Many years ago Lake Apopka was known as the Bass Capital of the World. The clear water lake was characterized by a pristine shoreline that harbored nearly 30 fish camps, frequented by bass seeking anglers. Unfortunately, a century of abuse destroyed the pristine setting and bass producing ability of the lake.
The deterioration began with the construction of a canal that connected Lake Apopka with Lake Beauclair. The result was a lowering of the water level in Lake Apopka by a third. Later a loss of 20,000 acres of wetlands to farming began a process that caused a severe algae bloom because of the phosphorus from the fertilizers and runoff from the farms.
The turn-around began with the Lake Apopka Restoration Act of 1985. The result was the purchase of 19,000 acres of agricultural land along the north shore. Following this purchase the St. John’s River Water Management District created a marsh-flow system to remove suspended solids from the lake, a process that would once again make the water suitable for game fish.
Governmental entities are now taking steps to ensure that new development around the lake does not act to renew the problems of the past.
Larry Carter, United Water Fowlers of Florida Regional Director, commented on the restoration. “The future of Lake Apopka looks good. There are even talks that 4,000 acres of marsh in the Restoration Area could be allocated for public hunting grounds.”
Carter also noted that some of Lake Apopka's past glory as Bass Capital of the World will be restored by the stocking of Sunshine Bass in the recovered lake.
This conservation success story will be highlighted at the upcoming Old Florida Outdoor Festival in February. The festival takes place February 10 through12, 2012. Lake Apopka’s Restoration Area will be celebrated as an epicenter for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and viewing wildlife during the three days of the festival.
For more information on the Old Florida Outdoor Festival click here.
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