Sebring Summit Results, 24 September 2005

FRESHWATER FISHERIES SUMMIT RESULTS
SEBRING, FLORIDA
September 24, 2005

1. Lake Istokpoga nuisance vegetation control.

• Responsibilities

– Water Management District—water levels, local aquatic vegetation contracts.

– Department of Environmental Protection—statewide vegetation control polices; nuisance vegetation; water quality. Law states nuisance plants must be controlled at lowest possible levels, if money available.

– County—local contract applications. Lake Istokpoga Advisory Committee (Dec. 8, Sebring).

– Public—express concerns and preferences to involved parties.

– FWC—we are a commenting agency relative to impacts on fish and wildlife, local issue team of biologists coordinate input.

• The Problem

– Exotic Hydrilla: Previous chemical control no longer effective, due to the plant adapting.

– Research need for new control techniques.

– Tussock development and movement, sedimentation.

– Homeowners harvesting plants clearing shore.

– User conflicts (e.g., PWC).

– Concerns about product warning labels (EPA) when and where applied (fish consumption/swimming).

• The Solution

– Generate research mandate.

– Consider mechanical harvest.

– Collaborative, well-directed, informed public input (e.g., LEAD Lake Environmental Action Drive, Defenders of Crooked Lake).

– Education and information dissemination.

– Lake Istokpoga Management Committee (County Advisory) would benefit from community input (e.g., SOS, Camp Owners, Guides).

– Drawdowns—but better follow-up needed and transplanting.

– Create a mechanism for involved citizens to get together (e.g., send participants an invite to e-mail a central group [SOS] about further follow-up).

– Get involved with Regional Planning Counsels for growth management issues.

2. Mechanism to move public comments up the chain from creel clerks and local comments to the administration.

• Problem

– It was discussed that concerns are often mentioned to creel clerks, officers or biologists on the water.

• Solution

– Develop a mechanism to pass common or especially important observations and concerns up to a level where they can be acted on appropriately.

3. Hurricane issue (e.g., Istokpoga)

• Problem

– Hurricanes last year undermined a perimeter road. Reports indicated that it a worse hurricane could drain the lake.

• Solution

– County is responsible for roads. The lake normally fluctuated much more than under current regulation. Fluctuation is better for the lake and at this point we don’t anticipate a major problem. But other agencies have the lead.

4. Regulatory issues (e.g., Istokpoga slot).

• Problem

– Slot and bag considered differently by individual anglers, guides, tournaments etc.

– Crappie concerns.

– Loss of shiners (cast netting for bait), habitat loss and trophic shift to bullhead and bluegill.

• Solutions

– Citizens advisory group representing all interests.

– Use FWC rules review process to submit recommendations and have diverse support willing to attend Commission meetings.

PHOTOS OF THE SUMMITS ARE AVAILABLE ON-LINE

Take Me Fishing.org is a great general information site for recreational anglers and boaters.

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