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Who We Are
Lake Okeechobee Science
Lake Okeechobee is the historical gatekeeper
between the watershed from the north and the Everglades to
its south. Before American settlers altered South Florida’s
drainage in the early 20th century, rain that fell between
Orlando and the lake would drain slowly through the Kissimmee
Basin to Okeechobee, where it would be held. At times of high
water, the lake would overflow its southern boundary, replenishing
the Everglades with freshwater. At times of low water, the
flow would stop, allowing the ‘glades to dry seasonally.
The system no longer functions in this
way. Water is artificially shunted in different directions
at unnatural times of year, and the quality of that water
is far poorer. In recent years, Lake Okeechobee has suffered
from hurricane-deepened water levels and intense water quality
problems, and has been forced to discharge harmful pulses
of freshwater to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries.
The symptoms are clear-- water management in South Florida
isn't working for the lake-- but the causes of and solutions
to these problems are complex at best.
The fate of the Everglades
is tied to that of Lake Okeechobee.
Here’s how Audubon is working to
restore this “liquid heart of the Everglades”:
Land Preservation
Audubon’s Okeechobee
Sanctuaries protect some of the most critical components
of this wild landscape, including portions of the lake-proper,
as well as the Ordway-Whittell Preserve, containing some of
the state’s last remaining examples of native dry prairie.
Applied Science
Our science staff is actively engaged in the ever-changing
landscape of Lake Okeechobee restoration science. This on-the-ground
experience allows us to make science-based recommendations
such as Audubon’s
Plan for Lake Okeechobee Recovery.
Influencing Policy
Restoration of this system includes many competing interests
and complex science. Audubon takes an active role in the planning
and implementation of Lake restoration, and seeks to communicate
crucial, timely information to the public and decision makers
in products like the Lake
Okeechobee State of the Lake Report.
Paul N. Gray, Ph.D., Science Coordinator
Lake Okeechobee Watershed Program
Audubon of Florida
PO Box 707
Lorida, FL 33857
863-655-1831 phone and FAX
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