Dear Friends of Lake Apopka,
As members of an organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of Lake Apopka, we have a responsibility to advocate for the health and well-being of our beloved lake. That's why we're writing to you today to encourage you to attend an important meeting with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8 in Tanner Hall (29 W Garden Ave, Winter Garden, FL 34787).
At this meeting, we'll have the opportunity to voice our concerns about the management of hydrilla in Lake Apopka. As you know, hydrilla is a highly invasive aquatic plant that can have serious negative impacts on the lake's ecosystem, including decreased water quality, hindering flood management, reduced oxygen levels, and harm to fish and wildlife populations. Currently, St. Johns River Water Management District intends to replace the hydrilla with native vegetation.
We believe that it's essential for FWC to adequately budget the treatment of at least 8,000 acres of the more than 10,000 acres of hydrilla in Lake Apopka in 2023. This will require a significant investment, but we believe it's worth it to protect the long-term health of our lake. By attending this meeting and sharing our concerns with the FWC, we can make a difference and help ensure that Lake Apopka remains a vibrant, healthy ecosystem for generations to come. We hope you'll join us in this important effort.