The FWC enhances Lake Poinsett with native eelgrass

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is beginning a native eelgrass revegetation project in Lake Poinsett, a 4,334-acre natural lake in Brevard County, to enhance fish and wildlife habitat.

These planted areas will provide several ecological benefits and aid in the continued restoration of Lake Poinsett and other waterbodies of the St. Johns River. In addition to providing food and habitat for native fish and wildlife, native eelgrass beds enhance water quality and provide improved fishing and hunting opportunities.

A fenced enclosure was built along the northwest shore of the lake to protect more than four acres of lake bottom that will comprise the revegetation project. Eelgrass will be planted within the temporary enclosure to protect the new plants as they become established.

Boaters are encouraged to use caution when navigating the shoreline of Lake Poinsett. Boat ramps and other public access points around the lake will be posted with the location of the planting site and enclosure. The fenced enclosure has both reflective and glow-in-the-dark tape at the top of the poles to aid nighttime navigation and inform boaters of their presence. The enclosure is permitted by federal and state agencies.

The FWC plants thousands of native submerged and emergent aquatic plants every year to restore, enhance and maintain aquatic habitat throughout the state of Florida. For more information about these projects, visit MyFWC.com/AquaticHabitat. For general waterbody information, fishing forecasts, virtual tours, annual workplans, boat ramp information, and more, visit the “What’s Happening on My Lake” website at MyFWC.com/Lakes.