Teen anglers help plant vegetation in Lake O

OKEECHOBEE — Big O Teen Anglers and their families teamed up with Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) biologists on June 20 to plant aquatic vegetation at the Clif Betts Jr. Lakeside Recreation Area (aka Lock 7).

Lake Okeechobee Resource Biologist Matt Stevens said the group planted Duck Potato, Spike Rush, Pickerel weed, Bull rush and Lotus plants.

The day started with a short educational briefing about the plants and how fish and wildlife use them. Stevens said the youngsters were very attentive to his presentation and asked good questions. “It’s exciting to see how interested they are,” he explained.

“They were paying way more attention than a lot of adults who’ve heard the same talk,” added FWC Habitat Restoration Biologist Alyssa Jordan.

Stevens and Jordan brought about 300 plants which they harvested from Lake Istokpoga, where the vegetation had clogged the boat ramps.

Stevens said they chose the area near the pier because the area had little aquatic vegetation. He said the transplants are a temporary help while new vegetation grows in. Jordan said there is already some eel grass starting to grow under the pier.

To Read the Full Article, Click Here!