Lake Okeechobee plan signed Monday
The new Lake Okeechobee management plan, entitled LOSOM, was signed into effect Monday, Aug. 12.
The Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual marks a significant change in how the Army Corps of Engineers will move water in and out of the lake for the next decade. LOSOM is the first plan to consider public health by weighing the risks of toxic algae when managing water from Lake O.
This change comes after more than five years of advocacy by Friends of the Everglades, VoteWater and allies.
While LOSOM is expected to reduce harmful discharges to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries, it does not eliminate them entirely, especially when the lake levels exceed 16.5-17 feet.
Friends of the Everglades will continue to seek sustainable solutions for the Everglades and surrounding estuaries.
Learn more about what LOSOM means at everglades.org.
