Targeted systems include Lake Talquin, the Orange Lake complex, Lake Griffin, the Lake Kissimmee complex, and Lake Istokpoga.

This agenda utilizes the "TEAM" (Team Effort Accomplishing Management) approach and has enlisted support from state agencies, local and state lawmakers, the media, university representatives and, most importantly, private citizens.

Launched in 1997 by the Commission's Division of Fisheries, TEAM has already received active and enthusiastic support from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Florida Forestry Service, state universities, water management districts (WMDs), numerous elected officials on both state and local levels, plus affected citizen and sportsmen groups which have a vested interest in improving our natural resources.

Today, the ability to manage and enhance Florida's freshwater lakes is far more complex than in years past because of a massive population explosion, which has taken place during the past two decades throughout the state. Fortunately, due to successful environmental education and outreach programs, public interest and involvement devoted to renewing our natural resources has been heightened.

Major goals for this TEAM approach include:

1. Improve public fishing opportunities through extensive management while, at the same time, protecting our natural resources;
2. Educate residents, anglers and tourists of Florida's ecosystem functions;
3. Encourage tourist utilization of our lakes and rivers through national, regional, state and local media outlets;
4. Establish a framework for community involvement and participation in the management of their local lakes;
5. Involve the media and local/state lawmakers in the TEAM process;
6. Use TEAM to assist water management districts in identifying watershed problems and involve interested groups in solving problems.

Depending upon the lake system and problems involved, enhancement might include a wide range of initiatives including a lake drawdown, weed control, removal of organic material and phasing out pollution sources.

Special fishing events might include non-competitive outings for kids, seniors and handicapped persons; clinics to teach women and novice anglers basic fishing techniques; and open, draw or team fishing tournaments for amateurs and pros.

LAKEWATCH programs will recruit and train volunteers in basic plant and fisheries monitoring methods in order to alert GFC, DEP and WMDs to potential problems. These volunteers also can help determine the age and size of various fish species to determine if harvest restrictions are warranted, and appraise angler attitudes concerning proposed regulation options.

At all lakes, biologists will investigate the possibility of providing public bank fishing opportunities. They will also consult with local government officials in building or improving fishing piers and boat launching facilities, plus maintaining fish feeders.

An inexpensive quarterly newsletter will be published keeping citizens abreast of TEAM activities. Other initiatives will include marketing plans for fish camp owners at each lake, and the preparation of a fishing guide/map showing anglers where productive areas exist.

Initial work is now underway at some targeted lakes, while restoration efforts on others are set to begin soon.

Ensuing installments in this six-part series will focus upon individual lakes or systems, and a specific plan to restore each body of water to peak efficacy.