Along with five miles of shoreline on Lake Parker, the Bridgewater Tract contains Lake Crago, plus nine additional reclaimed phosphate pits offering a wealth of future recreational adventures that will incorporate fishing, possibly limited hunting, and nature/hiking trails, which will afford visitors a chance to observe and photograph numerous wildlife species, some of which are listed as threatened.

"Eventually," said Biologist Danon Moxley, "all of these water bodies will be opened to fishing."

Funds from Preservation 2000 were used by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to purchase the Bridgewater property. However, the Legislature did not allocate any new funds for such development as roads and boat ramps and none were available within the existing FWC budget for expansion this year.

Due to Florida's severe drought, lowered water levels and expected high summer temperatures, Tenoroc's popular Lake Hydrilla has been closed until September. From January through April, a restricted number of Waltonions, who were able to test Lake Hydrilla's waters prior to its closure had caught and released 826 bass. This averages out at 25 per day or 1.3 fish per hour, Moxley stated. "Of those fish recorded, 45% measured in excess of 15 inches while six percent were greater than 24 inches in length, which translates to 10-pounds or more per fish."

Moxley went on to say that one party (two anglers) released 83 bass in a single day.

Regulations for Lake Hydrilla call for it being opened only two days per week for a maximum of three anglers in one boat. Although Lake Hydrilla is closed for now, other specialty Tenoroc lakes are open, even though fishing on one or more may have to be temporarily halted on an emergency basis until summer rainfall begins in earnest.

"To date, fishing can be rated as good in all of our lakes," Moxley emphasized.

He added that providing access to other existing water bodies at Tenoroc will be an ongoing venture.

Until the mid-1970's, the area was mined for phosphate. In 1982, Borden, Inc., donated this tract to the State of Florida and, in 1983, Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (then the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission) developed a fish management plan and implemented extensive research studies aimed at producing and maintaining a high quality bass fishery.

During this process, biologists also zeroed in on producing exceptional bluegill, shellcracker, catfish, striped bass and speckled perch (crappie) fisheries with good results.

While "shortening the time between bites" was, is, and will continue to be Tenoroc's prime objective, new management initiatives call for habitat enhancement, small game hunting, target shooting, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, wildlife observation, and aquatic/environmental educational programs.

Open four days per week, from 6 a.m. 'til 5:30 p.m., Fridays through Mondays, visitors must register at the headquarters building and, unless exempt, pay a daily-use fee.

Reservations may be made up to 60 days in advance by calling (863) 499-2422, or by visiting the headquarters building.

Visitors can reach Tenoroc off I-4 at Exit 20, or north off U.S. 92, east of Lakeland onto Combee Road (S.R. 659) and turning east when reaching Tenoroc Mine Road.