FWC restores aquatic habitat on Lake Trafford
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission sent this bulletin at 06/12/2019 04:35 PM EDT(Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.)
June 12, 2019
Photos available on the FWC’s Flickr site: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmEdf3JG
Suggested Tweet: Hundreds of aquatic plants transplanted by @MyFWC on Lake Trafford to help restore habitat and improve #fishing opportunities. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/24ae6df #Florida #Collier
FWC restores aquatic habitat on Lake Trafford
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently completed an aquatic habitat restoration project on Lake Trafford in Collier County. Biologists transplanted hundreds of native aquatic plants in an effort to help restore this popular shallow-water bass and crappie fishing lake.
The project’s goal is to enhance the biodiversity of the native plant community in the lake's shallow-water marshes as part of ongoing restoration and habitat enhancement activities aimed at restoring the lake.
FWC biologists planted a native submerged plant, known as eel-grass, along the lake's northern shoreline. The eel-grass will be protected by well-marked metal cages that will prevent it from being eaten during its first year of growth. Once it is established, the eel-grass will provide a food source and protective habitat for a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl, wading birds, turtles, larger species of fish and apple snails.
These plants also will enhance the chances that anglers will be able to catch largemouth bass, crappie and panfish on Lake Trafford.
Lake Trafford is listed as one of the FWC’s “Top Spots” to fish for crappie. 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.