Lake Okeechobee Aquatic Plant Management Interagency Task Force Meeting Proceedings

The following individuals attended the Lake Okeechobee Aquatic Plant Management Interagency Task Force meeting on 16 November 2016 at the SFWMD Okeechobee Service Center; Okeechobee, FL.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) David Lattuca Erica Skolte (Phone)

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Susanna Toledo Alex Onisko Andrea Dominguez Brent Bachelder Bill Caton (Phone) Don Fox Steve Gornak

South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Mike Bodle Libby Pigman Steve Smith (Phone)

Other Attendees Kurt Ramsey, Applied Aquatic Management Keith Mangus, Applied Aquatic Management Paul Gray, Audubon Florida Linda Defee, Aquatic Vegetation Control Inc. Jason Cull, Lee County Hyacinth Control District Marla Hamilton, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Phone) Lyn Gettys, University of Florida

Call to Order

David Lattuca called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M. Roll Call was taken. He reminded the group that the Task Force meeting is available through the AT&T Teleconference Services. The meeting is recorded and the recordings are saved digitally. Meeting proceedings will be disseminated to the Task Force email distribution list and uploaded to the Task Force website: http://www.floridainvasives.org/okeechobee/ . David Lattuca reviewed the Task Force meeting proceedings from 9/14/2016. No comments were announced.

Public Comment Period

Paul Gray mentioned to the group that there has been Melaleuca quinquenervia sightings in the area of the Northwest Marsh, Lake Okeechobee. Mike Bodle informed Paul Gray that the SFWMD receives funding for Melaleuca control for Lake Okeechobee. Mike Bodle advises that anyone who has locations/coordinates of Melaleuca, pass along the information to Ellen Allen (SFWMD).

Mike Bodle mentioned that he has been in contact with Ashley Tripp (Belle Glade) in regards to prescribe burning on Lake Okeechobee in the vicinity of the Southern Islands. David Lattuca informed the group that the Lake Okeechobee Fire Management Technical Sub-committee had a meeting on October 3rd, at the FWC Field Office in Okeechobee. A summary of that meeting can be found by contacting Brent Bachelder (FWC).

FWC Status Report

Susanna Toledo reported that 4322 acres of floating plants (Eichhornia crassipes & Pistia stratiotes) were treated on Lake Okeechobee since the last Task Force meeting on 9/14/2016. This included a 2000 acre aerial treatment. Oxycaryum cubense, Luziola subintegra, Hymenachne amplexicaulis & Nymphoides cristata were also treated. Currently, FWC is utilizing Applied Aquatic Management, Aquatic Vegetation Control, and Lake and Wetland Management. AMM and AVC report to Susanna Toledo. Weekly Schedule of Operations are created by FWC, and then shared with USACE. USACE then shares the Schedule of Operations on the USACE District website http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/Invasive-Species/ and the Task Force Website http://www.floridainvasives.org/okeechobee/ .

Libby Maxwell (SFWMD) mentioned that there could be a good story for a press release in regards to the management of invasive species on Lake Okeechobee. David Lattuca said he will work with USACE’s Corporate Communication Office (CCO) Erica Skolte and her partners with the SFWMD and FWC in creating a story for a news release, which will highlight the Task Force.

Aerial Survey Report of Floating Vegetation

An aerial survey was conducted prior to the interagency meeting on 10/4/2016 & 11/1/2016.

Lake Okeechobee Interagency Flight

Date October 04, 2016

Lake Elevation 15.86 (Feet-NGVD29) Summary of Estimates

Area of Lake Average % SFWMD AAM FWC1 USACE

1. Torrey & Kreamer 650.00 44% 650 1000 500 450

2. Ritta 93.75 6% 150 50 75 100

3. East Wall - Coot Bay 87.50 6% 115 100 60 75

4. West Wall - Whidden 125.00 9% 120 150 130 100

5. Fisheating Bay 76.25 5% 75 100 55 75

6. Harney - Indian Prair 92.50 6% 240 75 30 25

7. Indian P. - Kissimme 53.75 4% 100 50 15 50

8. King's Bar 57.50 4% 80 75 50 25

9. Kissimmee - Taylor C 177.50 12% 190 150 120 250

10. Taylor Cr. - Chance 55.00 4% 85 75 35 25

TO TALS 1468.75 100% 1805 1825 1070 1175 Participants: SFWMD, Mike Bodle FWC1, Susanna Toledo AAM, Kurt Ramsey USACE, David Lattuca

Lake Okeechobee Interagency Flight

Date November 01, 2016

Lake Elevation 15.46 (Feet-NGVD29)

Summary of Estimates

Area of Lake Average % SFWMD AAM FWC1 FWC2 USACE

1. Torrey & Kreamer 156.00 14% 80 100 350 150 100

2. Ritta 101.00 9% 100 75 200 80 50

3. East Wall - Coot Bay 69.00 6% 75 75 100 45 50

4. West Wall - Whidden 232.00 20% 300 250 250 110 250

5. Fisheating Bay 81.00 7% 175 100 50 55 25

6. Harney - Indian Prairie 109.00 9% 320 25 100 75 25

7. Indian P. - Kissimmee 94.00 8% 220 100 30 70 50

8. King's Bar 50.00 4% 125 25 40 35 25

9. Kissimmee - Taylor Cr. 221.00 19% 225 250 250 130 250

10. Taylor Cr. - Chancey 41.00 4% 70 50 30 30 25

TO TALS 1154.00 100% 1690 1050 1400 780 850

Participants: SFWMD, Mike Bodle FWC1, Susanna Toledo FWC2, Alex Onisko AAM, Kurt Ramsey USACE, David Lattuca

USACE

David Lattuca informed the group that the Removal of Aquatic Growth (RAG) Cooperative Agreement DACW147-85-H-0020 between USACE and FWC is working well. David Lattuca has been pleased with Susanna Toledo’s and Alex Onisko’s management of invasive species on Lake Okeechobee. David Lattuca shared with the group that he has been satisfied with Applied Aquatic Management (AAM), Aquatic Vegetation Control (AVC), & Lake and Wetland Management applicators effort on Lake Okeechobee. Susanna Toledo mentioned that the applicators have been very proactive at seeking out and sharing locations of additional invasive species while out treating invasive floating plants.

USACE continues working with USDA-ARS to conduct releases of Megamelus scutellaris, a biocontrol agent for Water Hyacinth. Dr. Minteer has a new position with the University of Florida, which will continue work on the biological control of invasive weeds. Her new email is [email protected] . USDA-ARS will continue to rear and release Megamelus. A monthly release schedule has been set for Lake Okeechobee.

David Lattuca presented to the Task Force the Invasive Species Management (ISM) Branch, Removal of Aquatic Growth (RAG) Project FY16 Annual Report (Attachment #1). The report was created in order to summarize the RAG Project for Lake Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway during FY6 (October 1st, 2015 – September 30th, 2016). The project tracking was for Water Hyacinth, Water Lettuce, and Tussocks treated throughout Lake Okeechobee, Caloosahatchee River, and Lake Hicpochee. The data was derived from FWC’s PMARS system. The USACE annual report may differ from FWC’s project tracking. David Lattuca urged the Task Force to help invite new members and assist with scientific presentations, so that all managers will be able to benefit the overall ecological health of Lake Okeechobee.

The Task Force discussed improving and performing maintenance at the 28 Kiosks surrounding Lake Okeechobee. It was agreed that many of the Kiosks need maintenance, to include covers to protect the notices from the weather.

FWC

Brent Bachelder spoke briefly on the Cowbone Marsh Restoration Project. Cowbone Marsh is an approximately 2,500 acre relatively ovoid freshwater marsh system that is located between open flow way portions of Fisheating Creek in central Glades County and is contained within the 40- mile long 18,272-acre Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The Marsh transects Fisheating Creek 8 miles upstream of the Creek’s mouth at the western shore of Lake Okeechobee. The Marsh is located approximately 6 miles east of US27 and 6 miles west of SR78 near Lakeport. The Marsh is approximately three times wider than the Fisheating Creek flow way corridor, and is about 3 miles in length. It is bordered by a cypress slough system upstream, and an open grassy alluvial system characterized by oxbows downstream. Brent Bachelder suggested that the group become familiar with the history of Cowbone Marsh and the possible effects that restoration might have on the Lake Okeechobee Task Force as it pertains to aquatic plant management. Currently the Cowbone Restoration is in litigation.

Brent Bachelder wanted more information on the Glades County Moore Haven Canal Project. Libby Pigman (SFWMD) passed along a project report that included maps and technical drawings to the Task Force. Currently the contractor is on site, working on the project. The Moore Haven Canal is closed from Moore Haven Rim Canal to the Monkey Box. Further questions can be forwarded to Rod Braun (SFWMD) or Paul Carlisle (Glades County).

FWC is accepting Aquatic Habitat Restoration/Enhancement Subsection (AHRE) funding applications. AHRE Subsection is responsible for managing, enhancing, and preserving aquatic habitat in Florida for the long-term well-being of fish and aquatic wildlife and the benefit of the people of Florida. The deadline for the application is December 15th, 2016. Questions about the application can be forwarded to Brent Bachelder.

Brent Bachelder gave a Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) update. From the October 31st Okeechobee Snail Kite update, of the 41 nests that were active at the end of September, 13 are still active and 14 were successful. There have also been 23 new nests discovered since the hurricane. One new nest is between S-129 and Indian Prairie Canal and the rest are in the Moonshine Bay treatment areas. There are currently 23 active nests on Lake Okeechobee since the beginning of November. Brent Bachelder and Tyler Beck presented on Snail Kite nesting on Lake Okeechobee at the Snail Kite Coordinating Committee meeting on 10/13/2016. The presentation outlined that there was a unique nesting event on Lake Okeechobee where there was treated cattails. Moonshine Bay went from Eleocharis to cattail between 1972 and 2015. During May 2015, the cattail was treated in the Moonshine Marsh area. Then the treated cattail was burned with prescribed fire. These areas are 90% open water now (2016), willow clumps were not sprayed. Kite nests started getting heavy in July through September nest in willows mostly. Tyler gave SNKI nesting numbers as of the meeting but nesting continued. Most recent numbers (as of Nov 1) are 160 successful nests out of 230 total nests on Okeechobee. Of those, the Moonshine Bay area had 89 successful nests of 111 total nests. 23 nests are still active (all but 1 in Moonshine Bay). Brent Bachelder will be presenting on Lake Okeechobee Snail Kite nesting at the Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration meeting in April 17-21 at Coral Springs, FL.

Brent Bachelder spoke about the completed Spring 2016 emergent aerial treatments. FWC was able to aerially treat 2742 acres of Cattail (Typha sp.), 112 acres of Phragmites, and 225 acres of Torpedograss (Panicum repens), from Moonshine Bay up to and along the Kissimmee River. FWC utilized the herbicide Clearcast (Imazamox) at 32oz/acre to treat cattail. This was applied in order to reduce non-target damage. The herbicide was slow acting, but was successful in controlling the cattail. FWC utilized the herbicides Glyphosate and Imazapyr mix to control the Phragmites. FWC also used the Imazapyr/Glyphosate mix to control the Torpedo Grass.

Brent Bachelder spoke on behalf of the Lake Okeechobee Fire Management Technical Sub- Committee. A DRAFT Lake Okeechobee Rx Burn Units map was shared with the Task Force (Attachment #2). The potential upcoming burn units are connected along with the previously treated Spring 2016 Herbicide Treatments. The proposed prescribed burns will take place when the wind and weather conditions permit. Additional proposed prescribed burns are also planned for the Southern Islands of Lake Okeechobee. The Fire Management Team had questions in regards to USACE fire disking operations. David Lattuca will coordinate disking operations with the Questions can be forwarded to Brent Bachelder.

Alex Onisko presented on Scleria lacustris and Scleria microcarpa (Attachment #3). The lacustris species was recently discovered and treated in the Western Marsh of Lake Okeechobee. The microcarpa species was recently discovered in Lake Hatchineha (Attachment #4). Alex Onisko gave a presentation on how to properly identify Scleria and differentiate between the two species. Further questions can be forwarded to Alex Onisko.

Susanna Toledo informed the Task Force that Lee County Hyacinth Control District (LCHCD) offered to help FWC manage invasive species in Lake Hicpochee. LCHCD will utilize both herbicide applications and use their mini-harvester. FWC and LCHCD will work together, in order to formulate a plan to manage the invasive species in Lake Hicpochee.

SFWMD

Mike Bodle discussed the SFWMD’s “Ground Services Contracts”, which have expired. All of the contracts were re-bided. The four firms have expanded to eight firms, with newly executed full contracts. There are three firms that can provide full aquatic plant management services. These contracts are available for interagency piggy-backing. The SFWMD has removed their aquatic plant management field applicator services. Mike Bodle also performed a bid release for grass carp, if anyone is interested in a bid price.

New/Old Business

Lake Okeechobee Watershed Project - Planning efforts are underway for the Lake Okeechobee Watershed (LOW) project, which aims to: • Improve the quality, quantity, timing and distribution of water entering Lake Okeechobee • Provide for better management of lake water levels • Reduce high-volume discharges to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries downstream of the lake • Improve system wide operational flexibility One of the next steps for implementation is to identify opportunities to restore the quantity, quality, and timing and distribution of flows into Lake Okeechobee. The LOW Project preliminary project area, where placement of features will be considered, covers a large portion of the Lake Okeechobee Watershed north of the lake. http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/Ecosystem-Restoration/Lake- Okeechobee-Watershed-Project/

Lake Okeechobee RECOVER performance measures - RECOVER (REstoration COordination & VERification) is a multi-agency team of scientists, modelers, planners and resource specialists who organize and apply scientific and technical information in ways that are essential in supporting the objectives of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).

The RECOVER team conducts scientific and technical evaluations and assessments for improving CERP’s ability to restore, preserve and protect the south Florida ecosystem while providing for the region's other water-related needs. RECOVER applies a system-wide perspective to the planning and implementation of the CERP and communicates and coordinates the results of these evaluations and assessments to managers, decision makers and the public. http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/Ecosystem-Restoration/RECOVER/

*** The next interagency flight is scheduled for the first Tuesday of every month.

***The next interagency meeting will be scheduled in the near future

Adjournment

David Lattuca adjourned the Task Force meeting at 11:00 A.M.

Attachment #1. RAG FY16 Annual Report

United States Army Corps of Engineers 525 Ridgelawn Rd. Clewiston, FL 33440 Tel 863-983-8101 Fax 863-983-8102 http:/www.saj.usace.army.mil

ANNUAL REPORT

FY 2016

Invasive Species Management (ISM) Branch, Lake Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway (OWW), Removal of Aquatic Growth Project (RAG)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

Removal of Aquatic Growth Project (RAG) 1 RAG Cooperative Agreement between USACE and FFWCC. 2 End of FY16 RAG Project Tracking 3 Lake Okeechobee Water Levels 6 Task Force 7 Eligible Areas & Priority List 9 Contact Information 12 Agency Information 12

Removal of Aquatic Growth Project (RAG)

PREFACE The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District Commander is committed to achieving successful execution of the Removal of Aquatic Growth Project to maintain navigation in eligible Federal navigation projects in the District. The District Commander has the ultimate responsibility for this project and is responsible for ensuring that products and actions of the district staff achieve desired results.

BACKGROUND AND SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM The Removal of Aquatic Growth (RAG) Project was authorized by the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 to deal with navigation problems caused by the non-native water hyacinth plants that were introduced into Florida and Louisiana. The project has been expanded over the years to include other species (water lettuce, alligatorweed, hydrilla and melaleuca) and otherstates (Alabama, Mississippi and Texas). The Jacksonville District Invasive Species Management Branch utilizes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to manage invasive species. IPM is the coordinated use of the most appropriate s trategy to prevent or reduce unacceptable levels of invasive species and their damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment. The District has a maintenance control program wherein the exotic floating plants are maintained at the lowest possible levels by IPM. This approach has reduced many of the adverse environmental effects caused by excessive vegetation. The beneficial effects of the maintenance control approach include: (1) reduction in the total amount of herbicide required to control a given area, (2) reduction in the amounts of decaying aquatic vegetation, (3) reduction in the need for extensive aerial application, (4) re- establishment of native species in controlled areas, and (5) relatively stable labor costs. If maintenance control is not achieved, the waterways will again experience severe problems. Due to the biological nature of the problem it is difficult to predict the exact problem acreage without control. In the absence of control the unrestricted use of the water bodies would be lost due to localized navigational and flow blockage.

FY16 ANNUAL REPORT This report was designed to summarize the Removal of Aquatic Growth Project for Lake Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway during FY16 (October 01, 2015 – September 30, 2016).

David Lattuca Biologist, Invasive Species Management Branch October 3, 2016

Page 1

RAG Cooperative Agreement between USACE and FFWCC.

Page 2

End of FY16 RAG Project Tracking

BOAT APPLICATORS TOTAL CHEMICAL COST $826,266.11 CREW AMOUNT PAID $900,801.23 TOTAL COST $1,727,067.34 TOTAL ACRES 11781.6 COST / ACRE $146.59

HELICOPTER TOTAL CHEMICAL COST $119,865.00 CREW AMOUNT PAID $145,725.00 TOTAL COST $265,590.00 TOTAL ACRES 3500 COST / ACRE $75.88

TUSSOCK TOTAL CHEMICAL COST $3,830.60 CREW AMOUNT PAID $15,876.20 TOTAL COST $19,706.80 TOTAL ACRE 89 COST / ACRE $221.43

FY16 TOTAL CHEMICAL COST $949,961.71 CREW AMOUNT PAID $1,062,402.43 TOTAL COST $2,012,364.14 TOTAL ACRE 15370.6 COST / ACRE $130.92

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Adju vant Total Adjuvant Cost Amo unt Accuracy 526.3209 $14,052.77 Cohere 248.89 $8,543.95 DLZ 3.125 $100.31 Foambuster 0.2733 $14.85 Induce 2079.625 $44,503.97 MSO 437.5 $4,951.25 Concentrate Polycontrol II 1 $26.60 Quest 20.875 $357.38 Sunwet 30 $449.40 Total 3347.6092 $73,000.48

Herb icide Total Herbicide FWC Provided Amo unt Cost Cost Weedar 64 173.25 $3,419.96 Shredder Amine 107.75 $1,701.37 4 Tribune 1908.125 $95,959.61 Reward 820.8 $64,843.20 Habitat 9 $897.75 Roundup 279.4996 $7,186.01 Custom Rodeo 32.83 $787.92 Schooner 2054.801 $296,605.01 Clipper 1133.7335 $13,690.05 $127,681.50 Galleon 121.4357 $238,755.23 $25,433.64 Total 6641.2248 $723,846.10 $153,115.14

PROJECT TRACKING Plants treated are only forwaterhyacinth, waterlettuce, and tussocks. Data was forwarded to USACE from FFWCC PMARS System • Data was used from FFWCC Waterbodies: Lake Okeechobee, Caloosahatchee River, and Lake • Hicpochee • Herbicide Amount is recorded in Gallons or Pounds USACE Annual Report Tracking may differ from FFWCC’s Project Tracking • •

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ACRES TREATED BY MONTHS FROM FY10 THROUGH FY16

FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 OCT. 913 1820 330 1800.25 1106.5 1358 1971.5 NOV. 364 1323 511.5 1157.5 542 359.5 2469.5 DEC. 486 937 901.5 847.5 1162 743.5 1322.1 JAN. 1067.5 573 998.75 1139.5 469 1349 610.5 FEB. 853 302 868 251.25 812.5 751.5 479 MAR. 1009 293 697.5 447.25 551 1177 1247.5 APR. 871 433.5 863.5 1047.75 633.5 1869 707 MAY 974.5 377.75 688 1409.25 652.75 1486 860.5 JUN. 1471.75 149.3 589.6 1466.5 674.75 2279 1131 JUL. 1449.5 269.7 1088 1015.5 1152.5 944.5 1204 AUG. 1437 336.5 2023.5 1344 898.5 810 2377.5 SEP. 1602 453 2418 1221 1117 791 990.5 FY 10 FY 11 FY 12 FY 13 FY 14 FY 15 FY16 Total Acres 12498.25 7267.75 11977.85 13147.25 9772 13918 15370.6

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Lake Okeechobee Water Levels

FY16 SAJ WATER MANAGEMENT GRAPHICAL PLOT

Data are collected through automated process and interagency data exchange. Data are provisional and subject to change. The Lake Okeechobee is a 451,000 acre lake and the Okeechobee Waterway is a 154 mile long waterway which extends from the Atlantic Ocean at Stuart, to the Gulf of Mexico at Ft. Meyers. The waterway runs through Lake Okeechobee and consists of the Caloosahatchee River to the West of the lake and the St. Lucie Canal east of the lake.

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Task Force

OKEECHOBEE AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE

THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS SHALL CHAIR, AND ACTIVELY SOLICIT PARTICIPATION IN THE LAKE OKEECHOBEE AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE. THE TASK FORCE MEMBERS WILL REPRESENT STATE OF FLORIDA AGENCIES (INCLUDING THE SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT), STATE UNIVERSITIES, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS, AND OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES. THE TASK FORCE WILL SERVE IN AN ADVISORY CAPACITY, PROVIDING MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TECHNICAL AND SCIENTIFIC DATA FROM WHICH THE CORPS’ AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY, METHODOLOGY, AND RESEARCH PLANNING AND OPERATIONAL EFFORTS WILL EVOLVE. THE FOCUS OF THE AQUATIC PLANT EFFORT WILL BE TO BENEFIT THE OVERALL ECOLOGICAL HEALTH OF LAKE OKEECHOBEE.

Record Year for Acres Treated for Floating Plants on Lake Okeechobee

• 6 Task Force Meetings (Ranging from 16 – 33 attendees)

• Weekly Schedule of Operation Updates

• Posted Treatment Notices to Task Force Kiosks.

• 12 I/A Flights with ongoing data collection/ GoPro footage

• Revised FloridaInvasives.org/Okeechobee and SAJ Websites

• Continued work with USDA-ARSBio-Control releases

• Applicator and USACE safety (No Accidents Occurred)

• Continued collaboration with the Lake Okeechobee Fire Management Technical Sub-Committee

• Task Force participated with CISMA’s (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area) and FISP(Florida Invasive Species Partnership. • Continued use of the Lake Okeechobee Project Proposal Form

• Added meeting venue at Lee County Hyacinth Control District (LCHCD)

• Ongoing Snail Kite Coordination between Agencies

• Work in partnership with Stakeholders regarding Fishing Tournaments

•

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OPERATING TASK FORCE KIOSK LOCATIONS FOR LAKE OKEECHOBEE BOAT RAMPS 1. Clewiston Park 2. Clewiston Rim Canal • 3. John Stretch Park • 4. South Bay Access Area • 5. Slim’s Marina, Torry Island • 6. J. Mark Marina, Torry Island • 7. Torry Island Public Access Area • 8. Paul Rardin Park • 9. Pahokee Marina • 10. Canal Point Access Area • 11. Old Sportsman’s Access Area • 12. Caloosahatchee River Access Area • 13. Alvin Ward Access Area • 14. Uncle Joe’s Marina • 15. Okeechobee Park • 16. Scott Driver Access Area • 17. Okee Tantie Marina • 18. Okee Tantie Airboat Ramp • 19. Buckhead Ridge Marina • 20. Indian Prairie Canal • 21. Bear Beach Access Area (2) • 22. Harney Pond Canal (5) • 23. Fisheating Creek • 24. Taylor Creek • 25. Henry Creek • 26. Nubbin Slough • 27. S-135 Access Area • 28. Port Mayaca • •

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Eligible Areas & Priority List

LAKE OKEECHOBEE REMOVAL OF AQUATIC GROWTH LIST OF ELIGIBLE AREAS 1. The follow ing areas are eligible for aquatic plant control efforts. a. St. Lucie Canal from the St. Lucie Lock to the Port Mayaca Lock. b. Industrial Canal, includi ng associated finger canals and boat basins, from the S-310 Lock at Clewiston (Hurricane Gate 2) to the Highway 27 Bridge. c. Caloosahatchee River (C-43) from Moore Haven to Franklin Lock. This includes Lake Hicpochee and all associated canal systems to the first structure. d. Lake Okeechobee: All areas within the confines of the Herbert Hoover Dike and associated tributaries as follows: 1) Rim Canal to its NW terminus west of State Road 78 Bridge. 2) Fisheating Creek, from its confluence with the Lake near Lakeport, Florida, to the eastern edge of Cowbone Marsh. 3) Harney Pond Canal to Structure S-71. 4) Indian Prairie Canal to Structure S-72. 5) Kissimmee River to Structures S-84 and S-65E. 6) Taylor Creek from S-193 Lock (Hurricane Gate 6) to S-192. This includes associated residential canals, LD-4 canal, Eagle Bay, and Lemkin Creek. 2. Eligibility under this contract ceases at the following structures on the Herbert Hoover Dike: a. Hurricane Gate 5 – Canal Point. b. Hurricane Gate 4 and S-2 at Belle Glade / South Bay. c. Hurricane Gate 3 and S-3 at Lake Harbor. d. S-236. e. S-4. f. S-131 and the Lakeport Lock. g. S-129. h. S-127 and the Buckhead Ridge Lock. i. S-133 (Okeechobee). j. S-191 (Nubbin Slough). k. Henry Creek Lock. l. S-135 and the Chancy Bay Lock.

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Page 10

AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL – PRIORITY LIST 1. All aquatic plant material that poses an eminent threat to the navigation and / or flood control features of Lake Okeechobee, the Okeechobee Waterway and / or tributaries. This includes floating plant species, submersed vegetation (both rooted and free floating), emergent plants and tussock materials. 2. Floating vegetation (water hyacinth and water lettuce) includi ng that in manmade canals that are connected to Lake Okeechobee, the Okeechobee Waterway and / or tributary streams. 3. New isolated hydrilla infestations in previously un-infested areas of Lake Okeechobee, the Okeechobee Waterway and tributaries. 4. Public access points such as boat ramps and boat trails to benefit the general public. Trails should not exceed 30 feet in width. This includes treatment of hydrilla and minor plants to provide access to existing open areas. 5. Creation of open areas in hydrilla to ensure the integrity of flood control and navigation structures and to provide enhanced fish and wildlife habitats. 6. Large-scale hydrilla control efforts in Lake Okeechobee, the Okeechobee Waterway and / or tributary streams. 7. Other hydrilla and / or minor plant treatments.

Contact Information

DAVID LATTUCA BIOLOGIST

Tel 863-983-8101 [email protected]

Agency Information

United States Army Corps of Engineers 525 Ridgelawn Rd. Clewiston, FL 33440 Tel 863-983-8101 Fax 863-983-8102 http:/www.saj.usace.army.mil

Attachment #2. DRAFT Lake Okeechobee Rx Burn Units

Attachment #3. Scleria lacustris Presentation

Attachment #4. FWC Weed Alert