10 for crappie and the Top 10 for Pan fishing.

Silver Harbor Ranch (March 29, 2002)

Our next newsletter will have the story about the purchase of the Silver Harbor Ranch by the State of Florida. If you are not a member, it isn't too late to join before we mail this issue. Just go to our membership page for more information.

Election of Officers (March 5, 2002)

The election of officers took place at our regular monthly Board of Directors meeting as prescribed by our by-laws. The results of that election was that Bill Dwinell was reelected as President, Chris Monroe was reelected as Vice-president. Jeanne Porter was elected as Secretary and Chris Monroe was elected Treasurer.

Annual Election of Directors (February 23, 2002)

The annual election of directors was held on February 21 at our Annual Corporate Meeting. All of the 2001 directors, including those that were appointed to fill vacant positions, were re-elected to serve in 2002. The election of officers will be held at the March Board of Directors meeting. Please see our Officers Page for a list of our directors.

FWC Close on Silver Harbor Ranch (February 15, 2001)

According to Jimmy Conner, FWC, the state has closed on the purchase of the Royce Property, also know as the Silver Harbor Ranch. According to Tom Champeau, FWC, the state purchased 2347 acres. The FWC has not announced what their plans are for this property, but did state the land was being added to the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area.

WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE MAINTENANCE

TO TEMPORARILY IMPACT WATER SUPPLY RELEASES, LOCAL TRAFFIC (January 18, 2002)

Two South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) water control structures south of Lake Istokpoga in Highlands County are scheduled for required maintenance during the next month. This maintenance will require the structure bays to be drained of water, which will cause temporary inconveniences to landowners and travelers in the area.

The first structure scheduled for maintenance is the S-83 water control structure located on the C-41A canal. This water control structure, which is primarily used to deliver agricultural water supply, will be out of operation for approximately two weeks beginning on Tuesday, January 22. Contractors employed by the SFWMD will use a crane to place needle beams within the structure bay before the water is drained from the bay. Once it is dry, the inside of the bay will be sandblasted and then new concrete will be applied to ensure the continued integrity of the structure. This maintenance will temporarily interrupt water supply deliveries in the C-41A canal downstream of the structure. Landowners in the area were consulted concerning the timing of this maintenance.

Similar work will be performed on each of the three bays at the S-68 water control structure at the south end of Lake Istokpoga, following completion of the maintenance at S-83. Only one of the bays will be taken out of service at a time, so there will be no impact on water supply deliveries or on flood control for residents in the area of Lake Istokpoga. However, the crane that places the needle beams in the structure bay so that it can be drained, will have to temporarily block traffic on CR 621 while that work is being performed. No estimate of the length of time that road traffic will be interrupted is available at this time. A second press release will be issued when the exact date and length of traffic interruptions is known.

The SFWMD regrets any inconveniences this necessary maintenance may cause and thanks residents in advance for their patience with these required services. For more information, please contact the SFWMD Okeechobee Service Center at (863) 462-5260 or (800) 250-4200. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, but please feel free to leave a voice mail message over the weekend and we will return your call as quickly as possible.

For more information contact:

Missie Barletto January 18, 2002

Okeechobee Service Center (863) 462-5260 or (800) 250-4200, ext. 3006

Noise Ordinance Moves Forward (January 4, 2002)

The Noise Advisory Committee appears to have reached agreement on a noise ordinance. This proposed ordinance will be presented to the Highlands County Commissioners at an upcoming public hearing.

According to a newspaper article in the Highlands Today, the provisions of the proposed

ordinance that affect airboats are:

No Airboat, except under idle conditions, shall come within 1,000 feet of any lakeside residence, at any time.

In accordance with state law, no airboat may exceed the sound level of 90 decibels at a distance of 50 feet from their craft.

No person in an airboat may shine a light at any residence or into any window of any residence.

The proposal does not have any restrictions on when a boat, of any kind, may operate. It does require airboats to have baffled mufflers, according to an article in the News-Sun.

Last Chance for Winding Waters? (December 27, 2001)

With the rejection of the $500,000 offer from the county the purchase of Winding Waters is dead.

Or is it? The County has another option, Eminent Domain. There is a possibility that the county could use this option to purchase the property in spite of the owners wanting a higher price. Under this option the county would pay a price that is considered fair. One suggestion would be 10% above the last two appraisals, which were $305,000 and $450,000.

We do not know if the county will use this option or not. According to Bob Bullard, "I am reluctant to use this option to take property from an owner except where we really have to do it, like building roads." While we would like to see the county purchase this property, we agree with Bob, this is not a case that justifies the use of this option.

Winding Waters Offer Rejected (December 10, 2001)

The owners of the 152 acre Winding Waters property have rejected the offer of $500,000 made by Highlands County. They also withdrew the 60-day extension since the county decided not to do another appraisal. The big loss is to the residents of the county and Lake Istokpoga. Since the property is zoned for a RV and Trailer Park, all we can do is hope it doesn't sell for that purpose.

Winding Waters Update (December 4, 2001)