The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has released its draft goals and objectives for Lake Management Plans for the Harris Chain of Lakes, the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and Lake Okeechobee. To view these draft goals and objectives go to MyFWC.com/conservation, click on “Terrestrial Conservation” then “Management” under “Management Plans (WMA)” and then “Lake Management Plans.” As part of the review process, the FWC will be holding stakeholder focus groups this summer to discuss these first drafts. The public can also provide feedback by emailing HarrisChain@MyFWC.com, KissimmeeChain@MyFWC.com or LakeOkeechobee@MyFWC.com, respectively.

FWC’s Lake Management Plans are meant to be comprehensive, covering management activities within FWC’s jurisdiction, such as a system’s fish, wildlife and habitats, while also providing recommendations to partner agencies on items outside of that jurisdiction, such as water levels and water quality. FWC management activities can include but are not limited to habitat protection, restoration and enhancement, fish management, and invasive plant management.

For general waterbody information, fishing forecasts, virtual tours, plant control operation schedules and annual workplans, boat ramp information and more, visit the “What’s Happening on My Lake” website at MyFWC.com/Lake.

For more information about the FWC’s Lake Management Plans, email Ryan Hamm at Ryan.Hamm@MyFWC.com.