NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

September 16, 1998

CONTACT: Jim Palmer (407) 846-5300

NEW BOAT RAMP MEANS NEW FISHING OPPORTUNITIES

Anglers will finally have good access to one of the state's little-known quality bass fisheries with the opening of a new boat ramp and parking area on Kenansville Lake in Indian River County, near Brevard and Osceola counties.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), invites everyone to a ramp opening ceremony at 10 a.m., on Thursday, Sept. 24, to find out what the lake has to offer. Agency representatives, as well as local officials and others involved in the project will be on hand to launch the ramp into use.

Kenansville Lake is a 2,500 acre impoundment, or reservoir, which was created in 1993 for flood water storage, as part of the massive Upper St. Johns River Restoration Project by the St. Johns River Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Although the lake was first opened to the public for fishing in April of 1996, access has been very limited because the only boat ramp was primitive, which made launching and retrieving boats very difficult. In addition, when water levels were low, boaters had to physically drag their boats over an interior levee, making it difficult to use anything but small Jon boats, or airboats that could cross the levees under power.

"The new ramp and water management alterations will make it much easier for those using larger boats to access the lake," said Jim Palmer, FWC's boat ramp project coordinator.

Kenansville Lake is located in a remote area where Indian River, Brevard and Osceola counties meet, about 11 miles east of the town of Kenansville. Although it is not yet well known among anglers, the lake's bass fishery was featured twice on ESPN's "The Fishing Hole with Jerry McKinnis," earlier this year.

The new single lane ramp and handicapped accessible parking area cost $35,544 and were jointly funded by the FWC through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program, and the SJRWMD.

The Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act provides funding to states through a federal excise tax on fishing equipment for projects such as boat ramps, fishing piers, hatcheries, research, education and others that enhance sportfishing restoration throughout the country. "This project is a good example of agencies working together to provide a better fishing opportunity for everyone," said Palmer. "We hope folks will come out to the dedication and then get out on Kenansville Lake to experience some good fishing."

* * *

IF YOU GO:
What: Kenansville Lake Boat Ramp Opening Directions: From St. Cloud take U.S. 441 east for 35 miles to the town of Kenansville. Go ½ mile south of Kenansville to the graded road on left (Fellsmere Road). Go 11 miles to the boat ramp (also known as SN Knight Property)

When: Thursday, September 24 at 10 a.m.

Who: Everyone's invited. Bring along your boat and some fishing gear and make a day of it!