FWC, UF invite public to third meeting on Lake Istokpoga Habitat Management Plan 

April 12, 2019

Photos available on FWC’s Flickr site: https://flic.kr/s/aHskatKhrU

Suggested Tweet: Third public meeting on Lake Istokpoga Management Plan set for 4/18 in Sebring. @MyFWC and @UF https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/23e009d #LakeIstokpoga #HighlandsCounty #Florida 

 

FWC, UF invite public to third meeting on Lake Istokpoga Habitat Management Plan 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), University of Florida/IFAS and Lake Istokpoga Stakeholder Advisory Committee invite the public to the third public meeting on the Lake Istokpoga Habitat Management Plan.

The meeting will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on April 18, at the Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center Auditorium, 4509 George Blvd., Sebring, FL, 33875.

The public is encouraged to attend this meeting to receive updates on the plan, ask questions, provide input and learn how to get involved in helping determine the future management of this 27,692-acre lake northeast of Lake Placid in Highlands County. Lake Istokpoga offers fishing opportunities, boating, waterfowl hunting, wildlife viewing and other recreational opportunities.

UF staff and Advisory Committee members will provide an update on the progress of the management plan and the stakeholder engagement process. They will also gather feedback on habitat management objectives drafted by the Advisory Committee and provide input to the development of specific habitat targets and the planning of management operations.

This is the continuation of a two-year process of implementing a comprehensive public engagement strategy to help shape the habitat management plan for Lake Istokpoga. The intent of the engagement process is to include individuals and groups with an interest in the lake or who have concerns about the lake’s future. This is the third of several public meetings providing information about the plan and gathering public input during this two-year development process.

The Lake Istokpoga Stakeholder Advisory Committee consists of a small group of local individuals from a variety of Lake Istokpoga user groups who were chosen to represent various stakeholder groups and help develop aquatic habitat management recommendations for Lake Istokpoga.

For more information on how the Lake Istokpoga Aquatic Habitat Management Plan is being developed, contact Dr. Chelsey Crandall at the University of Florida, kicksea@ufl.edu or 813-690-2334.

For general waterbody information, fishing forecasts, virtual tours, plant control operation schedules and annual workplans, boat ramp information, and more, visit the “What’s Happening on My Lake” website at MyFWC.com/Lake.