Lake Okeechobee And Waterway

Description:

• As lake, waterway and surrounding countryside, Okeechobee shows many faces of Florida. A canopy of moss-draped live oaks hides clusters of sabal palms. A tangle of water plants marks the boundary where wetland meets lakeshore. A lone alligator suns on a riverbank in a deceptively calm moment. Wild birds take flight in a sudden explosion of motion. Between the muted pastels of dawn and brilliant display of sunset, Okeechobee is for all who love the outdoors.
  
  Birds, fish and wildlife bring thousands of visitors to Okeechobee each year, but the abundance of wildlife would not exist without the wetlands that border the lake's southern and western shore. This 3 to 8 miles wide strip of land, called the littoral zone, is the foundation of Okeechobee's ecosystem.
  
  The area is an essential habitat for waterfowl, both resident and migratory. It is a food source and nesting ground for wading birds such as ibis, herons, and woodstorks. Okeechobee is also home to diving birds including cormorants and anhingas. Along the lakeshore or waterway, eagles and caracaras may be seen nesting in the high trees. Four groups of reptiles are represented in the area. The alligator is probably the most well known and recognized but many kinds of turtles, lizards and snakes abound, along with the amphibian frogs and toads. Manatees, though mammals, are included in the world of water creatures.
  
  The Okeechobee Waterway is not only a 152 mile convenient commercial waterway link between Florida's coasts, but also an ideal cruising ground for recreational boats offering protected water, peaceful anchorages, and pleasant shore stops. The Corps manages five locks along the route and lockage is a simple procedure, ordinarily taking 15 to 20 minutes. Since many people enjoy watching the boats lock through, park rangers offer guided tours of the facilities. The waterway is divided into three distinct sections: the St. Lucie Canal, Lake Okeechobee, and the Caloosahatchee River.
  
  Lake Okeechobee has a fine reputation for excellent fishing. More than 40 species are found in the lake. The most sought-after are the largemouth bass, blue gill, black crappie, and the famous Okeechobee catfish. Several saltwater species including tarpon and snook travel the waterway to W.P. Franklin and St. Lucie locks.
  
  Two Seminole Indian reservations are located close to project boundaries and throughout the year, many community festivals reflect the diverse cultural heritage of the region.

  Lake Okeechobee is located in the heart of Florida's central region between Interstate 95 and 75.