NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

April 16, 1999

CONTACT: Joy M. Hill (352) 732-1225 or Lt. Jeff Hahr (352) 624-1604

LAKE WEIR WATER WATCHERS WANTED

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is looking for Lake Weir Water Watchers - concerned citizens who want to help protect the valuable natural and recreational opportunities Lake Weir has to offer.

An organizational meeting for Lake Weir Water Watch will be held on Tuesday, May 4 at 7 p.m., at the Kiwanis Lodge on Lake Weir. To get there from Ocklawaha, take Highway 25 south to 155th St., and follow the signs.

Many people enjoy boating, fishing and swimming in Lake Weir, making it one of Marion County's most popular recreational lakes. The goal of Lake Weir Water Watch is to ensure that while boaters and others are out recreating, they are doing it as safely as possible.

"We plan to hold regular meetings to offer our volunteers interesting informational and educational programs, as well as to encourage them to volunteer their time and expertise to FWC projects on and around Lake Weir," said Wildlife Officer Rodney Boone, local program coordinator.

Programs will include how to identify violations of the state's fish and wildlife laws, and how to report the violators to the FWC. Other programs will include boating safety, alligator safety, nuisance wildlife and fishing. The program also hopes to recruit volunteers to help with various FWC projects, such as constructing informational kiosks at boat ramps and organized clean ups at public access sites around the lake.

"This is a great opportunity for anyone who enjoys the lake to help keep it a safe and pleasant place to recreate," said Boone.

For more information on Lake Weir Water Watch call Lt. Jeff Hahr at (352) 732-1225.