NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

July 3, 1998

CONTACT: Frank Morello (561) 625-5122

LAKE TRAFFORD TASK FORCE AIMS AT MASSIVE LAKE RESTORATION

WEST PALM BEACH--A coalition representing private enterprise as well as county, state and federal government is spearheading a drive to finance the largest lake restoration effort ever attempted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The focus of the Lake Trafford Task Force is to re-vitalize the only natural lake south of Lake Okeechobee which, in recent years, has suffered from major fish kills, according to Frank Morello, FWC Everglades Regional Fisheries Biologist, and Task Force member.

To re-vitalize Lake Trafford will require the removal of eight million cubic yards of muck by hydraulic pumps. Morello estimates that the project will require up to a $16 million budget. The work could be accomplished in less than three years.

Morello said the 1,500-acre lake near Immokalee in Collier County used to be a "fishing gem." It was known for an excellent sport fishery of largemouth bass, bream, crappie and catfish. The lake is located approximately 30 miles northeast of Naples.

"Over the years, the lake has deteriorated due to a nutrient overload," Morello said. "Nutrient over-loading has caused a shift from native aquatic vegetation to dense mats of exotic hydrilla.

"Habitat and water quality were suffering as the decaying vegetation built up a deep layer of muck on the bottom over the natural sandy bottom which had been more suitable for fish spawning. Dense algae blooms and frequent small fish kills were symptoms of the sickness affecting Lake Trafford.

In April, 1996 this trend peaked when a large algae bloom occurred, depleted the oxygen level in the water, and killed thousands of fish, he said. The event did have a "golden lining" in that it inspired various community elements to come together and save the lake through the Lake Trafford Task Force.

The U.S. Corps of Engineers (COE) has promised up to $8 million in matching funds, the FWC $900,000, and other sources are being explored, according to Morello. Recently, the lake community has sponsored various events to raise restoration funds, including a Blue Grass Festival and a benefit bingo game at the Seminole Indian Casino.

"We're touching all the bases," Morello said. "Clyde Butcher of Ochopee, often called the Ansel Adams of the Everglades, has committed to hosting a photographic seminar with tuition fees going to the restoration project.

The Lake Trafford Task Force is chaired by Clarence Tears, who administrates the Big Cypress Basin Project with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).

Task Force members include staff from the FWC, SFWMD, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), South West Florida Research and Education Center, the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, the Conservancy of Naples, Lake Trafford Marina, Rex Properties of Immokalee, Scofield Marine Consulting of Naples, and concerned citizens

Further information about the project may be obtained by contacting: Frank Morello, Lake Trafford Task Force, c/o Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), 8535 Northlake Blvd., West Palm Beach, Fl. 33412. Tel. (561) 625-5122.