Our mission is to preserve this ecosystem for generations to come
Get to Know Us
AFLO focuses on creating solutions to stop large influxes of water and nutrients from entering the lake and it aims to protect the lake's vegetation, which serves as the filter and lifeblood for this God-given lake. We want to see Lake Okeechobee cared for, the estuary crisis fixed, spraying of poison chemicals stopped and our fishery protected for generations to come.
To address these issues, it going to take support and engagement from all of us, scientific expertise and long-term efforts in Tallahassee and Washington to prioritize the necessary actions.
Let’s unite our voices and work hand in hand to preserve the beauty and abundance of Lake Okeechobee. Together, we can make a difference!
What We Believe
We support science-based solutions that will bring additional storage and treatment to the SOURCE of Lake Okeechobee, located to the north. The University of Florida Water Institute conducted a study that includes proposals for additional storage north of the lake, such as aquifer storage recovery wells, deep storage reservoirs, shallow storage impoundments, and dispersed water management. Additionally, an analysis by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) estimates that the completion of storage and treatment projects north of Lake Okeechobee, when combined with other planned initiatives, would help achieve an "80% reduction in discharge events from Lake Okeechobee." These projects will also aid in protecting the filter marshes and grasses that play a vital role in cleaning the lake's water on a daily basis. We believe that Lake Okeechobee needs 100,000 acres of submerged vegetation (SAV), while current estimates indicate that only 2,000 acres exist.
The Facts
With data showing that 95% of the water flowing into Lake O comes from the north, we believe that the answer to our water quality issues lies at the lake’s source. We also believe in the importance of transitioning away from using chemical sprays to control water hyacinth and non-native grasses in the water. Instead, we advocate for the use of mechanical harvesters, as they can safeguard our native grasses and the underwater soil necessary for the growth of submerged aquatic vegetation. By slowing down the flow of water entering the lake during periods of heavy rainfall and seeking alternatives to spraying, we are confident that we can effectively preserve the habitat of Lake Okeechobee, maintain its filtering capabilities, and prevent discharges from adversely affecting Ft. Myers, Stuart, and other nearby coastal communities.