Florida’s Investment in a Healthier Lake Kissimmee Yields Early Success
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has embarked on its largest revegetation project in agency history, committing an unprecedented $2.35 million over two years to restore vital native plant communities in Lake Kissimmee.
This effort is a key component of a broader, multidisciplinary approach led by the FWC to revitalize the entire Kissimmee Chain of Lakes system, made possible with support from Florida’s Legislators and Governor Ron DeSantis.
Lake Kissimmee, a natural gem renowned for its exceptional fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing opportunities, is also a critical habitat for the endangered Everglade snail kite. In recent years, this premier ecosystem has faced significant challenges, with its essential aquatic grasses severely declining due to grazing by exotic apple snails, the impact of hurricanes, and artificially stabilized water levels.
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This extensive aquatic habitat restoration project is strategically designed to re-establish healthy aquatic environments, which will, in turn, enhance water quality and significantly improve habitat for a diverse array of fish and wildlife, including waterfowl and the iconic Florida bass.
The restoration efforts have already seen substantial progress. Between 2017 and 2024, a remarkable 686,635 native aquatic plants were meticulously planted across various shorelines of Lake Kissimmee.
This included 233,191 maidencane plants, 211,444 Egyptian paspalidium plants (both commonly known as Kissimmee grass), and 242,000 bulrush plants. Planting locations were carefully selected based on water depth and the firmness of the lake bottom to maximize benefits for fish and wildlife, and to create additional foraging and nesting areas for the Everglade snail kite.
Building on this success, spring 2025 witnessed the planting of another 534,545 grasses and bulrush along the western, southern, and eastern shorelines, as well as around Brahma Island in the center of the lake. In a further boost to the ecosystem, 1,100 wetland trees were also planted around the lake, providing crucial perching and nesting habitat for wading birds and, notably, the Everglade snail kite, which has already been observed utilizing the newly planted trees.
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Melissa Tucker, Director of the FWC’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s impact.
“Native aquatic grasses are vital for the success of freshwater ecosystems,” said Tucker. “We’re pleased with the success of the previous plantings and look forward to continuing to improve the habitat on Lake Kissimmee to support fish and wildlife, both in and along the water. It’s encouraging to see these efforts already rewarded with the presence of endangered Everglade snail kites.”
Tom Graef, Director of the FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, highlighted the project’s importance for anglers.
“Lake Kissimmee is one of Florida’s crown jewels when it comes to sport fishing,” Graef stated. “These restoration efforts will strengthen its reputation as a world-class fishery by improving critical habitat for Florida bass and other native species. Healthy habitat is the foundation for great fishing, and this project represents a major investment in the future of this lake, its anglers, and the fish and wildlife that depend on it.”
This comprehensive restoration initiative is firmly aligned with the FWC’s Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Fish, Wildlife and Habitat Management Plan, a strategy developed with extensive input from a wide range of stakeholders, underscoring a collaborative vision for the future of Florida’s precious aquatic resources.
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