Lake Josephine disposal islands to be removed
News Release
Monday, April 19, 2010
Media contact: Beacham Furse or Steve Gornak, 863-462-5190
Efforts to remove two disposal islands in Lake
Josephine, created during a 2006 fish and wildlife
habitat-enhancement project, should begin later this week. The
undertaking is part of an ongoing habitat-improvement program
conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(FWC) on the 1,236-acre Highlands County lake.
"Removal of the islands will restore valuable
wetland habitat, providing foraging for wading birds and waterfowl,
and spawning and nursery areas for many species of freshwater
fish," said Beacham Furse, project administrator for the FWC.
The islands are just north of Oak Beach Boulevard
in the lake's western basin. A contractor will transport the
disposal material that makes up the islands to an upland site on
the northern side of the lake on Skipper Road. The
contractor, Glades Environment Inc. of Lake Placid, has 60 days to
complete the project.
Boaters are urged to use caution and reduce their
wake near heavy equipment and floating barges that will be removing
the disposal material.
Steve Gornak, the FWC's aquatic habitat project
manager for Lake Josephine, will be monitoring the contractor's
progress. Questions about the project should be directed to
Steve Gornak or Beacham Furse at 863-462-5190.
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