Audubon has a long-standing commitment to the health of Lake Okeechobee and its watershed. As recently as last week, our staff successfully presented at the Governing Board meeting of the South Florida Water Management District, advocating for the inclusion of our recommendations to the update of the Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan, which is revised every 3 years.

Audubon's Dr. Paul Gray is featured in a News-Press article on pollution in the Caloosahatchee River - a result from decades of phosphorus fertilizer run-off in Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades' liquid heart:

The muck is from more than a century of nutrients washing into the lake from development and farm fields. Pollutants taint the spoiled egg-scented ooze, including arsenic and an estimated 51,000 tons of phosphorus.

Paul Gray, Audubon's Lake Okeechobee science coordinator, leans down and scoops up a dripping handful of the stuff. As thick drops spatter his feet, he wrinkles his nose.

"Coming soon," Gray says, "to a river near you."

Check out this great video posted by the News-Press:

As this critical issue evolves, you are encouraged to check back to this blog or our Facebook Page to see how you can join Audubon and our supporters as we continue to fight for the health of our great lake!