1. Florida's birds and wildlife need your time and energy. Water Supply Planning 7. Lake Okeechobee water levels vary dramatically; from season to season, month to month, and sometimes even day to day. Blue gills, Okeechobee catfish and black crappies are other local catches. The main goal behind the repairs to the aging dike is to make it safer, not to increase water storage in Lake Okeechobee. The dike is not going to be any taller, or anew, therefore advocating to hold more water in Lake Okeechobee post-repairs is putting communities back in harm’s way. By the 18th century the largely mythical lake was known to British mapmakers and chroniclers by the Spanish name Laguna de Espiritu Santo. Conservation Leadership Initiative Alum Reflects on Future Career in Environmental Movement, Audubon Science to Help Inform Army Corps Efforts to Combine, Speed Restoration for Biscayne Bay and More, Fish Sampling Provides Critical Data for Florida Bay, Finding Creative Ways to Get the Job Done at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Audubon’s fact sheet “High Water Levels in Lake Okeechobee: The Threat of Disaster”, Audubon’s White Paper on the history of Lake Okeechobee’s ecosystem responses to water level management. This special edition of CERP Report will cover programs to keep the lake’s level lower, reduce nutrients entering the lake water, and strengthen Herbert Hoover Dike. This area is the land that is between Orlando and Lake Okeechobee. The state Legislature passed the Lake Okeechobee reservoir plan in 2017 to great fanfare. Best Management Practices 10. Terms of Use Harmful algae blooms have captured national attention and elicit quick “solutions” to prevent the blue-green algae slime fouling our coasts. Okeechobee Route #2 (Rim Route) Draft Recommendations - View or Download. It is called as the Big O, Florida’s Inland Sea or even the Lake. Lake Baikal is also the world's largest freshwater lake in terms of volume. The drain is carried out using small channels of the biosystem. The bottom of the freshwater lake is above sea level. The Controlling Depth (Navigational Depth) is the primary factor to consider for the transiting mariner; it governs the maximum recommended draft of vessels that can safely cross Lake Okeechobee. Privacy Policy     The name Okeechobee comes from the Hitchiti words oki (water) and chubi (big). It is sparsely populated by humans, but abundant in wildlife. Conditions are subject to change and mariners should remain alert and aware of the actual on water conditions. We visited Lake Okeechobee while in Okeechobee FL the lake is 40 miles long and 30 miles wide. A deeper lake also experiences more waves, which stir up phosphorus-rich sediments that contribute to algae blooms. The tables shown below were created to provide mariners with a guide for navigating Lake Okeechobee by way of the "Cross Lake Route" (Route #1) and the "Rim Route" (Route #2.) The waterway can support tows such as barges or private vessels up to 50 feet wide x 250 feet long which draw less than 10 feet, as parts of the system, especially the locks may have low water depths of just … Known at various times throughout history as Laguna del Espiritu Santo, Mayaimi, and Lake Mayaco, Lake Okeechobee—from two Seminole Indian words meaning "big water"—is located in the center of Florida. A lot of plant life in the water around the shores that extended pretty far out into the lake where we were At by the pier. LAKE OKEECHOBEE. It is the county seat of Okeechobee County. Lake Okeechobee marshes can cover up to 150,000 acres, one-third of the lake. Want more? Your support will power our science, education, advocacy and on-the-ground conservation efforts. The Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) takes daily water level readings of Lake Okeechobee and uses this information to compute the recommended draft for vessels transiting Lake Okeechobee along both Route #1 and Route #2. Waterway Guide Southern Edition (Florida ICW, Okeechobee Waterway, Florida GICW, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, & Texas). It is an estimated 5,387 feet deep (1,642 meters), and its bottom is approximately 3,893 feet (1,187 meters) below sea level. Of course, when fishing the “Big O” it’s all about that bass, and the lake is arguably the best fishery for … Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives. To maintain the lake’s depth, three locks were built to raise vessels from sea level on the Gulf Coast to the level of Lake Okeechobee, and two locks lower vessels back down to sea level on the Atlantic Ocean. The 450,000-acre Lake Okeechobee is the second largest lake in the United States, stretching some 30 miles long by 25 miles wide with a skinny depth of only 12 feet. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 5,784. Peeling off from US 27 in Clewiston on the Lake Okeechobee scenic drive, look to the right for CR 720, a road that leads you back to the lake… and farther back in time. Lake Okeechobee is a vast, but very shallow lake. A deeper lake is a disaster-in-the-making for the coastal estuaries to the east and west of Lake Okeechobee and for the communities that live south of the lake. There are actually (3) stages of water levels on the OWW: those that are too high, those that are too low, or those that are just right (if there is such a thing.). document.write('\u004f\u0066\u0066\u0069\u0063\u0065\u0020\u0040\u0020\u0042\u006c\u0075\u0065\u0053\u0065\u0061\u0073'), Okeechobee Depths, Water Levels, and Routes, Routes #1 and #2 Available for Navigation. Learn how you can become a citizen scientist or a volunteer at one of our nature centers today. Lake Okeechobee is a large, shallow lake located in the center of the Florida peninsula, about midway between Or-lando and Miami. Slightly later in the 16th century, René Goulaine de Laudonnièrereported hearing about a large freshwater lake in southern Florida called Serrope. The Federal project depth for the Okeechobee Waterway is 8’ from the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway near Stuart, FL via Okeechobee Lake Route 1 to Fort Myers, FL, then 10’ from Ft. Myers to Punta Rassa and then 12’ to the Gulf of Mexico. Lake Okeechobee isn't deep, the average depth is 6.6 ft, the largest is only 9.8 ft. It’s replenished by rivers, the largest of which is the Kissimi River. At over 430,000 acres, it is one of the shallowest large lakes in the world, averaging just 9 feet deep. It does not solve the current algae crisis, and it is a threat to wildlife, our health, our safety, and our tourism-based economy. Rainfall in Southern Florida is the driving force behind the water level fluctuations. Available water depth may be temporarily impacted up to 1.1 feet by strong winds. However, it possesses enough diversity that the knowledgeable angler can usually be successful. Since Lake Okeechobee isn’t over 9 feet deep, it is a great place to cast a line for these delicacies. The size of Lake Okeechobee is half of the size of Rhode Island. Last, but certainly not least, always check the weather before you plan a day of summer Lake Okeechobee fishing. Drive it with care -- sharp turns, deep canals, and an absence of guardrails pose a constant risk (an alternative: stick with Highway 27). These marshes provide critical habitat for birds like the endangered Everglade Snail Kite and host commercially and recreationally important fish species like bass and crappie. The main reason of water levels in lake Okeechobee rising is caused from the run off from rain in the Kissimmee valley. The Herbert Hoover Dike falls in the worst safety rating category from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineering and is classified as “almost certain to fail under normal operations within a timeframe from immediately to within a few years without intervention.” Even after repairs are complete, it is unlikely that this safety rating will receive a “normal” rating. Water depths and bridge clearances are as charted, currents are minimal to almost non-existent, and little to no turbulence in the vicinity of the locks and dams. Because the lake is shallow (average depth is about 9 feet) and covers about 730 square miles, it doesn't take much wind to generate big waves. Lake Okeechobee is unique because of its vast size (730 square miles), shallow water (9-ft average depth), high nutrient levels, and exten-sive marsh (147 square miles), which is heavily used for fishing, hunting, and birding. Our mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. Check out these two publications by Audubon scientists. Legal Notices Privacy Policy. Lake Baikal in southern Russia is the world's deepest lake. Water Reservations 6. This means there is not much stratification in the water. The level above sea level is not the depth of the lake. There are several islands on the territory of the lake, the largest of them is Creamer. Lake Okeechobee is located on the south-central portion of the Florida peninsula at latitudes 27o 12'N to 26o 40'N and longitudes 81o 07'W to 80o 37'W. While very brief, we hope it will clarify some issues. Jim Howard of … Lake Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway (OWW) - where water levels share the top billing with bridge clearances. Low Water Levels in Lake Okeechobee reduce the draft of vessels that are able to safely navigate the waterway. But rather than being a solution, holding more water in the lake would create new problems- threatening human life, risking the integrity of the dike, and worsening water quality. Show your love of birds today. The eastern reach of the waterway starts in the St. Lucie River, passes through the St Lucie lock and dam, and enters Lake Okeechobee through a lock at Port Mayaca. Recreation The shallow waters support thousands of acres of scattered aquatic vegetation and the sheer size of the lake combines to offer a largemouth bass fishery that has few peers. Fuel prices, transient slip fees, long-term slip fees, do-it-yourself yards, and haul out fees. Among the units was the 1st Infantry regiment under Colonel Zachary Taylor.He was given an area of operations near swampy Lake Okeechobee and 1,032 men: regulars, mounted volunteers, and scouts to hunt the enemy.. On 25 December, a Seminole was captured in an empty camp. Your support will power our science, education, advocacy and on-the-ground conservation efforts. BlueSeas Depths were good as long as we stayed in the middle. Science 8. Waterway Guide Southern Edition is a must for exploring Florida's East coast, the St. John's River, the Okeechobee Waterway, the Keys, Florida's West coast and the Gulf of Mexico to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. They also improve water quality by naturally cleaning water in the lake. Photo: Andrew West/The News-Press/part of the USAToday Network, Help secure the future for birds at risk from climate change, habitat loss and other threats. Some continue to place the blame of algae blooms on the shoulders of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by falsely claiming that holding more water in Lake Okeechobee could prevent or end our algae crisis. Donating monthly is flexible, easy and convenient and makes you a champion birds can count on, no matter the season. High Water Levels on Lake Okeechobee often require that all locks be left open to assist the discharge of water to keep the lake below flood stage. It covers 1,900 km square or 730 square miles of area. The largest freshwater lake in Florida is explained on Facts about Lake Okeechobee. Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program 3. 10 crazy awesome facts about bass fishing on Lake Okeechobee that fans always ask me. The population was 5,376 at the 2000 census. The roots of Florida’s toxic algae conflict lie in 19th century ambitions to transform vast swamps south of Lake Okeechobee, viewed as “worse than worthless,” into productive farmland. Okeechobee Route #1 (Cross Lake Route) Draft Recommendations - View or Download. With recent news that critical repairs to the dike are being expedited, Audubon celebrated this public safety project. The surface is 12.5 to 15.5 feet (4 to 5 metres) above mean sea level, depending upon the water level in the lake, and the average depth is 10 to 12 feet (3 to 4 metres). LAKE OKEECHOBEE — An airline pilot and two friends captured an alligator nearly 12-feet (3.6-meters) long on Florida's Lake Okeechobee. In United States, it is considered as the seventh largest freshwater lake. The pier is a nice viewing point to see the lake and a few gators. This guide features mile-by-mile navigation information, aerial photography with marked routes, marina listings and locator charts, anchorage information and expanded "Goin' Ashore" articles on ports along the way. Lake Okeechobee marshes can cover up to 150,000 acres, one-third of the lake. Due to Lake Okeechobee’s shallow depths of 8 to 12 feet, and only averaging 15 feet above sea level, a direct connection to the sea would drain the lake completely. Bridge clearances may be reduced and currents and turbulence will be at their maximum. Fishing guides and resorts help out with that goal. The waterway to and from Lake Okeechobee itself is a coffee-colored, fairly straight ditch. Okeechobee Waterway Route Recommendations – View or Download. But it’s important to help prevent a dike failure and for the safety of the residents living just south of Lake Okeechobee. The lake bottom is uplifted seabed. From the Hudson River to Key West, FL, including the St. Johns River and the Okeechobee Waterway. Mayaimi, meaning "big water," is the oldest known name, as reported in the 16th century, by Hernando de Escalante Fontaneda. They also improve water quality by naturally cleaning water in the lake. A channel 6’ deep in Taylor Creek from the town of Okeechobee to the lake, and a depth of 6’ for Route 2 along the south shore of Lake Okeechobee from Port Mayaca westward to Clewiston. E-Mail ~ To push for higher lake levels, some people even point to the important repairs being made to the aging Herbert Hoover Dike, which surrounds Lake Okeechobee and protects communities to the south. The recommended map study will show that there are over a dozen connecting canals, plus the Rim Canal which virtually encircles the lake. We can’t advocate holding more water in the lake and expect to see a different outcome than what Florida is seeing today. National Audubon Society Depth. Additionally, there are reports that the water depth over the upper lock sill of the St. Lucie Lock is reduced when water is being discharged from Lake Okeechobee. The Okeechobee Waterway or Okeechobee Canal is a relatively shallow artificial waterway in the United States, stretching across Florida from Fort Myers on the west coast to Stuart on Florida's east coast. … Other Everglades Projects 4. The increased water turbulence may affect the handling of your vessel. Alligators sleepily sun themselves on the shallow shores and Great Blue Herons stand quietly waiting for breakfast to appear. The two reasons the water levels in Okeechobee fall is from evaporation and farming. Help secure the future for birds at risk from climate change, habitat loss and other threats. What YOU Can Do 11. Despite lake Okeechobee's size its actually quite shallow with an average depth of only 9 feet. In 2017 Lake Okeechobee rose to 17 feet because of Hurricane Irma, and its impacts are still being felt today (including current algae blooms). In September 1837, Major General Thomas Jesup, army commander in Florida, received reinforcements. Subscribe to receive email updates about Audubon's conservation work and hear about opportunities to help birds in your area or nationwide. The original concept would have created a large basin covering 60,000 acres south of the lake, coupled with wetlands to filter water. In the early 19th century it … It’s the least you can do. Lake Okeechobee, especially Advocating to hold more water in Lake Okeechobee once repairs are done under the guise of sparing the estuaries and helping the environment is a false and dangerous solution. These (2) things combined are the #1 determining factors that boaters must consider when planning their passage through the waterway. These marshes provide critical habitat for birds like the endangered Everglade Snail Kite and host commercially and recreationally important fish species like bass and crappie. The natural lake is the largest in Florida and in the southeastern US. Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan Update – March 2014 [PDF] 2. This 90-foot-deep naturally occurring sinkhole lake is the deepest lake south of Lake Okeechobee, and one of the deepest in the entire state. must be managed on Lake Okeechobee to protect the health and recreational uses of the lake. Normal Water Levels allow for the best passage opportunities for the mariner transiting from one coast to the other. It’s bad for people, birds, and the environment. Okeechobee is a prime example of a grassy lake that, at times, can be frustrating. It is not part of Everglades restoration and won’t help the environment. On Friday, May 1, the official lake level (measured by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) was 11.43 feet above sea level. Spread the word. N. Cornwall Ave. Okeechobee Waterway-Normal and low water levels, channel depths, draft restrictions, recommended routes, & restrictions based on current lake water levels. The normal water level on Lake Okeechobee in the summer months range in the 12-15 feet above sea level. Found on the far western end of the Preserve, there exists a unique feature in the state of Florida, with an equally unique history. Want to receive Audubon updates straight to your inbox? They love shoreline waters the most during the spawn, especially where there is enough vegetation around for protection. Mile by mile list of hundreds of marinas including information on courtesy cars, propane, shopping, CNG, approach depth, number of transient slips, phone numbers, approach directions and much more. The temperature of the water would be close throughout, therefore the wildlife present must all be creatures who can survive the temperature. Enroute Back to Okeechobee. Okeechobee is a city in Okeechobee County, Florida, United States. Incredibly shallow considering its size – average depth is nine feet; 12 feet at its deepest point – Lake Okeechobee produces perfect environmental conditions for several fish species. They are based upon surveys of the Okeechobee Waterway by the Corps of Engineers. During these periods of discharge, all vessels approaching any lock should exercise caution. Minimum Flows and Levels 5. If Lake Okeechobee’s water levels were held even higher, future releases to the coastal estuaries would be done with even dirtier water! Get the latest on conservation in Florida, A Tricolored Heron wades in an algal bloom along the wall at the Franklin Locks in Southwest Florida (June 25, 2018). From Port Mayaca you cross 451,000 acre Lake Okeechobee by either a direct route to Clewiston, or a longer route along the south edge of the lake called the "rim route". Ventnor, NJ 08406 When the lake rises too high (above 16 feet), the submerged aquatic vegetation in and around these marshes that would otherwise naturally clean the water, dies and decomposes- resulting in increased turbidity that makes lake water dirtier. Major natural tributaries to the lake are Fisheating Creek, Taylor Creek and the Kissimmee River. The lake is about 35 miles (55 km) long with a shoreline of 135 miles (220 km) and, including several small islands, covers an area of about 730 square miles (1,900 square km). The Speckled Perch Festival is held annually in honor of the most famous fish of Lake Okeechobee. Today, Lake Okeechobee is used to store water from a 4,000-square-mile basin north of the lake. Water Quality Improvement/Stormwater Treatment Areas 9. Clewiston, on the 750 square-mile lake's southern shore, has the most to offer vacationers, especially those intent on hooking into the lake's legendary largemouth bass and speckled perch. 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