PLANT CITY, Fla. – Boaters who frequent Edward Medard Conservation Park will need to find alternative launch points starting Monday, June 9th. Hillsborough County announced today that the park’s boat ramp will close indefinitely as the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) conducts a partial drawdown of the Medard Reservoir.
The SWFWMD is scheduled to begin lowering the reservoir’s water level by approximately three to four feet on Saturday, June 7th. This action is necessary to test the performance of a drainage system installed in 2022. The resulting decrease in water levels will render the boat ramp unusable for larger vessels.
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However, park officials anticipate that access for smaller watercraft, such as canoes and kayaks, should not be impacted by the drawdown.
Currently, the SWFWMD has not provided a specific timeline for when the 700-acre reservoir will be allowed to return to its normal operating level.
Edward Medard Conservation Park, located at 6140 Turkey Creek Rd., Plant City, FL 33567, is operated by Hillsborough County. The property itself, including the reservoir, is owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
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